Location: 74QP+3M Shikhly I, Azerbaijan
Season: August 29, 2027 to September 18, 2027
Session Dates: 3-week fixed programme: Sunday 29 August – Saturday 18 September 2027.
Application Deadline: July 29, 2027
Deadline Type: Rolling
Website: https://historicworld.ge/gadir-dere-archaeological-field-school/
Program Type:
Field School
RPA Certified:
No
Affiliation:
Historic World / Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences
Project Director:
Dr. Rupert J. Birtwistle
Project Description:
The Gadir-Dere Field School forms part of the Gazakh Palaeolithic Project, an international research collaboration investigating Lower and Middle Palaeolithic landscapes in north-western Azerbaijan. Positioned along the Kura River corridor — a key geographic route linking Southwest Asia, the Near East, and the Eurasian Steppe — the region represents one of the most significant yet under-explored areas of the South Caucasus.
First identified in the 1960s, Gadir-Dere is one of Azerbaijan’s earliest excavated Palaeolithic sites. Recent excavations have confirmed the presence of well-stratified Acheulean and Mousterian deposits, offering a rare opportunity to investigate early human adaptation, technological continuity, and landscape use at the interface of Europe and Asia.
The 2027 season will expand excavation of stratified deposits and continue systematic landscape survey across the surrounding terrace systems. Participants join an active research programme contributing directly to the study of early hominin behaviour and mobility in the Caucasus.
Field school participants will contribute to:
The project aims to advance understanding of early human occupation in the South Caucasus while strengthening collaboration with local heritage institutions and supporting community engagement initiatives.
Dates: Sunday 29 August – Saturday 18 September 2027
Duration: 3 weeks (fixed programme)
Programme fee: USD $3,295 per participant
The programme fee includes shared accommodation, all meals, archaeological training and supervision, field equipment, scheduled field transport, and Saturday heritage excursions.
No previous archaeological experience is required. The programme welcomes university students, aspiring archaeologists, and adults with an interest in archaeology and human prehistory.
For further information and bookings, visit the Historic World Gadir-Dere Field School.
Period(s) of Occupation: Lower and Middle Palaeolithic (Acheulean and Mousterian traditions)
Project Size: 25-49 participants
Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 3 weeks
Minimum Age: 16
Experience Required: No previous archaeological experience is required. The Gadir-Dere Field School welcomes university students, aspiring archaeologists, and adults with an interest in archaeology and human prehistory. Participants receive structured, hands-on training in archaeological excavation, stratigraphic recording, lithic identification and analysis, and landscape survey techniques. Working alongside professional archaeologists, participants contribute directly to an active international research project, with training and supervision tailored to their experience and abilities.
Room and Board Arrangements:
Accommodation and meals are included in the Gadir-Dere Field School programme fee. Participants will stay in shared accommodation in local houses within the project area, providing a comfortable base for the three-week research programme. Rooms will generally be shared with other participants.
All meals are provided throughout the programme, including during scheduled excursions.
The programme fee includes:
- Shared accommodation for the duration of the field school
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Field transport and scheduled site transfers
- Archaeological equipment and professional supervision
- Practical training, workshops and lectures
- Scheduled Saturday archaeological and cultural heritage excursions
Not included:
- International flights
- Personal travel and medical insurance
- Azerbaijan visa fees, where applicable
- Personal expenses and optional purchases
Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to Azerbaijan, obtaining any necessary visa and ensuring they have appropriate insurance for their participation in archaeological fieldwork.
Academic Credit:
Formal academic credit is not currently offered directly through the Gadir-Dere Field School for the 2027 season. However, participants seeking academic credit through their home university may request supporting documentation and a letter confirming their participation, fieldwork activities and training undertaken, where applicable. Any award of academic credit remains at the discretion of the participant's university.
Dr Rupert J. Birtwistle
Zakaria Paliashvili street, N 41, entrance 1, basement floor
Tbilisi
Vake district
0179
Georgia
Phone: +995 500 50 9225
