The Qobustan area has seen human settlements rather early in history. Witnesses of that are ancient carvings from pre-historic times at the stones close to the Caspian sea, so called petroglyphs. These depictions of bulls, camels, ritual dances and riding humans date back to 5,000 to 20,000 BCE. The petroglyphs have been created by the people living in that area and they give insight into ancient life.
Archaeologists could find out in which caves they were living and in which one they were holding their cattle. The former inhabitants also created pits in the ground to collect water and to attract wild deer with the water. Findings show that they chased them over the edge of rocks to hunt them – a usual tactic of pre-historic hunters. There are more than 6,000 engravings at Qobustan making this place an important sight for pre-historic rock-art.
Therefore the site was declared a UNESCO world heritage site. When reaching the area by car you need to buy tickets first before you can proceed into the mountains and can park directly at the entrance. On the way back you can have a stop at the museum at the foot of the hills. It wasn’t amazing me much, but it is a good place for a break and offers toilets as well.
Gobustan National Park Museum
Qobustan
Azerbaijan
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