A reporting session on the scientific research and organizational activities carried out in 2025 by the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) was held at the main ANAS building.

Participants first viewed an exhibition featuring major artifacts discovered during archaeological research conducted throughout Azerbaijan — including Garabagh and East Zangezur — as well as newly published monographs, books, and journals.

The event opened with a minute of silence in memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, founder of modern independent Azerbaijan.

Opening the session, ANAS President Academician Isa Habibbeyli emphasized that in recent years the Institute has conducted large-scale archaeological investigations across the country, including in liberated territories, uncovering numerous previously unknown monuments of material culture. He noted that this was the Institute’s first report presented in such a format and highlighted the importance of the accompanying exhibition in reflecting the history, traditions, and cultural identity of the Azerbaijani people. Particular interest, he said, was generated by Neolithic and Caucasian Albanian artifacts, finds from Mount Avey, and materials from the ancient human camps of Azykh and Taglar caves in Karabakh.

Academician Habibbeyli also drew attention to newly established and modernized research structures within the Institute, including departments focused on Islamic-period archaeology, ethnoarchaeology, forensic archaeology, Caspian archaeology, and the Garabagh archaeological expedition. He stressed that modern tools such as drones and GPS devices have been introduced to improve research efficiency. He further emphasized the need to expand excavation activities in northern and southern Azerbaijan and intensify research on Caucasian Albania, as well as to increase publications in high-impact international journals.

He highlighted the Institute’s launch of its first international peer-reviewed journal this year and noted that its inaugural issue focuses largely on research conducted in liberated territories, with contributions from Azerbaijani, Japanese, Italian, and German scholars. He also announced that a paleoanthropological find from Taglar Cave — the first such discovery since the Azykh human remains found in 1968 — is currently being analyzed in Japan. The approximately 80,000-year-old Neanderthal artifact will be presented internationally once dating is completed.

Academician Habibbeyli concluded by highly praising the Institute’s performance, noting that its research serves both scientific advancement and national interests.

The Institute’s Scientific Secretary, PhD in History Ellada Bakirova, then presented the annual report. She outlined work completed in accordance with presidential decrees, government resolutions, and state programs, and described research conducted under the main scientific direction “Archaeological and Anthropological Studies in Azerbaijan,” encompassing 15 themes and 56 research projects.

According to Bakirova, nearly 40 expeditions were organized in 2025, including major work in liberated districts such as Zangilan, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Khojaly, Khojavend, and Kalbajar, as well as in numerous other regions of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan. Several excavations were conducted as joint international expeditions under formal cooperation agreements. Research supported by the State Tourism Agency and archaeological reserves was also highlighted.

She summarized key research areas including Paleolithic studies, Neolithic and Chalcolithic monuments, Nakhchivan archaeology, the Kura-Araxes culture, Bronze and Iron Age sites, Caucasian Albanian and Atropatenian material culture, medieval cities, Caspian archaeology, social-cultural anthropology, and forensic archaeology.

Bakirova also reported on applied research results, international cooperation, conferences, publishing activity, digital science initiatives, and science outreach. The Institute continued work on two major grants and won four new grants in 2025, including one international project. She noted ongoing doctoral training programs and highlighted awards received by staff members, including a Presidential Youth Award and state honors.

Following discussion, Institute Director Farhad Guliyev addressed questions and proposals. Final remarks by senior scholars and ANAS representatives praised the Institute’s annual achievements.

Source: science.gov.az