On the eve of the celebration of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, the State Publishing Service of Turkmenistan has released the book “Paryz-Depe — A Heritage of Millennia,” published by “Ylym” publishing house. The author of the book is Rejep Jomyev, an archaeologist and researcher at the Institute of History and Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, who took a direct part in the excavations and is known for his research into this multilayered historical and cultural site.
The new publication, issued in Turkmen, English and Russian, summarizes the results of archaeological investigations carried out during the autumn 2023 and spring 2024 field seasons.
As a result of comprehensive excavations conducted from the autumn of 2017 through the spring of 2024, three main stages in the development of the settlement were clearly identified from the time of its establishment. The primary objectives of this work were to establish an accurate date for the Paryz-Depe site and determine the key periods of its functioning.
To establish the chronology of historical events at Paryz-Depe, located in the southeastern part of the Gokdepe etrap of the Ahal velayat, and to determine the beginning of the stratigraphy of the cultural layers within the inner fortress, researchers carried out a comparative analysis of the new findings with materials from previous archaeological expeditions. This made it possible to begin systematic work aimed at identifying the earliest foundations of the cultural deposits at the settlement.
The book brings together, under a single cover, the most significant recent scientific discoveries. It provides a detailed account of the restoration of a unique vessel dating to the Anau culture, as well as presenting valuable artefacts that shed light on the material and spiritual life of the ancient population. The materials presented offer a new perspective on the site’s place and significance within a broader regional and historical context.
The publication consists of four closely interconnected chapters. The first chapter examines the history of research into Paryz-Depe and the characteristics of its cultural layers, including those associated with the Anau culture. The second chapter focuses on production remains and the spiritual culture of the inhabitants, covering the development of pottery and copper production, as well as burial practices. The third chapter explores traces of ancient architecture, including structural remains and the use of stone in architecture and everyday life. The fourth chapter provides a historical overview and materials concerning international research into the site.
As noted in the study, the cultural layers of Paryz-Depe reflect rich and complex historical processes. Ceramic fragments discovered in recent years, together with fully restored pottery vessels, confirm the existence here, during the Anau cultural period, of a large settled community dating to the 5th millennium BC. This attests to a high level of development in crafts and art during the Chalcolithic period.
The methodological and theoretical foundation of the monograph includes works by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Hero-Arkadag, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, including “The Akhal-Teke Horse — Our Pride and Glory,” “Turkmenistan — Heart of the Great Silk Road,” “Culture — the Soul of the People,” “Türkmen Medeniýeti,” and “Hakyda Göwheri,” as well as the book by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, “Anau — Culture Originated from the Millennia.” In preparing the study, the author also drew upon the research of prominent archaeologists and historians, including O. Berdiyev, E. Atagarryyev, V. M. Masson, B. A. Litvinsky, V. N. Pilipko, M. Annanepesov, M. Mamedov, H. Yusupov, A. O. Berdiyev, G. Yagshymyradov, A. Atagarryyev, and other experts.
The publication was prepared as part of the implementation of the State Programme for the Preservation, Protection and Study of National Historical and Cultural Heritage Sites and for Attracting Tourists to Them for 2022–2028.
