Explanation of Neolithic and Chalcolithic of Qaradagh region based on archaeological data from Ahar County

Ahar County, located in the northeast of Azerbaijan, has different sites and cultures. Archaeological studies and chronological table of Azerbaijan have been formed based on the data of Urmia Lake basin and the position of other regions of northwestern Iran, including Qaradagh region (meaning very large mountain in Turkish), remained unknown in its cultural sequence. Since this area is located between the South Caucasus region and the northern regions (Mugan region) of northwestern Iran and the basins of Lake Urmia and Ghezel Ozan, it can play an important role in explaining the periods of Neolithic, Chalcolithic. Comparison and analysis of newly discovered archaeological data in the region will provide a relatively new result. In order to promote and achieve the prehistoric cultures of the region (cultural periods), the following questions are raised: 1- How is the chronological sequence of this region explained according to the cultural periods? The main hypothesis related to this question is the existence of New Neolithic periods and New Chalcolithic 2 and 3 (LC2-3) in Ahar area. 2- What cultural features is shown by common and non-common links (cultural interactions) of this region from northwestern Iran including Mugan region and other regions in terms of archaeological data and chronology of the mentioned periods? This writing is done using field surveys and descriptive-analytical study of archaeological data to clarify the cultural horizons and chronological table of the region. As a final result, it can be said that the pottery of the mentioned periods shows similarities with other regions of northwestern Iran, especially with the Urmia Lake basin. Given the vastness of the sites and other archaeological data, it is inferred that the settlements are seasonal and temporary and have probably been used by livestock and nomadic communities.

Azerbaijan, Ahar County, Neolithic and Chalcolithic, pottery, Qaradagh region, chronology.