What archaeological evidence shows that early farming communities lived near the Karakum Desert?

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Archaeological evidence of early farming communities near the Karakum Desert was uncovered by Soviet expeditions in the late 1940s and 1950s. These excavations revealed the following:1

  • Dzheytun: This site is believed to represent the earliest agricultural settlement in west-central Asia.1
  • Anau Region: Evidence of Stone Age and Bronze Age cultures was discovered in this area.1
  • Geoksyur: Canals dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE have been identified in the vicinity of this location, indicating early water management practices.1