The petroglyphs of Gobustan are not only one of the most valuable historical heritages of Azerbaijan, but of all humanity. Located approximately 60 km southwest of Baku, the Gobustan National Historical and Artistic Reserve is rich with thousands of rock images (petroglyphs) reflecting the daily life, beliefs, and worldview of people who inhabited these areas thousands of years ago. These examples of rock art are an invaluable source for understanding the lifestyle and thinking of ancient people.

The Voice of History on Stone Canvases

The images on the rocks of Gobustan date back approximately 20,000 years — the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. Scenes of hunting, dancing, religious rituals, and animal figures are carved into the stone. These images are valuable not only from an artistic perspective but also as important anthropological and sociological data.

Among the petroglyphs are human figures — sometimes holding hands, sometimes dancing — which provide insight into social and religious life. It is also evident that ancient people engaged in hunting and fishing, wore specific clothing, and possibly used primitive musical instruments.

In Gobustan, not only rock carvings but also remnants of ancient settlements, stone tools, and hearths have been found. This confirms that the area was an important archaeological complex, rich both in art and everyday life objects.

UNESCO World Heritage Site and Global Significance

In 2007, the Gobustan petroglyphs were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, emphasizing their cultural importance not only locally but globally. Every year, thousands of tourists visit to see the traces of ancient civilizations on site.

Within the reserve, there is an interactive museum where visitors learn about the significance of the carvings, classify them by periods, and immerse themselves in the overall history of Gobustan.