Karakoyunlu Mirhanlı Bölgesi Arkeolojik Araştırmalar

Archaeological Research in the Karakoyunlu-Mirhanlı Region

Abstract

The Iğdır region, a territory where plains and mountainous terrains intersect exhibits a diverse range of settlements. The geographical conditions for both settled and nomadic cultures, enabled the development of settled life from the Chalcolithic Age onward. However, evidence suggests that he region's most intensive and dynamic period occurred during the Iron Age. According to inscriptions left by the Urartian Kingdom, which launched a series of military campaigns and raids, a kingdom called Erikua existed in the region with a capital named Luhiuni. This conflict, which began with the Urartian King Minua, is understood to have continued into the reign of his grandson, Argişti. The region known as Mirhanli is located in an area where Urartu escalated its struggle with the Erikua Kingdom. The Mirhanli region is located approximately 2 km southwest of the Iğdır-Karakoyunlu district center. Our research at the site has identified the remains of structures, a pond, and sheep pens, which we have dated to the Iron Age. The workmanship of the large stones reflects a level of craftsmanship typical of the Iron Age. A comprehensive assessment of the site indicates that it continued to be utilized from the Iron Age onward. The field study presented in this article was prepared using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).