Gobustan: Uncovering the Ancient Rock Art of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is a country of fascinating culture and ancient history. Home to some of the oldest and most remarkable rock art, it’s no surprise that the Gobustan National Park in Azerbaijan has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the south-east of the country, the park is an open-air museum with an incredible collection of rock carvings, paintings, and archaeological remains.
Gobustan National Park: A History of Ancient Rock Art
Gobustan National Park is situated in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, around 40 kilometers south-west of Baku. It covers an area of 537 square kilometers and is home to around 6,000 different rock art engravings that date back as far as 40,000 years ago.
The first archaeological excavations of the site were performed in the 1930s and 1940s. Since then, a number of other archaeological projects have been conducted at the site, including a large-scale survey of the rock art engravings in the 1960s and 70s.
The rock art engravings found in Gobustan are believed to have been made by the ancient tribes of the region, such as the Kura-Araxes and the Caspian cultures. The engravings depict a variety of scenes, including animals such as bulls, goats, camels, and deer, as well as hunting scenes, scenes of daily life, and religious and ritual images.
Exploring Gobustan National Park
Today, Gobustan National Park is a popular tourist destination for those looking to explore the ancient history of Azerbaijan. The park is open to visitors all year round, and there are a number of different activities and attractions to enjoy.
One of the highlights of a visit to Gobustan is the opportunity to explore the ancient rock art engravings. The park is home to more than 6,000 engravings, which have been carefully preserved and are visible to visitors. In addition, there are a number of other attractions, including a museum dedicated to the rock art, an open-air theater, and a number of hiking trails.
The park also offers a range of educational activities, such as guided tours and lectures. There are also a number of cultural events held at the park throughout the year, including music concerts and traditional Azerbaijani performances.
Visiting Gobustan National Park
Gobustan National Park is located around 40 kilometers south-west of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The park can be easily reached by car, and there are a number of buses and taxis that run from Baku to the park.
The entrance fee for the park is 7 AZN (around $4 USD). The park is open from 8AM to 5PM (with last entry at 4PM) every day except Monday and Thursday.
Gobustan National Park is an incredible place to explore the ancient history of Azerbaijan. With its remarkable rock art engravings, fascinating museum, and stunning scenery, it’s easy to see why the park has become such a popular tourist destination. Whether you’re looking to explore the ancient culture of Azerbaijan or simply enjoy the beautiful landscape, Gobustan National Park is an unforgettable experience.