Northeastern Azerbaijan Research Articles

A Hydrological and Hydrochemical Study of the Gudiyalchay River: Understanding Groundwater–River Interactions

The Gudiyalchay River plays a crucial role in the environment and human activities of the Guba area in north-eastern Azerbaijan, supporting agriculture and the local water supply. Despite its significance, the river has received little scientific attention. The groundwater beneath the Gudiyalchay riverbeds, a vital source of drinking water and the second primary source of river recharge after snowmelt, remains insufficiently studied, with most monitoring data being outdated. With climate change intensifying, such research is critical to mitigating potential water risks. In this work, all available geological, hydrogeological, climatic, and hydrochemical data were collected to characterize the study area and analyze the seasonal fluctuations in river flow and total dissolved solid (TDS) values, with a focus on the interactions between the river and groundwater at the Khinaliq, Giriz, and Kupchal flow stations. The analysis shows that both river and groundwater TDS values are within acceptable drinking water limits, but continuous data collection is important to confirm this. Flow rate analysis and a literature review revealed that variations in flow rate are linked to seasonal changes, with the flow rate near the Giriz station indicating potential groundwater influence. Based on the literature review and analysis, a simplified hydrogeological diagram is created to provide a clearer understanding of the interactions between the river and groundwater systems.

KURO-ARAK MONUMENTS
 NORTH-EASTERN AZERBAIJAN:
 ISSUES OF HISTORICAL, CULTURAL AND
 CHRONOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION
 (based on the materials of archaeological exploration 2001-2002.
 on the International project IPARC).

The article is devoted to the results of exploratory archaeological research in 2001-2002. in North-East Azerbaijan, incl. Khachmass-Cuban zone, within the framework of the IPARC project (The International Program for Anthropological Research in the Caucasus; project leader - Professor Wellesley College, USA F.L.Cole). Along with the study of the medieval Gilgilchay defensive system, an international expedition, in which Azerbaijani, Dagestani and American scientists participated, conducted an exploratory survey of 15 famous settlements of the Early Bronze Age. At one of the sites (Serkertepe), a deep exploration pit was laid, which gave a fundamentally new archaeological material. The first part of the article deals with the issues of the historiography of the archaeological study of this region of Azerbaijan, adjacent to Dagestan; provides an overview of exploration and monitoring of known Kuro-Arak settlements; outlines the prospects for their further scientific study. In the second part of the article, much attention will be paid to the characterization and analysis of the materials of the exploration pit at Serkertepe, and also a new concept of the historical, cultural and chronological interpretation of the Kuro-Arak monuments of Northeastern Azerbaijan in the framework of the Great Archaeological culture will be proposed.

Prediction of incidence and prevalence of stroke in northeastern Azerbaijan

The purpose of the research was studying 10 year (1999-2008) dynamics of incidence and prevalence of stroke in the north-eastern region and giving a prognosis regarding the status of the incidence and prevalence of stroke in the northeast region of Azerbaijan. In this part of Azerbaijan located Guba-Khachmaz economic region. Retrospectively studied all cases of stroke in the region. 10 year chronological average level of primary incidence and prevalence of stroke were 1.2±0.05‰ and 2.4±0.07‰. It is established that the primary incidence of stroke in 1999-2008 years in the region is characterized by a tendency of low growth of disease. Predicted an increase in incidence and prevalence of stroke in 2015 – 1.56‰ and 3.20‰. Obtained data’s are important for adequate therapeutic measures aimed for reducing the incidence and prevalence of stroke in the population.

New data on the planktonic foraminifers from the Yunusdag Formation (Coniacian–Santonian) in the Kelevudag Section, northeastern Azerbaijan

An assemblage of planktonic foraminifers is recognized for the first time from the Yunusdag Formation (Kelevudag Section, northeastern Azerbaijan) The analysis of foraminifers from the studied sample suggests that it may belong to the upper part of the Marginotruncana coronata Zone, embracing the interval from the upper Turonian to the lower Coniacian inclusive. The taxonomic composition of the assemblage allows the Kelevudag section to be assigned to an intermediate province separating the Boreal and Tethyan realms and including the Late Cretaceous carbonates of Dagestan.

Kuznetsovia, a new generic replacement name for Aenigma Kuznetsova, 1957 (Ostracoda) non Newman, 1836 (Coleoptera).

The generic name Aenigma was proposed by Kuznetsova (1957: 68; type species A. jucunda Kuznetsova, by original designation) for a new fossil ostracod genus from the Lower Cretaceous (Barremian) of Tegchaj, North-Eastern Azerbaijan, former USSR (Transcaucasia). However, this name is already preoccupied by a marine gastropod molluscan generic name Aenigma Newman (1836: 499), which is in active current use in zoology (Coleoptera: Carabidae). Besides this earliest generic name, a few homonyms were also known: Aenigma Amsel (1956: 288) [Lepidoptera], Aenigma Koch (in Martin & Chemnitz 1846: 1, unpaginated) [Mollusca], Aenigma Karsch (1878: 825) [Arachnida], Aenigma Strecker (1876: 122) [Lepidoptera].

Upper Albian-Turonian foraminifers and radiolarians from the Kelevudag section, northeastern Azerbaijan

New data on planktonic and benthic foraminifers and radiolarians derived from the upper Albian-Turonian sediments of the Kelevudag section, northeastern Azerbaijan, are reported. Two planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphic units are recognized, namely, the Thalmanninella deeckei Beds (uppermost lower–lowermost middle Cenomanian, top of the lower part of the Kemishdag Formation) and Dicarinella hagni Beds (lower Turonian, top of the upper part of the Kemishdag Formation). Two units, the Pseudovalvulineria cenomanica–Berthelina berthelini Beds (middle–upper Cenomanian, top of the lower part of the Kemishdag Formation) and Lingulogavelinella globosa Beds (upper Cenomanian–lower Turonian, top of the upper part of the Kemishdag Formation), are distinguished by benthic foraminifers. On the basis of the radiolarian studies, the following units are defined: the Dorypyle — anisa–Pseudodictyomitra languida Beds (upper Albian, upper part of the Kyulyuli Formation), Patellula spica–Crolanium triangulare Beds (lower Cenomanian, base of the lower part of the Kemishdag Formation), Pseudoaulophacus lenticulatus–Thanarla gracilis Beds (middle Cenomanian, top of the lower part of the Kemishdag Formation), and the Orbiculiforma quadrata–Pseudodictyomitra pseudomacrocephala Beds (uppermost upper Turonian, lower part of the Kemchi Formation). The age estimates available from foraminifers and radiolarians do not contradict each other. The time of accumulation of the Kemishdag Formation was previously considered within only the Cenomanian. According to the new available foraminiferal data, the range of the Kemishdag Formation is widened and it is believed to correspond to the Cenomanian–lower Turonian. On the basis of foraminiferal and radiolarian studies, the stratigraphic position of the lower boundary of the Kemchi Formation is determined within the Turonian and the Turonian–Coniacian boundary is defined in the lower part of the Kemchi Formation.

New data on Albian-Coniacian radiolarians from the Kelevudag section (northeastern Azerbaijan)

The reinvestigation of upper Albian and Cenomanian radiolarians from the Albian-Late Creta� ceous Kelevudag section of northeastern Azerbaijan described in classical works by Kh.Sh. Aliev revealed the presence of upper Turonian-?lower Coniacian species among their assemblages. The identified radiolarian taxons form several successive assemblages: Dorypyle ? anisa-Crolanium triangulare (upper Albian), Patellula spica-Trisyringium echitonicum (Cenomanian), Orbiculiforma quadrata-Pseudodictyomitra pseudomacro� cephala (upper Turonian-?lower Coniacian). It is established that the species Dictyomitra sagitafera Aliev belongs to the genus Pseudodictyomitra.

Landscape Requirements of Caucasian Grouse (Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi) in Arasbaran Region, East Azerbaijan, Iran

Abstract The Caucasian Grouse (Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi) is of conservation concern because it has been declining at least since the 1980s and has disappeared from parts of its range. We quantified landscape composition and configuration around Caucasian Grouse lek sites and random points within the Arasbaran Region in northeastern Azerbaijan, Iran at multiple scales (200-, 500-, and 1,000-m radii circles). We developed averaged logistic regression models based on Akaike Information Criterion weights for each scale. Habitat suitability models indicated good discrimination based on the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) criteria (three averaged-models had ROC values >0.8), indicating landscape pattern can explain distribution of leks reasonably well. Unconditional, model-averaged estimates and 95% confidence intervals for beta estimates of variables included within buffer-width models suggest leks in the 200-m buffer width are in areas with lower standard deviation in patch area. Lek sites in the 500-m b...

A contribution to the knowledge of longicorn beetles (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) of the Caucasus: 7. Notes on the distribution of some species

The distribution of 28 species of longicorn beetles in the Caucasus and neighboring territories is discussed with new distributional data reported for some species. The records of Rhagium fasciculatum, Paraclytus sexguttatus, and Anaglyptus arabicus from northern Iran (Elburz Mts.) are considered erroneous. Photographs of old specimens of Phytoecia pontica (a male labeled “Caucasus Leder”) and Ph. wachanrui (a male labeled “Daghestan”) are given; the occurrence of these species in the Caucasus is considered probable. The records of Cortodera flavimana, Pedostrangalia verticenigra and Chlorophorus hircanus from northeastern Azerbaijan are considered erroneous; these species are not known from the Caucasus. The distribution of Brachypteroma ottomanum, Leioderes kollari, Phymatodes glabratus, and Dorcadion equestre still remains to be proved; the known records of B. ottomanum supposedly refer to B. holtzi, and those of L. kollari, to L. tuerki. It is also speculated that the records of Pedostrangalia revestita from Borjomi refer to the closely related P. tokatensis, and the records of Pedostrangalia emmipoda from Sevan and Batumi, to P. kurda.

The future of the Shahdagh languages

Budukh, Kryz, and Khinalug are three Caucasian languages spoken in northeastern Azerbaijan near Mount Shahdagh. The speakers of all three languages are highly multilingual; reports are that they have near-native fluency in Azerbaijani. Furthermore, speakers of all three have been migrating from the mountains to more hospitable plains communities where they interact even more with native speakers of Azerbaijani. All three are endangered to some degree, but there are no detailed descriptions of the sociolinguistic situation in any of these languages. In 2000–2001, a research team investigated patterns of language use, language proficiency, and language attitudes in the three communities. The results suggest that the situation is far from uniform for the three language groups. While massive language shift is occurring in Budukh even in the mountain communities, Kryz is used in most village situations. Finally, a stable diglossia is currently in evidence in Khinalug. In all three communities, however, the traditional languages are definitely being replaced by Azerbaijani.

A new freshwater ciliate from northeastern Azerbaijan: Gymnocyclidium nabranicum n. gen., n. sp and Gymnociclidiidae n. fam. (Scuticociliatida, Ciliophora)

From 2003 to 2006, the freshwater ciliates of northeastern Azerbaijan were studied. The present paper describes a new ciliate - Gymnocyclidium nabranicum n. gen., n. sp. (Gymnocyclidiidae n. fam.) that clearly differs from other representatives of Scuticociliatida by reduction of bipolar somatic kineties to 2 or 3 short longitudinal crowns. Gymnocyclidiidae n. fam. includes 3 genera - Gymnocyclidium n. gen. (type genus), Paurotricha Dragesco and Dragesco-Kerneis, 1991 and Paracyclidium Grolière, de Puytorac, Grain, 1980.

Patriarchy through lamentation in Azerbaijan

ABSTRACTIn this article, I analyze patriarchy through the lens of emotional discourse in and beyond death rituals among Mountain Jews in northeastern Azerbaijan. I argue that the time‐bound nature of female lamentation and the recent development of a popular narrative conceptualizing this genre as the custom defining Mountain Jewish identity in the Caucasus ultimately work to disempower women, reaffirming gender roles through narratives of suffering. Even though they use lamentations to address grievances within a context of increased outward migration, Mountain Jewish women cannot easily escape the conservative force that sorrow plays in their daily and ritual lives. [Mountain Jews, Azerbaijan, death, feminist ethnography, emotion, women, mourning]

New distributional and molecular information call into question the systematic position of the West Asian Viola sintenisii (Violaceae)

The west Asian Viola sintenisii W.Becker, described from temperate woodlands of northern Iran and south-western Turkmenistan on the Caspian coast, was long considered a vicariant geographical subspecies of the mainly south European V. alba Besser. The new findings of V. sintenisii in four geographically separated stations in north-eastern Azerbaijan significantly expands its range of distribution. These occurrences are within the range of V. alba ssp. alba. Here the two taxa frequently co-occur but remain distinct and V. sintenisii is therefore justified at species level. It is likely that the two species are also sympatric in the Hyrcanian region, a range previously attributed uniquely to the latter. Viola sintenisii seems to be fairly common in the eastern parts of the Great Caucasus, but there are reasons to suggest that it has there been misinterpreted as V. suavis. The chromosome number of V. sintenisii, 2n = 20, is reported here for the first time. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005, 147, 91–98.

On the occurrence of analcime in the northeastern Azerbaijan volcanics (northwestern Iran)

Euhedral, phenocryst-like crystals of analcime, as well as microlites, are rather common in phonolitic and tephritic lavas and in some anaicitic dikes and lenses of the Upper Cretaceous and Lower Tertiary volcanics of eastern Azerbaijan (Iran). The mineralogy and petrology of these extrusive rocks are described with the aim of establishing the origin of the big analcime crystals. While the mineralogical data (e.g. true symmetry, Al/Si disorder and Na atom distribution, structural refinements) are not conclusive, the paragenesis and microprobe analyses of analcime and associated phases, mainly feldspars, lead us to believe they are of a secondary, metasomatic origin. It is suggested that during late or post-magmatic stages analcime may have originated either from ion-exchanged leucite or by alteration or interaction between pre-existing Na-rich phases such as nepheline, feldspars and glass at subsolidus temperatures.

Zeolites in shoshonitic volcanics of the north-eastern Azerbaijan (Iran)

Au moyen d'analyses chimiques et de RX, on a examiné les zéolites provenant de onze localités situées dans le domaine du volcanisme shoshonitique de l'Azerbaijan nord-oriental (Iran). A partir des données rassemblées sur les paragenèses locales, on suggère que les zéolites se formeraient en milieu hydrothermal de basse température, à la faveur de réactions entre eaux météoriques et matériaux solides, le long du parcours des coulées de lave.