THE SURKHAN OASIS IN THE EARLY IRON AGE: NEW ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF THE BANDIXON II SITE

Abstract

This article examines the historical and cultural development of the Surkhan oasis during the Early Iron Age based on archaeological investigations conducted in 2024 at the Bandixon II site. The research applied stratigraphic analysis, typological methods, and radiocarbon (C14) dating to clarify the chronological and cultural characteristics of the site. The identified structural remains, ceramics, and other artifacts provide important information about the socio-economic life and craft production of the region. The results contribute significantly to understanding the formation and development of Early Iron Age culture in the Surkhan oasis.