Gadir-Dere Archaeological Field School (Azerbaijan)

Location: 74QP+3M Shikhly I, Azerbaijan

Season: August 30, 2026 to September 19, 2026

Session Dates: 3 week fixed block from Sunday 30th August to Saturday 19th September 2026

Application Deadline: July 12, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://historicworld.ge/gadir-dere-archaeological-field-school/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Historic World / Past to Present Archaeology / 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 2026 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:

• Excavation of stratified open-air Palaeolithic deposits

• Stratigraphic recording and sediment description

• Surface survey and GPS-based artefact mapping

• Lithic identification and technological analysis

• GIS data entry and field documentation

• Post-field artefact processing and recording

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.

Period(s) of Occupation: Lower and Middle Palaeolithic (Acheulean and Mousterian traditions)

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 3 weeks

Minimum Age: 16

Experience Required: No previous archaeological experience is required. The field school provides structured training in excavation, stratigraphic recording, lithic analysis, and landscape survey methods. Participants work alongside professional archaeologists and receive instruction appropriate to their experience level.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Accommodation and meals are fully included for all participants. Accommodation will be in a local guesthouse or field camp (final details confirmed prior to the season). All meals are provided throughout the programme. The programme fee includes: Accommodation All meals Field transport and site transfers Equipment and supervision Training workshops and lectures Saturday heritage excursions Participants are responsible for flights, travel insurance, and visa costs.

Academic Credit:
Academic credit is not currently offered for the 2026 season. However, documentation and reference letters can be provided to support university credit applications where applicable.