An exhibition and international scientific seminar on the topic "Ancient History and Archaeology of Our Region: New Research and Scientific Results" was held on June 18, 2026, jointly organized by the Keshikchidag State Historical and Cultural Reserve — under the administration of the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture — the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS, and the Gazakh Center of ADA University.

The aim was to convey to a wider audience the scientific significance of the rich archaeological heritage of Azerbaijan's western region, including ancient settlements and camps reflecting the earliest stages of human history; to present to the public the results of archaeological research conducted on Keshikchidag Reserve and surrounding areas; and to contribute to the development of domestic and international scientific cooperation.

The seminar was attended by master's students of the Gazakh Center of ADA University, lecturers from the Gazakh Branch of Baku State University and Khazar University, the staff of the Avey State Historical and Cultural Reserve, senior specialists for the Aghstafa and Gazakh districts of the Ganja Regional Department of the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, and members of the intelligentsia.

As part of the event, an exhibition was first displayed featuring material culture samples obtained from kurgans located within the reserve's territory, as well as publications covering ongoing scientific projects.

Presentations at the international scientific seminar were delivered by Yegana Goyushlu, a staff member of the Gazakh Center of ADA University; Musa Mursaguliyev, Director of the Keshikchidag SHCR; Ismayil Omarli, Chief Fund Custodian of the Reserve; Professor Najaf Museyibli, Head of Department at the ANAS Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology; leading researchers Dr. Azad Zeynalov and Dr. Anar Aghalarzade of the ANAS Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology; and senior researcher and archaeologist Lola Huseynova. Members of the Azerbaijani-Italian international archaeological expedition operating in the region — archaeologists Alice Mendola, Roberta Sanna, Borgesi Aurora, Emanuela Scalisi, Ciacera Macauda Dario, and La Causa Giulia, representing Sapienza University of Rome and CAMNES (Centre for Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies) — also shared their views during the discussions.

During the presentations, new findings were introduced regarding settlements, kurgans, ancient fortifications, and other archaeological monuments in the region dating from the Stone Age through subsequent periods, and productive discussions were held on the results of existing research. The ideas and proposals put forward by participants are crucial for the broader future exploration of the region's archaeological potential.

Dr. Yagub Mammadov, a leading researcher at the ANAS Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology and a lecturer at the Department of History and Archaeology of Khazar, who is currently involved in Stone Age research in the Cheyranchiil region, spoke in his presentation about research conducted on the Stone Age in the region, with particular reference to the Azerbaijani-Japanese joint international archaeological expedition's research at Damjili Cave between 2016 and 2023. It should be noted that Dr. Mammadov participated in this research from 2016 to 2019, and served as co-director on the Azerbaijani side from 2022 to 2023.

At the close of the event, it was emphasized that such scientific seminars and exhibitions are of particular importance in promoting the country's rich cultural heritage, disseminating scientific knowledge to the public, and fostering the younger generation's interest in history and archaeology. At the same time, these initiatives make a significant contribution to the deeper study of the region's ancient history, the expansion of international scientific ties, and the formation of new opportunities for cooperation in the field of cultural heritage protection.