An ancient shelter hidden in the Talish Mountains: Buzeyir Cave VIDEO
Lerik, August 20, AZERTAC
The latest feature in AZERTAC’s “If I Were a Tourist” column turns the spotlight on the caves of Lerik.
Our journey this time takes us to Lerik, a magical corner of Azerbaijan renowned for its mesmerizing landscapes and captivating both local and international travelers.
Lerik is often associated with majestic mountains, lush forests, refreshing mountain air, and picturesque waterfalls. Yet today, we are venturing off the beaten path. Deep in the Talish Mountains, we make our way to the village of Buzeyir in search of one of its ancient caves, hidden in the heart of this enchanting landscape.
Leaving the center of Lerik behind, we head towards Buzeyir, and the scenery gradually transforms before our eyes. Near the town, lush greenery and dense forests dominate the landscape. But as we move farther into the mountains, the scenery becomes increasingly rugged, with rocky slopes and imposing peaks rising around us.
A little later, we reach the area where the cave lies hidden. It is a hot summer day, yet the altitude tells a different story — the air is cool, and a strong mountain breeze sweeps across the landscape. We leave the car at the roadside and continue on foot. A short uphill climb stands between us and the cave. With such spectacular views surrounding us, we barely notice the distance. Finally, we reach Buzeyir Cave.
Located about 10 kilometers along the Lerik–Buzeyir road, Buzeyir Cave sits on the left bank of the Zuvand River, on Mount Delikdash in the Talish Mountains, at an elevation of 1,640 meters.
The cave is 17 meters long and 9 to 14 meters wide. But its significance is not measured by its size. It is the archaeological discoveries found here that make Buzeyir truly special.
The area surrounding Buzeyir village is believed to be home to more than 20 caves. Among them, Buzeyir Cave stands out for its archaeological significance. Excavations have revealed human and animal remains, traces of ancient fires, and a number of stone tools.
According to archaeological research, humans inhabited this area approximately 100,000 years ago. Large-scale excavations were carried out in the cave by the Paleolithic Archaeological Expedition of the Institute of Archaeology, Ethnography and Anthropology of ANAS.
The research identified six archaeological layers, each representing a different period of human history.
The excavations yielded a total of 61 stone artifacts, including various tools, flakes, and stone blades. The majority of these finds date back to the Middle Paleolithic period.
But Buzeyir Cave has a much longer story to tell. Archaeologists also discovered fragments of clay vessels from the Chalcolithic, Bronze Age, and Middle Ages in other archaeological layers. These findings demonstrate that the cave was inhabited or used by people at different points in history. Each period has left its own unique mark, creating a remarkable archaeological record within the cave.
If you ever visit Lerik, make sure to include Buzeyir on your itinerary. Reaching the cave requires some travel and a short uphill hike, but the experience is well worth the effort. With its breathtaking mountain landscapes and Buzeyir Cave, which preserves traces of human history spanning thousands of years, this is a destination you won’t want to miss.
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