Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

In the Azerbaijani language, Gobustan means “a place of ravines and gullies.” The area is located in the Jeyrankechmez River basin at the southeastern foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and features a hilly, mountainous terrain. The Gobustan mountain region is home to remnants from various periods of ancient Azerbaijani history, including the Stone Age—such as rock paintings, village ruins, tombstones, and more. These artifacts from primitive society reflect the life, culture, worldview, customs, and habits of the ancient Azerbaijanis.

Representative motifs among the Gobustan rock paintings include depictions of men and women. The male figures are shown as hunters carrying bows and arrows, portrayed as tall and well-proportioned, with muscular builds and belts around their waists. Female figures are depicted with pronounced breasts and hips, symbolizing happiness, peace, and the continuation of life. The subjects of the Gobustan rock paintings are highly diverse, featuring animals, totems of ancient tribes, scenes of sailing on “kayaks” known as “gigilises,” as well as portrayals of early humans engaged in hunting, dancing, harvesting, and collective labor—offering a comprehensive view of the rich activities of clan communities. The Gobustan Rock Art was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007.