The Argun State Historical-Architectural and Natural Museum-Reserve is a reserve located in the southern part of the Chechen Republic on the territory of the Vedeno Reserve and covering the Itum-Kali and Sharoy districts in whole, as well as partially Achkhoy-Martan, Vedeno and Shatoy districts. It was established on June 2, 1988 by the resolution of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR. The area is 233,800 hectares.
We can safely say that the Argun Reserve is an open-air museum. It includes historical and natural monuments of the Argun Gorge. Of the natural monuments on the territory of the Argun Museum-Reserve, the most remarkable is the Sheki-Hyekh cave with sulfur springs, from which a hydrogen sulfide river flows. Of the cultural and historical sites, there are about 150 tower complexes of the early and late Middle Ages, religious buildings, military and residential towers, early Muslim burials, cyclopean structures and other historical monuments. Many objects of the museum-reserve are in ruined condition.
Cleaning of the territory was carried out at the Khoi Historical and Architectural Museum.
The event was organized to prepare the museum complex for the opening of the tourist season.
The purpose of sanitary cleaning was to put the territory in order and create favorable conditions for visitors.
This work will allow the museum to meet the new season with dignity and provide a comfortable stay for guests.
The staff of the State Budgetary Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve” made a planned field trip to the Achkhoi-Martan district of the Chechen Republic in order to familiarize and study the cultural heritage sites located in the village of Chokabukh.
This trip was an important stage in the work to preserve and popularize the historical heritage of the region.
During the tour the staff of the museum-reserve paid special attention to the architectural features of the architectural buildings and their historical significance.
It is important to note that the preservation of historical heritage is one of the priority tasks of the State Budgetary Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve”, and such field trips allow to study and preserve unique historical and cultural monuments of the Chechen Republic in more detail.
The Argun Museum-Reserve and the PERLAMUTER art residence with the support of the National Library of the Chechen Republic present:
Summing up the first Week of Chechen Culture in Karelia, we invite you to open-conversation lectures to be held on April 11 at 14.00 at the National Library of the Chechen Republic.
1) “Cultural Code: the Experience of Comparing Karelia and Chechnya”
In this lecture we will try to understand how dialog of cultures can be useful in the modern world. How do traditions become a language of mutual understanding and differences become a basis for rapprochement? Why is it so important to turn to the traditions and values of another culture, completely different from our own, when studying our own cultural code?
Lecturer: Ksenia Dianova, PhD in History, official lecturer of the Russian Society “Znanie”, TOP-100 best lecturers of Russia according to the results of the fourth season of the contest "Znanie. Lecturer“
2) ”The Cultural Code of Chechnya on the Example of Architecture"
A tower is not just a defensive structure, but a symbol of rootedness, honor, memory and structuring of space. This story will be a visual and semantic bridge between tangible and intangible culture, between architecture and worldview.
Lecturer: Ramzan Bakanaev, Senior Researcher of the Argun Museum-Reserve, official lecturer of the Russian Society “Znanie”
The event will be an attempt not only to analyze but also to feel culture - through forms, meanings, images and intonations.
The staff of the Argun Museum-Reserve made an informative excursion to the vicinity of the Mindar-Yukhkhe location in Galanchozh.
The purpose of the field trip was to get a deeper insight into a unique site of history and culture of the Chechen Republic.
The group of specialists together with the group carefully inspected the territory of the cultural monument.
The excursion was not just a walk around the historical site, but a real immersion into the past. The museum staff answered the questions of those interested and told them local legends, as the preservation and popularization of cultural heritage is an important mission of the State Budgetary Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve”.
As part of the end of the first Chechen Culture Week in Karelia, the National Library of the Chechen Republic hosted two lectures in the format of an open conversation and an exhibition organized by the Argun Museum-Reserve and the PERLAMUTER art residence with the support of the A.A. Aidamirov National Library of the Chechen Republic. A.A. Aidamirov National Library of the Chechen Republic!
The first part of the lecture on "Cultural Code: “The Experience of Comparing Karelia and Chechnya” was led by Ksenia Dianova (candidate of historical sciences and lecturer of the society “Znanie”), which explored the dialog of cultures in the modern world.
The second part, “The Cultural Code of Chechnya on the Example of Architecture”, was led by Ramzan Bakanayev (senior researcher at the Argun Museum-Reserve), who spoke about the symbolism of towers as a symbol of rootedness, honor, memory and a bridge between tangible and intangible culture, between architecture and the worldview of the Chechen people.
The event was actively attended by:
- Russian scientist, ethnologist, researcher of Chechen history and culture, Doctor of Historical Sciences Lecha Ilyasov;
- Assistant to the Head of the Chechen Republic Timur Aliyev;
- Deputy of the Parliament of the Chechen Republic Adnan Nagayev;
- Chairman of the Public Chamber of the Chechen Republic Ismail Denilkhanov;
- Director of the Argun Museum-Reserve Khizar Yakhyaev;
The aim of the event was to convey to the audience the value of cultural unity and mutual exchange of cultural experience for the preservation of unity in society and historical heritage.
As noted by the organizers, by the end of the lecture the set goals and objectives were achieved.
And also representatives of the Chelyabinsk State Pedagogical University and GGNTU named after M. D. Millionshchikov expressed their gratitude to the museum-reserve for active cooperation and assistance in the education of the younger generation.
Aslambek Seritkhanov, head of the Khoi Museum of History and Architecture, welcomed the dear guests from Moscow and opened the doors to the world of Chechen history and culture.
He took them on a tour of the Khoi territory, which was a real journey through time, and the guests were charmed not only by the beauty of the ancient complex, but also by the warm welcome.
Leaving Khoi, the guests took with them not only impressions from what they had seen, but also a piece of this amazing place.
The lecture organized by the staff of the State Budgetary Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve” together with cultural institutions within the framework of the implementation of the plan of preventive measures for 2025 was held in the auditorium of the State Budgetary Institution “RCKiI”.
During the lecture, topical issues related to the prevention of bullying, cyberbullying, drug addiction, extremism and other negative phenomena that pose a threat to the younger generation were discussed. Special attention was paid to the formation of critical thinking skills in young people, the ability to recognize manipulation and resist negative influence from the outside.
The organizers expressed hope that the knowledge and skills acquired will help participants to become active agents of positive change in their teams and communities, contributing to the creation of a safe and supportive environment for the development of children and youth.
As part of their planned work, the staff of the Argun Museum-Reserve organized a field trip to the Achkhoi-Martanovsky district of Chechnya.
The purpose of the trip was to study and familiarize with the cultural heritage sites located in the vast territory of the village of Chokabukh.
This expedition is an important step in the preservation and popularization of the republic's historical heritage. Special attention was paid to the architectural details of historical buildings and their significance.
It should be emphasized that the preservation of historical and cultural heritage is a priority area of work of the State Budgetary Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve”. Such field trips allow for a deeper study and preservation of unique historical and cultural monuments of the Chechen Republic.
A spiritual and moral talk organized by the staff of the Argun Museum-Reserve in cooperation with cultural institutions as part of the Day of Peace in the Chechen Republic was held in the auditorium of the RCCI. The event became a platform for discussing eternal values and the importance of peace and harmony in society.
The conversation touched upon the issues of preserving cultural heritage, strengthening the spiritual foundations of society and countering extremism and violence.
Special attention was paid to the role of the Chechen Republic in maintaining peace and stability in the North Caucasus. The participants noted the positive changes that have taken place in the region in recent years and emphasized the need for further efforts to strengthen inter-confessional and inter-ethnic dialogue. The conversation ended with an exchange of views and an expression of hope for the continuation of such events that promote spiritual development and peace in society.
Argun State Historical-Architectural and Natural Museum-Reserve was among six finalists of the II All-Russian Park Award “Parks of Russia” 2025 in the nomination “Historical-Architectural, Museum Park, Estate”. The winners will be announced on April 23, 2025 at the V International exhibition and conference ParkSeason Expo.
For the museum-reserve this nomination is a recognition and appreciation of the work of its staff, as the institution is actively engaged in the preservation and promotion of cultural, historical and archaeological heritage, as well as the natural wealth of the region.
As part of the planned research work, the staff of the State Budget Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve” organized a field expedition to the territory of the Achkhoi-Martan district of the Chechen Republic.
During the planned expedition specialists of the museum-reserve led by the head of the museum conducted a detailed inspection, recorded the data obtained in the process of studying the objects possessing signs of cultural heritage.
As a result, 21 objects were identified on the territory of Achkhoi-Martan district, Merzha society:
3 crypts;
1 combat tower;
1 semi combat tower;
16 dwelling towers.
Work was also carried out on the territory of the farmstead included in the former village of Nizhniye Gerety.
Within the framework of the project “Art Breakthrough” - All-Russian competition of children's drawings Khoi Historical and Architectural Museum was visited by the participants, who were given a guided tour by the head of the museum Seritkhanov A.Sh.
Students of Bryansk State University took part in a field lecture held on the territory of the historical and architectural complex “Phakoch”. The event was dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage and the peculiarities of traditional architecture. The participants got acquainted with unique architectural monuments, learned about local building traditions and immersed themselves in the atmosphere of the past. The lecture was a valuable addition to the training course and allowed to expand the practical knowledge of students.
As part of the cultural and educational program, a field trip to the historical village of Khoi, a unique architectural and ethnographic complex on the territory of the Argun Museum-Reserve, took place.
The excursion was conducted by Ramzan Bakanaev, a senior employee of the museum and a specialist in the history and cultural heritage of the region. During the excursion, the participants familiarized themselves with ancient towers, watch fortifications, traditional buildings, as well as memorial and sacred objects.
The village of Khoi is one of the oldest mountain settlements in Chechnya, located near Itum-Kali, on a high plateau with breathtaking views of gorges and ridges. This place preserves centuries-old traditions, unique architecture and the spirit of mountain history.
Excursion to Khoi is not just a trip to the mountains. It is an opportunity to touch history, feel the atmosphere of the past and gain a deeper understanding of Chechen culture.
An excursion to Komalkhi and Koroty took place. From the very morning, picturesque mountain roads, fresh air and breathtaking landscapes awaited the participants.
Korotakh, one of the oldest Utsiev auls, was memorable for its atmosphere of deep silence and special solitude. Here the participants got acquainted with traditional life, saw ancient buildings and heard stories passed from generation to generation. A walk around the aul made a special impression: narrow paths, stone walls, high mountains around - everything breathes history and dignity.
17.07.2025 Excursion to the Korotakh historical and architectural complex
The participants of the excursion visited the village of Korotakh, located in the mountains of the Chechen Republic. The trip went smoothly and left pleasant impressions.
The other day, an excursion to Viilach took place, which left the participants with vivid impressions and a lot of positive emotions. The guests got acquainted with the rich history of the area, walked through picturesque corners and learned many interesting facts about the cultural heritage of the region.
09.08.2025 г. A trip to the Kharachoi Tower and the monument to Zelimkhan of Kharachoi took place. The excursion route included a visit to the historic Kharachoi Tower and the monument to the legendary abrek Zelimkhan Kharachoi. The tower, built in the traditional Caucasian architectural style, is a monument of medieval architecture and a symbol of the resilience of local residents.
The trip allowed the participants not only to learn about historical facts, but also to feel the atmosphere of mountainous Chechnya, touching the living history of the region.
We took a fascinating tour of the most beautiful places in mountainous Chechnya.
The participants visited Lake Galanchozh, one of the most picturesque lakes in the republic. In Peshkha, the guests explored the Shamudin complex and then went to a place called the “stone army.”
The trip was eventful and interesting: beautiful views, legends, new acquaintances, and lots of photos.
Tourists took part in an off-site lecture and excursion at the Khoi Historical and Architectural Museum. During the event, participants got acquainted with unique historical and architectural monuments, learned about the cultural heritage of the region and the traditions of local residents.
The visit to the museum was an important experience that allowed them to expand their knowledge, see valuable exhibits, and touch the historical past.
