For the past two years, the Khojaly Archaeological Expedition, organized by the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), has been conducting research at the Khojaly Historical and Archaeological Complex. The study of archaeological monuments in the liberated Khojaly district remains highly relevant and serves to counter unfounded claims by hostile parties. The graves discovered within the Muslim necropolis, which covers more than two hectares, demonstrate the dense settlement of Turkic-speaking populations in the region since ancient times and provide clear evidence of Islamic burial traditions.

These remarks were made in an interview with AZERTAC by Shamil Najafov, PhD in History and Associate Professor, Head of the Khojaly Archaeological Expedition. He noted that the Khojaly necropolis encompasses multiple historical periods:

“These include Bronze Age kurgans, Muslim graves and mausoleums dating to the 13th–18th centuries, as well as a modern Muslim cemetery. The necropolis has been divided into 140 grid squares. In 2024, 800 square meters were excavated, and in 2025, an additional 400 square meters were investigated. So far, six kurgans have been identified, and the upper covering of two has been uncovered. However, the excavation of the burial chambers beneath the kurgans has been reserved for the next stage. These kurgans, belonging to the third group, measure 10–14 meters in diameter and are characterized by cromlech structures covered with a mixture of stone and soil.

To date, 212 Muslim graves have been identified within the Khojaly necropolis. The burials are densely arranged, often at depths of 35–40 cm, and in some cases as shallow as 60–70 cm. Based on preliminary estimates, more than 2,000 medieval Muslim graves—without visible surface markers and covered entirely by soil—are expected to be discovered.”

According to Najafov, the Islamic-period burials in the necropolis are divided into four groups:

1. chest-shaped (sanduqah) tombs,
2. stone box-type graves,
3. graves lined with river stones, and
4. graves completely covered with river stones.

By typology and form, the first and second groups date to the 16th–18th centuries, while the third and fourth groups belong to the 13th–15th centuries. The density of burials serves as direct evidence of continuous settlement by the local population during the medieval period. Closely positioned graves likely belonged to relatives or members of the same family. The relatively small number of child burials suggests a comparatively low child mortality rate during that period.

The researcher also emphasized that many gravestones bear rich decorative motifs—such as standard-bearers, the Sun, Moon, stars, swastika-like symbols, floral motifs, mounted archers—and epigraphic inscriptions.

“Four mausoleum sites have been identified within the complex. One of them has been fully uncovered, revealing five graves inside. There is little doubt that the burials within Mausoleum No. 1 belonged to closely related individuals. Glazed and unglazed ceramic vessels dating to the 15th–16th centuries were found near the graves, providing clues to their chronological framework. However, a female burial bearing the inscription ‘Haji Khatun’ inside the mausoleum is believed to date to the 18th century.

The Khojaly Muslim mausoleum (1356–1357) was constructed on a decagonal foundation and features a double-layered dome. It was built during the early period following the Ilkhanids’ conversion to Islam, though its inscription has not survived—either lost or destroyed by hostile forces. Medieval sources are currently being examined to gather further information about this mausoleum. Preliminary findings suggest a connection with Sufi traditions. References to Sufi mausoleums in Karabakh in Ibn Bazzaz Ardabili’s 14th-century work *Safvat al-Safa* are also under study.”

The research conducted at the complex confirms the dense settlement of a Muslim-Turkic population in Khojaly between the 13th and 18th centuries. The Seljuk-Turkic symbols carved on the gravestones further substantiate this conclusion.

To reach a definitive conclusion regarding whether the Khojaly mausoleum belonged to representatives of the Karabakh Sufi school in the 13th–14th centuries, extensive source-based research remains necessary. Parallel to excavations, plans are underway to promote the site and eventually grant it the status of an archaeological park. Its favorable location and proximity to the district center could transform the future archaeological park into a significant source of archaeotourism. Converting the area into a historical complex, similar to the Imarat Complex in Aghdam, would be both appropriate and strategically beneficial.

Source: azertag.az