Study reveals site of Shaki Khans' palace is older than previously thought

The history of human settlement at the site of the Shaki Khans' Palace has proven to be significantly older than previously believed.

According to Report, citing the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), the findings have been confirmed by scientific research.

As part of a joint project between the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan and the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS, radiocarbon analyses conducted at the University Museum of the University of Tokyo in Japan determined that the settlement at the site dates back to the 13th century.

The radiocarbon dating results showed that the oldest sample uncovered during the excavations dates to 1255–1288, with the most probable period of origin being 1263–1288.

The study also confirmed that the site was not abandoned in the centuries that followed. From the 13th to the 19th century, it remained an important residential and administrative center with continuous human activity.