Archaeological researches for 2026, conducted by staff from the Archaeology and Ethnography department of Sheki Regional Scientific Center of ANAS, has been completed in Harunbazar settlement and the Albanian necropolis located near the village of Orta Zayzid in Sheki.

Expedition leader and archaeologist Elshan Abdurahmanov provided this information.

According to him, archaeological researches in Harunbazar settlement began in 2025. Excavations carried out that year scientifically confirmed the existence of a settlement dating back to the Early Middle Ages and the initial stage of classical feudalism.

Elshan Abdurahmanov stated that the primary objectives of the 2026 research season were to define the boundaries of the settlement, clarify the site's chronology and stratigraphy, and discover new artifacts.

During the excavations, the remains of five tandirs  (clay ovens) were discovered at the site.

Additionally, three stone-box graves were examined during research conducted in the western part of the settlement. As part of the expedition, the Albanian necropolis located in the territory of Orta Zayzid village was also subjected to archaeological investigation for the first time. Test excavations led to the discovery and study of four stone-box graves at the site. Preliminary assessments date the graves to the late stage of the Early Middle Ages.

According to the expedition leader, the findings are of significant scientific importance for understanding the history of Harunbazar settlement and the region's material-cultural heritage from the Early Middle Ages. Furthermore, it is anticipated that future archaeological research in the area will yield new scientific results.