The Gobustan Rock Art Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in Azerbaijan, approximately 70 km southwest of Baku. It is an archaeological site of great significance, boasting a collection of over 6,000 petroglyphs (rock carvings) that offer unique insights into human life from the Upper Paleolithic to the Middle Ages.
Here are the key features of the site and its museum:
Ancient Rock Art: The petroglyphs, some of which are up to 20,000 years old, depict a wide range of subjects, including hunting scenes, animals (such as bulls and goats), human figures, ritual dances, boats, and celestial symbols. They provide valuable information about the flora, fauna, social structures, and cultural beliefs of early human societies in the region.
The Reserve: The petroglyphs are part of the larger Gobustan National Park, which also encompasses the remains of inhabited caves, settlements, and burial sites. The reserve extends across three rocky highlands: Boyukdash, Kichikdash, and Jinghirdag.
The Museum: A modern on-site museum provides context and information about the petroglyphs and the history of the area. It features exhibits on the history of the petroglyphs, the ancient peoples who lived there, and the local flora and fauna. The museum houses more than 100,000 objects found by archaeologists during excavations.
Other Highlights: Besides the petroglyphs, visitors can also see other interesting sights, such as a Roman inscription from the 1st century AD and a "gaval dash," a musical stone that makes a tambourine-like sound when struck.
Translated by Google •
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