The sanctuary of Mint Seli
Public
ID:9055•••caed
03.08.2024

The sanctuary "Mit-Sel" is an elegant cult building with a rectangular base and a gable-step roof, located in the Jeirakh district on the site of the top of the mountain Myat-Loam, at the very edge of the southern cliffs and at an altitude of almost 3000 m. One of its distinctive features is the presence of two doorways with a pointed arch. Inside the sanctuary is covered with a vault that divides the room into two parts. The temple is dated no later than the XVI century. This monument was highly revered not only by the Ingush population of the surrounding areas, but also by many residents of neighboring mountainous Georgia.

The sanctuary is dedicated to the patron of agriculture and fertility of Mint-Sel. He was visited by residents of the surrounding villages, as well as neighboring Georgia. In front of the processions led a sacrificial bull, whose horns were wrapped in white matter. At the temple he was placed with his head to the east. Then the high priest, also turning to the east, said a prayer in which he asked for rain and a large harvest. After the end of the prayer, the sacrificial animal was cut and meat was cooked here in huge pots. Such ritual prayers were held before the mass adoption of Islam by the Ingush. In our time, in the third week of June in the village of Beyni, an ethno-cultural holiday "Miat-Sel" is held, with a mass ascent to Table Mountain.

The sanctuary "Miat-Sel" is part of the Dzheyrakh-Assin State Historical, Architectural and Natural Museum-Reserve and is an identified object of cultural heritage protected by the state.

.