Gulistan Albanian Melikdom: Albanian Cultural Heritage

The purpose of the research paper is a scientific study of the historical, archaeological and architectural of the Caucasian Albanian material culture and heritage of the Gulistan Albanian Melikdom. The Gulistan Albanian Melikdom was situated in the northern part of the Karabakh khanate of Azerbaijan (the northern part of the Aghdara region and the southern part of the Goranboy region of Azerbaijan). Scientific novelty. From an archaeological point of view, early medieval and medieval fortresses and Albanian Christian churches were studied. Various types of early medieval Albanian churches that we can see in the region of Gulistan Albanian Melikdom are shown. Conclusions. Archaeological and historic-architectural materials prove that the monuments of Gulistan Albanian Melikdom were the medieval heritage of Christian Albanians in Azerbaijan. Sakasena and Kolt provinces of Caucasian Albania were Albanian territories both in the ancient and early medieval periods. Sakasena province was a part of Uti region, people of the province was Albans, Saks, Huns, Khazars and others. In the classic and late medieval period, there were rebuilt towers, fortresses and Albanian Christian temples. Historical-architectural features and archaeological studies allow us to talk about early medieval Albanian temples of Sakasena and Great Kouen province. In the article, information was given about antique and early medieval settlements, temples and cemeteries of Sakasena province. One-nave and three-nave Christian temples were studied, and their plans were drawn. Some Christian temples have been rebuilt in 9-13 centuries by local Albanian people. Albanian cultural heritage was in that territory during 15-19 centuries. The main fortification, Gulistan fortress, is located in the Goranboy region of Azerbaijan, at the foothills of Murovdagh, bordering the Aghdara and Goranboy regions. It is encircled by precipice from the eastern, western and southwestern sides, forest from the north side, and slope from the south-east side. The fortress is situated on the coast of Injechay, at a height of 1700 m above sea level and 200-250 m above the nearby territory. The length of the fortress is 200-250 m in the east-west direction and 20-25 m in the north-south direction. Saint Elisæus Albanian monastery is situated in the Aghdara region of the Azerbaijan Republic. Many researchers have confirmed the idea that the grave of the Caucasian Albanian prince Vachagan III the Pious is in the Saint Elisæus temple.