Overview:

Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is located in the south west of Azerbaijan, on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea, and comprises a series of rocky outcrops (or mountains), labyrinthine piedmont plains, and archaeological sites. It is a unique reminder of a very ancient culture which was centred in this region and even in its present state can still be seen to possess a high degree of cultural, archaeological and ecological importance. Gobustan contains elements of ancient rock carvings, which represent stories, historical events, mythological figures, animals, and flowers. The area also includes various archaeological monuments, such as jar burials and fortresses, petroglyph images, and an abundance of open spaces. This is a World Heritage Site, listed by UNESCO in 2007, and it offers visitors a unique insight into the history of the region. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Azerbaijan
Prominent Features:

1. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. This site includes more than 6,000 rock engravings spread over several mountains and archaeological sites. 2. Rich Human and Natural History: Located south of the Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan, the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape provides an impressive account of human cultural development that dates back to 10,000 BC. It also reflects the rich natural history of the area, with its rich flora and fauna. 3. Ancient Sites and Petroglyphs: The site is home to several ancient and archaeological sites, including petroglyphs, mud volcanoes, bronze monuments, and a historical observatory. The rock art is particularly striking, featuring an array of animals and human figures. 4. Unique Musical Instruments: The landscape is also notable for unique musical instruments which have been traditionally used in Azerbaijan. These include the tar (a type of guitar) and the duduk (an oboe-like instrument). 5. Outdoor Pursuits: Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, bird-watching, and photography. The area is also popular with climbers and mountaineers who come to scale the area’s impressive mountains. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Azerbaijan.

History:

, the Gobustan culture is associated with the earliest human settlements. These earliest settlements date back to the Paleolithic Age and were located in the central region of Azerbaijan. Gobustan is a unique open-air archaeological museum located on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range and southeast of the Caspian Sea. It is one of the most important cultural and historical sites in Azerbaijan. The area is known for its collection of thousands of petroglyphs, megaliths, and other ancient archaeological artifacts, artifacts that offer a glimpse into the life of ancient inhabitants of Azerbaijan. Gobustan is believed to be one of the oldest regions of human habitation, with evidence of settlements dating as far back as 5,000 BC. During the Bronze Age, the area was home to numerous tribes, including the Scythians, the Urartu, the Hittites, and Assyrians. It is estimated that by the late 10th century BC, the Scythians had already begun to settle in the area. This suggests that the region was inhabited for at least three thousand years prior to this time. Later, Gobustan became part of the Caucasian Albanian kingdom, in which the local people developed urban cultures with strong economic and cultural systems. This period also saw the emergence of major political entities in the region, such as the Kingdom of Caucasian Albania and the Christian kingdom of Aghvan. With an arrival of the Muslim Arabs in the region in the 7th century AD, the area's history, religion, and culture changed significantly. This was followed by the spread of Islam and introduction of various Islamic values and ideas. Gobustan is still an important cultural area in Azerbaijan today, and many of its ancient monuments, petroglyphs, and megaliths are still preserved and are open to visitors. This offers visitors an opportunity to explore an area that holds much significance to Azerbaijan's history and culture. Many of its artifacts are also featured in museum displays from around the world. Visit one of the famous monuments of Azerbaijan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is located in Azerbaijan, on the south-east side of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. 2. The site contains more than 6,000 rock engravings or petroglyphs, which date back to 10,000–40,000 years ago. 3. The site also includes numerous mud volcanoes and stone structures such as Stonehenge-like structures, an ancient fortress, and castles. 4. The petroglyphs depict primitive hunting scenes, human and animal figures, and inscriptions in ancient languages. 5. The site is also known for its over 500 burial mounds, some of which contain ancient artifacts such as pottery and bronze jewelry. 6. In 2007, the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. One of the historical monuments of Azerbaijan, it tells the story of a bygone era