Ikal-chu
Public
ID:adeb•••8607
15.08.2024

Ikal-chu is a tower complex in Itum-Kali district of the Chechen Republic. Located in the valley of the Meshekhi River in the Malkhist gorge on the territory of the abandoned village of Ikolchi, 39 km south-west of the district center of Itum-Kali.

Historians date the complex XIV-XVIII centuries. The complex consists of a battle tower, which has no roof, and a castle located 250 meters east of it. The castle consists of one battle tower with a pyramid-step roof and three residential towers, which are connected by a stone wall. To the east of the castle is located through a beam, a crypt burial ground. Most of the tombs are in a ruined state. The battle tower without a roof is in satisfactory condition. The castle is in an emergency condition: the battle tower has tilted, the residential towers are in a dilapidated state.

The Ikal-chu architectural complex presents the types of Chechen medieval fortification, funerary and residential architecture. The battle towers have vaulted stone ceilings (at the battle tower No. 1 between the 1st and 2nd floors, a vault without gurts; at the battle tower No. 2, a vault of the 2nd floor with gurts), which makes it possible to attribute their construction to the heyday of the tower culture.

The Ikal-chu tower complex is an object of cultural heritage and is located on the territory of the Argun Historical, Architectural and Natural Museum-Reserve. Protected by the state.