Date: Tue, 25 Jun 2002 04:29:25 -0700 (PDT)
From: Adil Baguirov
To: ancientneareast@thebritishmuseum.ac.uk
Cc: information@thebritishmuseum.ac.uk
Subject: The British Museum and Caucasus exhibits

Sir,

I was surprised to see Azerbaijan omitted from the exhibit on Caucasus,
despite the fact that both Armenia and Georgia are clearly identified
there. Moreover, despite having several objects from Karabakh region of
Azerbaijan, it is presented as some independent and autonomous region of
Transcaucasia, and not part of Azerbaijan -- which it is, and has been
since ancient times. Such omission is puzzling when taking into account
that the most ancient site of Homo Sapiens not only in the Caucasus, but
in the entire former USSR, is located in the Azykh cave, south-central
Azerbaijan.

I would also like to point out that all the rugs and other artifacts from
Northern Iran (e.g., Tabriz, Ardabil, Urmiyeh), such as the Ardabil rug in
your collection, can be referred to as being from Southern Azerbaijan, or
simply Azerbaijan. This name is utilized even today by the Iranian
government, when denoting the area of present-day Northern Iran and three
main provinces that make it up, such as East and West Azarbaijan
provinces, and has been known as such from times immemorial.

I would appreciate any clarification you could issue on this matter.

Sincerely,

Adil Baguirov