Traces of Proto-Turkic Culture in the Rock Carvings of Nakhchivan and Western Azerbaijan

Rock carvings constitute some of the earliest manifestations of material culture, reflecting the artistic expression, religious–ideological frameworks, and everyday practices of ancient societies. Beyond their aesthetic value, they serve as primary sources for reconstructing subsistence strategies, belief systems, and the material and spiritual dimensions of early communities. The rock carvings identified in Western Azerbaijan—one of the historically rich regions of Azerbaijan—are of particular importance for the study of early Turkic cultural history. Examined through a comparative methodological approach, these materials reveal consistent stylistic and thematic features that extend beyond a local context. From this perspective, the rock carvings of Western Azerbaijan represent significant evidence for tracing elements of Proto-Turkic culture. Rather than isolated artistic expressions, they should be understood as part of a broader cultural continuum characterized by shared motifs and symbolic structures. These depictions provide valuable insights into the worldview, religious–philosophical concepts, and social life of early Turkic communities. The recurrence of analogous motifs across a wide geographical area further supports interpretations of cultural continuity and interaction within Proto-Turkic traditions.