The roots of the Yeri City archaeological site stretch back to the seventh millennium BCE, making it one of the oldest continuous settlements in the region. This site uniquely intertwines multiple historical layers, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the area.
Located about 65 kilometers from Ardabil near the Qarasu River, Yeri covers approximately 400 hectares and consists of three main parts:
A military fortress
A temple complex
The Qosha Tappeh area, known for its unique carved stones
The fortress and temple date back to the 2nd century BCE, while Qosha Tappeh’s origins go as far as the 7th century BCE.
One of the most fascinating discoveries at Qosha Tappeh is a series of intricately carved stone figures. These statues portray stylized humans with detailed hands, faces, hairstyles, and swords, but notably, all but one face lacks a mouth. This feature symbolized a rule of silence, granting speech to only one individual — a woman, identifiable by her distinct hair clips.
The statues’ varying heights — from 35 cm to 265 cm — suggest a reflection of social hierarchy and beliefs. Intriguingly, the figures are arranged to mirror the Pleiades constellation, indicating sophisticated astronomical knowledge.
Before entering the temple, a ritual cleansing at a nearby spring was mandatory, and visitors showed reverence by bowing at the entrance gate. Alongside these statues, numerous metal artifacts and pottery shards have been found, enriching the site’s archaeological importance.
Visitors can explore the Yeri City Archaeological site year-round without restrictions, though the summer months offer the best weather and conditions for a comprehensive visit.
For more comprehensive information about Yeri City and its archaeological significance, visit the Yeri archaeological site article on Wikipedia.
