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Non-conformance :
It was intended that: “The importance and decisions on archeological findings will be
made by Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan Republic together with IoAE.” This
commitment was not met. The Ministry of Culture was not involved in this activity.
Recommendation:
The ties with Ministry of Culture must be restored immediately. Legal documentation of
them must be ensured. BP, BTC, SCP together with Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan
Republic and IoAE must establish work group to protect archeological monuments.
3.4. The Audit of procedure of finding, cataloging, presentation and report to
public communication of archaeology findings
In order to audit commitments of cataloging, presentation and protection of the
archeological finds of Georanboy and Shamkir The Historical and Country Studies
museums were visited.
The Historical and Country Studies museums of Georanboy. During the visit to
Georanboy museum it was found out that a director of the museum built a new museum
building with the financial support of BP. The findings given to museum were partially
registered and included into the inventory book. Findings were given to museum due to
rules of handing-receiving and with participation of a local representative of The Ministry
of Culture. A part of these findings were presented to community in the exhibition hall
(Appendix 5, photo 1-2). For doing all this a director of “Methodical center for museums”
of The Ministry of Culture was sent on a business trip for 10 days. A local
representative of The Ministry of Culture gave a verbal report. Some of the exhibits
were given by the IoAE representatives to museum to save. These findings are kept in
the reserve room of the museum (Appendix 5, photo 3).
The documentation of archeological findings was not done properly. There was no
evidence proving that the Museum passport, statement for handing-receiving, copy of
the documents had been sent to the local representative of The Ministry of Culture.
The Historical and Country Studies museums of Shamkir. During trip visits to
museums the director of the museum estimated activity of the BTC very highly. We
investigated that registration documents of handing findings were very accurate and
neat. There was museum passport and receiving statement for each finding and there
were notes in the inventory book. All copies of the documents were sent to the local
representatives of The Ministry of Culture. So all kinds of handing –receiving
documents for archeological findings were done according to the legislation rules of this
museum.
During the interview it became clear that a local representative of the Ministry of Culture
and the head of “Methodical center for museums” visited the museum. Mainly the
survivals of Zayamchay tumulus were handed to this museum. These findings are
exhibited in the hall of the museum (Appendix 5, photo 4-5). Besides, during the
excavation there were found survivals of Albanian church in Chaparli village near
Shamkir district and the foundation stones of this church were handed to this museum.
Most of them are kept in the storehouse of the museum (Appendix 5, photo 6), other
parts of them are so big and heavy that they are kept in the open air.
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3.4.1. Commitment:
According to the SCP commitment # 610 (604) on Cultural Heritage Protection and
document of ESIA, list of the archeological fields unavoidable from negative impacts of
the construction will be published in scientific journals and brought to the notice of
public. Population of Azerbaijan, as well as others will be able to get acquainted with
this information (point 10.3.11).
Observation:
Computerized catalog of archeological findings was not prepared.
Analysis:
We consider a failure of Catalog preparation as negative finding.
Recommendations:
It is recommended to accelerate preparation of computerized catalogue of archeological
findings.
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IV. Conclusions
1. As a result of this project Archaeology science of Azerbaijan obtained the largest
ever volume of archeological findings and materials in its history. These
materials will be their research object during many years. The archeological
findings collection of the company was doubled;
2. Some archeological monuments of local and world importance was discovered
during researches;
3. Azerbaijani specialists got acquainted with modern technologies and latest
theoretical information. They had exchanged their experience with one of the
biggest research centers of the world;
4. The employees of IoAE had been professional, and effective. Along with this,
involvement of paleontologists in research group lead to conduct researches in
larger intervals. Because, the territory of Azerbaijan is very rich with
paleofaunastic (Binegedi fauna, Pirekeshil fauna, Eldar fauna) and paleobotanic
(Dashkesen Goshgarchay Jura flora) pieces of III and IV geological period;
5. During its activity BTC/SCP excluding some parts did not create any ties with
Ministry of Culture. The Ministry was not involved in these tasks, was not
informed about archeological findings;
6. Some contradictious thoughts were formulated in society as a result of weak
participation of mass media and lack of NGO participation;
7. Company implemented its commitments on cultural heritage protection. It
regarded historical monuments with great respect and care. The activity of the
Company in the field of cultural heritage protection was satisfactory.
V. Acknowledgements