An ancient stone pool complex, uniquely fashioned in a cloverleaf (quatrefoil) shape, has been uncovered at the Ali Shah Fortress in Azerbaijan's Astara region. This discovery marks a scientific development in the study of ancient architecture and cultural history in the country, according to Report News.
Archaeological excavations were conducted at the Ali Shah Fortress by the expedition team of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences since June 2. The ongoing excavations brought to light this unique architectural example of scientific importance.
According to Dr. Mikayıl Mustafayev, as reported by Report News, this architectural form is assessed as the first documented water system of its kind in Azerbaijan. "Its discovery for the first time on the territory of Azerbaijan is considered an important scientific novelty in terms of the study of the country's ancient architecture and cultural history," Mustafayev said, according to APA News.
The pool complex, shaped like a lotus flower with a diameter of approximately 1.5 meters, includes additional structures featuring stone water channels that provide a constant flow of water and a floor covered with stone slabs. The intricate design suggests a high level of craftsmanship and understanding of hydraulic engineering by the ancient builders.
The remains of adjacent walls and the rocky relief of the area indicate that this pool was a ritual or public water facility located within the fortress. This points to the possibility that the site held importance for the local population, either for ceremonial purposes or as a communal gathering place centered around water usage.
Based on the pottery materials obtained and the construction technique, it is estimated that this complex was built between the 1st century BCE and the 3rd century CE. This timeframe places the structure in a period of notable development and cultural interaction in the region. Artifacts found alongside the pool complex may offer further insights into the daily lives and practices of the people who inhabited the area during that era.
"It should be noted that this type of pool form has only been recorded so far in the civilizations of the Near East, Iran, and the Mediterranean," Mustafayev added, according to APA News. This suggests possible cultural exchanges or influences between these regions and ancient Azerbaijan.
Produced with the assistance of a news-analysis system.