Buzeyir Cave, Prehistoric cave in Lerik Rayon, Azerbaijan.
Buzeyir Cave is a natural rock shelter in Lerik Rayon's mountainous area, located on a slope above a river valley. The hollow extends into the stone and offers protection, with space for camping and occupation.
The cave was discovered in 1985 by an expedition led by Asadulla Jafarov. Excavations in 1985, 1990 and 2007 revealed six layers; the lower ones held Mousterian stone tools and animal bones, while the upper layers contained medieval and Bronze Age pottery. Asadulla Jafarzadeh dated the Paleolithic occupation to 60,000–80,000 years ago.
The cave's name comes from Büzeyir village, 3 km to the west; locals also know it in Talysh as Byzaj noğ. Excavations in 1985, 1990 and 2007 under Asadulla Jafarov recorded six layers, from medieval pottery in the topsoil down to Mousterian stone tools. Henry de Lumley took part in research here in September–October 2002 under the Intas 2000 programme.
The cave is accessible by foot via a mountain path and requires some climbing and sure footing. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for varying light levels inside.
Excavations in 1985, 1990 and 2007 under Asadulla Jafarov recorded six layers nearly 3 m deep, but the cave floor has still not been reached. The lowest layer, light-yellow sand, held stone tools and animal bones; the upper layers produced medieval and Bronze Age pottery. Large blocks fallen from the roof lie at the entrance.
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