On January 30, 2026, a presentation ceremony on the 2025 results of the Beşbarmaq Archaeological Expedition of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS was held at the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The event was opened by Elshan Mustafayev, Head of the Department for Cultural Heritage Protection and Development of the State Tourism Agency.

In his remarks, Elshan Mustafayev stated that one of the most significant achievements of the expedition was the discovery of a caravanserai. He emphasized the scientific importance of this find and its перспективes for future research. It was also noted that excavations will continue in 2026, with special attention given to the conservation of the caravanserai.

The floor was then given to Associate Professor Safar Ashurov, PhD in History, head of the Early Bronze Age Archaeology Department of the Institute and leader of the Beşbarmaq Archaeological Expedition. He shared the results of the 2025 excavations with the audience. Excavations on the second terrace of the Beşbarmaq fortress confirmed the presence there of a cultural layer belonging to the Early Bronze Age Kura–Araxes culture. Research also indicates that in the medieval period this same area was among the first zones to be settled.

Ashurov described the identification of the caravanserai mentioned by medieval travelers, after a long search, as a major success. Preliminary excavations established the structure of the caravanserai and yielded numerous material culture remains. The building’s layout corresponds to the description given by the 17th-century traveler Adam Olearius. Numismatic finds, hookah mouthpieces, and a touchstone further confirm that the structure was indeed a caravanserai.

A video presentation documenting the 2025 excavations and an exhibition of the recovered artifacts were then shown, followed by a Q&A session with participants.

At the end of the event, Murad Aghabayli, Chairman of the Board of the Reserve Management Center of the State Tourism Agency, spoke about the benefits of cooperation with the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, future plans, and especially upcoming steps in the development of historical tourism. The event concluded with a commemorative group photograph.

It should be noted that the Beşbarmaq Mountain State Historical-Cultural and Natural Reserve was established by presidential decree on June 8, 2020, and placed under the authority of the State Tourism Agency.