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.
24.12.2024 A meeting of the interdepartmental border commission of the Chechen Republic was held.
The meeting was chaired by Shaid Zhamaldayev, Speaker of the Parliament of the Chechen Republic and Chairman of the Commission. Here they summarized the results of work for 2024 and discussed plans for 2025.
Said-Ali Gorchkhanov, director of the Argun Museum-Reserve, took part in the event.
Yakhyaev Khizar Kaaevich Yakhyaev was appointed director of the Argun Museum-Reserve.
This important step was the result of many years of work, dedication and enormous contribution to the development of culture and the protection of the historical heritage of the Chechen people. Now the museum-reserve will become an even more fascinating and significant center, where cultural values will be preserved and multiplied, and interesting and informative exhibitions and events will be held.
The Argun Museum-Reserve held a training session for students of the Chechen State Pedagogical University's Recreation and Sports Tourism program as part of their internship.
The students asked the specialists all their questions about the cultural heritage of the Chechen people, and they in turn shared their valuable experience and practical knowledge.
В ЧГУ состоялась выставка на тему «Объекты культурного наследия Чеченской Республики», организованная ГБУ «Аргунский музей-заповедник» совместно с администрацией Факультета географии и геоэкологии.
Мероприятие приурочено к Году истории, исторических памятников, архитектуры и культурного наследия чеченского народа, объявленного указом Главы Чеченской Республики Р. А. Кадырова.
Специалисты музея-заповедника отдела использования и популяризации объектов культурного наследия провели короткий экскурс по башенной архитектуре Чечни в послереставрационный период, ответив на все интересующие вопросы студентов и преподавателей.
The Chechen State University hosted an informative and fascinating lecture on “Tower Architecture of Chechnya”.
The lecture was given by R.S. Bakanayev, a senior researcher at the Argun Museum-Reserve and an official lecturer of the Russian Society of Knowledge.
The guests of the event plunged into the world of Chechnya's ancient towers, learned about their history, architectural peculiarities and cultural significance. R.S. Bakanayev shared his knowledge and experience, answered the audience's questions and aroused a keen interest in the topic.
The lecture was a great opportunity for everyone to expand their knowledge of the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Chechen Republic.
Khizar Yakhyaev, Director of the “Argun Museum-Reserve”, held an internal meeting with the employees of the institution.
All employees of internal departments were summoned to the meeting, and topical issues related to the work of the museum-reserve were raised for discussion.
The management also outlined the frontline of the nearest works planned for 2025.
Состоялась исследовательская экспедиция в Терлойское ущелье, организованная ГБУ «Аргунский музей-заповедник» по инициативе директора Яхъяева Х. К.
В ходе поездки было выявлено 3 новых объекта культурного наследия, из которых две жилые башни и одна мечеть.
По имеющимся данным местность является некогда бывшим хутором под названием Желашка.
Также над объектами были выполнены работы по фотофиксации внешних и письменной фиксации технических характеристик для дальнейшего их закрепления в базе данных музея-заповедника.
The first route of the fourth season of historical and geographical expedition “Trails of ancestors” took place, in which the staff of the State Budgetary Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve” took part.
The trip was organized to Shatoy district along the route “Hell Gorge”.
Of particular interest is the geographical location of the location, as well as its prehistory.
The group started at the confluence of the Small Varanda and Argun rivers and further moved along the stony gorge.
The expedition surveyed the surrounding area and monitored a local natural feature - a waterfall.
An inspection visit to Baroy historical and architectural complex located in Itum-Kali district was held. The event was organized by specialists of the State Budget Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve” under the leadership of the director of the institution.
The members of the group carried out an inspection of the condition of the object itself, as well as the neighboring territory. During this excursion, an assessment was made of the upcoming works that are planned to be carried out in the near future.
The staff of the State Budgetary Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve” under the leadership of the director of the institution Yakhyaev Kh.K. carried out a research expedition in the territory of Urus-Martanovsky district. In the center of attention of the group was a long forgotten and previously unknown historical and architectural complex of upper Gerety. This object remained out of sight for a long time and now became a real find for researchers.
The purpose of the trip was not only to identify the complex, but also to register its architectural features in detail: the expedition participants carried out comprehensive photo and video recording works, which will allow to create a visual archive for further research in the future. In addition, the team made technical measurements using modern equipment, including GPS fixation, which ensured high accuracy of the data obtained.
Such research opens new horizons for studying the cultural heritage of the region and creates opportunities for its preservation and popularization in the future.
The staff of the State Budgetary Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve”, led by their head, organized an exciting excursion to the historical and architectural complex of Verkhniye Gerety, which for many years remained in oblivion. This unique expedition gave the participants an opportunity not only to plunge into the atmosphere of the past, but also to appreciate the architectural features of the site.
During the trip, museum specialists conducted an informative excursion, familiarizing the participants with the history of the complex, its architectural elements and cultural significance for the region.
In addition, the museum staff performed a number of necessary works on the territory adjacent to the complex.
Today, Khizar Yakhyaev, director of the Argun Museum-Reserve, visited the recording studio of the Vainakh State Television and Radio Company as a guest of honor. Lom-Ali Zurushev, the host of the TV program “Actual Theme”, conducted a fascinating interview with him on the significant achievements and transformations that have taken place over the entire period of the museum-reserve's existence.
During the conversation Khizar Yakhyaev told how the museum became the center of cultural life of the region, attracting the attention of both locals and tourists. Numerous excursions to cultural heritage sites, research expeditions, as well as exhibitions, master classes and educational programs have become an important part of the institution's work. The director also noted that thanks to modern restoration and preservation of unique objects, the museum preserves historical memory and contributes to the development of national identity.
In addition, Khizar Yakhyaev shared plans for the future: creation of new exhibition spaces, introduction of digital technologies and development of cooperation with other museums. He emphasized the importance of preserving and popularizing cultural heritage for the younger generation. At the end of the interview, the director expressed his gratitude to all those who support the work of the museum and called on residents to take an active part in its life.
Employees of the State Budgetary Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve” organized an excursion trip to the historical farm Zhelashka.
This trip gave the group an opportunity to delve deeper into the unique atmosphere of the past, get acquainted with its cultural and historical features.
During the trip, the participants received not only theoretical knowledge from the specialists of the institution, but also practical skills of perceiving the historical context.
The excursion around the farm included visits to significant places, where stories about the life of local residents, traditions and everyday life of the highlanders came to life.
Such initiatives of the museum-reserve contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and strengthen interest in the study of local history.
The staff of the Argun Museum-Reserve gave a tour of the Khoi historical and architectural complex to guests from Bashkiria.
First of all, they were introduced to the history of the site itself, the history of the area, as well as local traditions and adats.
The guests were satisfied and expressed their desire to visit the site in the coming season.
The day before, Said-Amin Amagov, museum curator of the department for monitoring and ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage objects of the State Budgetary Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve”, monitored the preservation of architectural objects around the village of Tazbichi in Itum-Kali district.
All technical works were carried out on site, including photo-fixation and measurements of the combat and dwelling towers of the village Kheldi.
Such works are carried out by the staff of the museum-reserve on a regular basis.
The A.A. Aidamirov National Library of the Chechen Republic hosted a lecture and exhibition on tower architecture and the importance of petroglyphs in the cultural heritage of the Chechen Republic. A.A. Aidamirov National Library of the Chechen Republic hosted a lecture-exhibition on tower architecture and the significance of petroglyphs in the cultural heritage of the Chechen Republic. The event was organized by specialists of the State Budgetary Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve” together with experts of the Kh. I. Ibragimov Complex Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences with the support of the library administration.
The meeting called “Reading by Stones” gathered high school students, to whom the experts told about the frantic architecture of the region, its historical context and artistic value. The uniqueness of petroglyphs as a cultural and historical heritage was highlighted in a presentation that focused not only on their appearance but also on their significance for the study of the Chechen people's past.
The art lecture was held in the format of an open dialog. Pupils actively asked questions, shared their opinions and found a common understanding of the topics, discussing the role of art in covering historical events. The event was an important step in creating cultural awareness among young people and strengthening ties between the past and the present.
R. S. Bakanaev, Senior Researcher of the Department of Archaeology and Architecture of the State Budgetary Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve”, left on a business trip to the Republic of Karelia to exchange cultural and professional experience with colleagues in the museum business. S. Bakanayev went on a business trip to the Republic of Karelia to exchange cultural and professional experience with his museum colleagues.
Another day of the first Chechen Culture Week in Karelia has come to an end. In addition to a rich lecture program, the visitors also managed to visit the region's main museum institutions. Of particular interest was the exposition at the National Museum of the Republic of Karelia, where authentic petroglyphs are on display. I am very grateful to Natalia, the museum's public relations specialist, for the very interesting excursion she conducted
Gradually I will tell you about all our main events
It is noteworthy that the Argun Museum-Reserve is the main partner in organizing and holding Chechen Culture Week in Karelia.
On 14.02.2025, a research expedition organized by the State Budgetary Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve” headed by the head of the institution, Kh. K. Yakhyaev, took place. The route was along the gorge of the Merzha-Khi River to the unique cultural heritage sites of the Chechen people. The expedition revealed several crypts and a ruined dwelling complex.
Special attention was paid to a large crypt, unique in the entire North Caucasian Federal District, which is more than 8 meters long. Inside the crypt there are numerous human remains. According to available data, this structure is not part of any complex, as it is not located within the settlement boundaries, but the historical-architectural complexes of Muzhakh, Muzhgan and Daka-Bukh are nearby, and the closest to it is the historical-architectural complex of Esmerzan-g1ala.
One theory suggests that this crypt was used by locals to bury plague victims, which could explain its isolated location.
The survey team conducted photo and video recording, technical measurements, and GPS location of the sites. The scope of work also included sanitary cleaning of the adjacent territory. In the near future, a work plan will be developed to bring these facilities into proper condition.
Ramzan Bakanaev, Senior Researcher of the Archeology and Architecture Department of the Argun Museum-Reserve, met with Oleg Ermolaev, Minister of Economic Development of the Republic of Karelia, together with Mukhtar Salamov, Chairman of the Vainakh Diaspora, as part of a business trip to the Argun Museum-Reserve State Budget Institution
The participants discussed opportunities and prospects for cooperation in tourism between the two regions.
During the internship, employees of the Argun Museum-Reserve organized a class for students of the Chechen State Pedagogical University majoring in Recreation and Sports and Recreational Tourism.
The students actively interacted with the institution's specialists, asking questions about the cultural heritage of the Chechen people. In response to their questions, the museum representatives shared important knowledge and practical experience, which was a useful addition to the theoretical knowledge of future specialists.