A new scientific project entitled “Iron Age Kurgans of Karabakh: Archaeological Investigation of the Yedditapa Site in the Fuzuli District and Surrounding Areas” (No. AEF-MQM-QA-3-2025-3(56)-7274) has been launched. The project is led by Dr. Zaur Hasanov, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, and Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS). It was selected as a winner of the “Karabakh is Azerbaijan! – 3” grant competition organized by the Azerbaijan Science Foundation.

The first phase of the project covers the period from November 1 to January 31, and its implementation has already begun.

The primary objective of the project is to study Iron Age kurgans in the Karabakh region and the settlements located in their vicinity using modern Geographic Information Systems (GIS) methodologies. The project aims to prepare digital maps and, through spatial analysis, determine the landscape characteristics of these monuments. This approach will allow researchers to identify patterns in the selection of habitation and burial sites across different historical periods and to reveal correlations between archaeological monuments, water sources, and geomorphological features. Moreover, the results will provide a scientific basis for predicting the potential locations of new archaeological sites in the future.

During the first quarter of the project, the project leader Dr. Zaur Hasanov and team members Dr. Tavakkul Aliyev (PhD in History), Dr. Mikayil Mustafayev (PhD in History), Narmin Mammadli, and Narmin Bayramova carried out several significant activities.

One of the key tasks of the first phase was to work with archival materials and assess the current level of research on the topic. For this purpose, excavation reports related to Iron Age archaeological investigations in the Karabakh region were collected from the Institute’s scientific archive. Previous research was reviewed, and existing data were systematized and analyzed.

In parallel, to strengthen the application of digital methods in archaeological research in Karabakh, two training sessions and seminars were organized. Dr. Zaur Hasanov and Narmin Mammadli participated in the training program titled “New Measurement Capabilities with Gintec Technologies,” organized by Geototal LLC and the Chinese company Gintec, where modern measurement technologies were introduced.

Additionally, Narmin Mammadli attended the seminar “Introduction to Digital Archaeology,” further enhancing her knowledge and skills in the field of digital archaeology.