The first archaeological excavations have begun at a settlement dating to the Late Bronze–Early Iron Age discovered in southeastern Azerbaijan, in the territory of Keçələkəran village of Yardymly district. The site is located on the right bank of the Vilashchay River, 41 km along the Masalli–Yardymly highway, on the left side of the road, where remains were uncovered during the construction of a new village road. The expedition, led by Anar Agalarzade, PhD in History and Associate Professor, a Leading Researcher at the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS, aims to trace the stages of population settlement in the mountainous region during the Late Bronze–Early Iron Age. In this context, the Vilashchay settlement is of considerable importance.

Preliminary investigations at the monument have covered an area exceeding 150 sq m. The cultural layer of the settlement, measuring more than 5 m in thickness, indicates continuous, long-term, and intensive occupation of the area during the period in question. One of the key factors behind this sustained habitation is the location of the ancient settlement remains along the water-rich Vilashchay River. Originating from Mount Guludash (2,203 m) in the Talysh mountain range, the river stretches for 115 km. The region’s mild climate, favorable conditions for dry farming, and extensive pastures contributed to the rapid development of animal husbandry, agriculture, and craft production.

New excavations have revealed house foundations built from river stones, fragments of large storage jars of various shapes and sizes, finely crafted small or miniature household vessels, bone spindle whorls used in textile production, and other utilitarian objects. These finds demonstrate the development of pottery in the production economy and weaving in domestic life. Numerous osteological remains belonging to large and small livestock further indicate that animal husbandry was widespread and held a dominant role in the household economy.