Mingachevir is a vibrant city located in Azerbaijan, straddling both banks of the Kura River, approximately 300 kilometers from Baku. With a population of just over 100,000 residents, Mingachevir is a relatively young city, founded in 1945 during the construction of the Mingachevir Hydroelectric Power Station.
The Kura River serves as the main thoroughfare and the city’s primary attraction. While Mingachevir may not boast ancient landmarks or grand monuments, it is remarkably green and offers a refreshing atmosphere. The long promenade along the banks of the Kura is lined with cozy cafes, and the wide, spacious roads—thanks to the low volume of traffic—make for a pleasant experience free from congestion. The city features lush parks equipped with playgrounds and intriguing sculptures, along with modest homes that create a welcoming environment.
In the vicinity of Mingachevir lies one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Caucasus: the historic and cultural complex of the ancient settlement of Sudaghilan. This area, along with several other settlements and three ancient burial mounds, reveals evidence of human habitation dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. Archaeologists have unearthed bone wind instruments, pottery kilns, finished clay utensils, and gold and silver artifacts.
At the heart of the settlement, the ruins of a temple were discovered, featuring a sizable prayer hall with partially preserved wall paintings. The temple’s thick walls, made of adobe bricks and coated with plaster, enclosed a small square burial structure built from fired bricks. These archaeological findings offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who inhabited this region centuries ago.
On the right bank of the Kura River, another intriguing site is the “Jug burials”, where individuals were interred in large vessels in fetal positions, surrounded by coins, metal ornaments, and weapons. This site also includes burials in log coffins and catacombs, further enriching the historical narrative of the area.
