Sudagilan

Schematic map of the settlement

Sudagilan, also known as Settlement No. 2, is an ancient settlement and cemetery dating from the 3rd to the 13th centuries, located in the city of Mingachevir, on the left bank of the Kura River. During archaeological excavations conducted between 1946 and 1953, a rich archaeological complex dating to the early medieval period was discovered at Sudagilan. The finds included domestic structures with Caucasian Albanian inscriptions, Christian churches, and hoards of Sasanian and Arab coins. The excavations were carried out by an expedition of the [[National Museum of History of Azerbaijan]] under the direction of Saleh Gaziyev. Archaeologists discovered pottery kilns at the settlement, as well as vessels and wooden burials in the nearby cemetery, a Christian burial ground, and catacombs. Almost in the centre of the settlement was a mausoleum consisting of a complex of structures adjoining temple buildings. The cemetery was surrounded by massive retaining walls more than 3.5 metres wide. Sections of each wall measuring up to 72 metres in length were excavated. The population of the settlement was primarily engaged in agriculture.

Location

To the north, Sudagilan was connected to a small steep ravine which, according to the hypothesis of R. M. Vaidov, was formed during the Middle Ages as a result of erosion caused by rainwater runoff. To the east, the settlement was bounded by Mount Garadag, one of the spurs of the Bozdag Range. Sudagilan bordered a plain to the south and was bounded by the Kura River to the west. About 5 km north of Sudagilan, upstream along the Kura River, was the Samukh forest, which was rich in fruit trees and other vegetation. The area included trees such as cork elm (Ulmus suberosa), mutica pistachio (Pistacia mutica), and juniper (Juniperus oblonga), which was considered a valuable construction material. South and west of Mingachevir there were small waterways and wetlands where various river and lake fish could be caught throughout the year. The surrounding area also contained rich mountain and steppe pasturelands. Based on these natural resources, Vaidov concluded that the area was favourable for human settlement and habitation.