The Historical Development of Human
Settlements and Residential Houses
(Residential Houses of the Sheki-Zaqatala Region)
Sevil Mirzaliyeva
Abstract. The territory of Azerbaijan, characterized by favourable natural and geographical conditions, is considered one of the earliest regions of human settlement in the world. Continuously inhabited throughout history, these lands constitute a realm rich in monuments reflecting different stages of societal development. These monuments are tangible cultural heritage reflecting the historical evolution of settlements from ancient times to the modern era, starting from natural and man-made caves that primarily served as shelters for primitive humans. Investigating the evolution of human settlements is of paramount importance in terms of examining the material culture, ethnological characteristics, and traditional building craftsmanship of the population. Natural and geographical conditions, economic activities, local building materials, construction techniques, social life, and family-domestic relations served as primary factors in shaping traditional vernacular dwellings. Under the influence of these factors, vernacular housing acquired diverse typological characteristics, undergoing a long and complex development from simple primitive shelters to modern residential structures. Accordingly, distinct regional housing stocks emerged across the diverse physical-geographical zones of Azerbaijan, adapted to local conditions. The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the historical development of settlements, as well as to analyse the ethnographic and architectural characteristics of the various dwelling types that comprise the housing stock in the Sheki-Zaqatala region.
Keywords: human settlements, Sheki-Zaqatala region, “ishigli evler” (daylit houses), “bukhari” (open fireplace), wall stove, monument