CAVE No. 17
Period: Early Middle Ages
Inventory:
Location: Qatardagh Ridge
Keshikchidagh State Historical and Cultural Reserve
Width: 4 m
Length: 2 m
Height: 2.70 m
Area: 15 m²
Cave No. 17 is one of the architecturally distinctive examples within the Keshikchidagh cave complex. It was artificially carved and formed, with a general rectangular layout. However, unlike simple layouts, this cave consists of interconnected, cell-like chambers, giving it a more complex and functional structure. Its main body is formed by the combination of two adjacent rectangular spaces, which not only expands the usable area but also creates a sense of divided functional zones. There are separate entrances and exits on both the front and side parts of the cave, enhancing accessibility and ease of movement within the space. Two stone columns located at the front are not only decorative elements but were also constructed to strengthen the cave’s structural stability. These columns help prevent the ceiling from collapsing and add a distinct aesthetic quality to the architectural appearance. In addition, the cave’s surfaces are smoother and more carefully worked compared to other examples in the complex, suggesting that it was specially prepared for long-term use by its inhabitants or users. These features indicate that the cave was not solely used as a shelter or dwelling during the early Middle Ages, but may also have served specific ritualistic or specialized purposes.
