As part of scientific-practical field training sessions on the application of LiDAR technology, organized in Agstafa district by the State Service for Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the ANAS Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, invited specialists from the Republic of Türkiye visited the administrative building of the “Keshikchidagh” State Historical and Cultural Reserve. The delegation included Associate Professor at Ege University and Doctor of History Zafer Derin, researcher at Manisa Celal Bayar University Şahin Menteşe, and digital architecture specialist from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye Hilal Baydemir.
During the visit, the guests first viewed the small museum-style display set up in the administrative building of the reserve. They were provided with detailed information about the artifacts discovered during scientific and archaeological excavations conducted in the Keshikchidagh area, as well as their scientific significance, chronology, conservation processes, and the measures taken for fund preservation. Cultural artifacts from Late Bronze to Early Iron Age kurgans, including ceramics, metal finds, labor tools, weapons, and other archaeological materials, were received with great interest by the guests. Subsequently, a business meeting was held in a roundtable format at the reserve’s administrative building. During the meeting, participants were presented with a comprehensive overview of the activities of the “Keshikchidagh” State Historical and Cultural Reserve, the scientific-archaeological research carried out on-site, key scientific findings obtained in recent years, ongoing international cooperation projects, and future development prospects. During the discussions, the action plan scheduled for implementation over the next four days was thoroughly reviewed. In accordance with the calendar schedule, key directions were established for 3D digital documentation of kurgans using LiDAR technology, field measurements, processing of collected data, preparation of digital models, scientific observations at selected archaeological sites, evaluation of results, and future joint scientific activities. The meeting highlighted the importance of scientific experience exchange between Turkish and Azerbaijani specialists, with fruitful discussions held on expanding the use of modern digital technologies in archaeology, documenting cultural heritage according to international standards, and carrying out joint scientific projects in the future.
