The castle complex is located in the gorge of the village of Tazbichi in the town of Etkali, 4 kilometers south-east of the village of Itum-Kali, on the right bank of the river Dyore-Akhk.
The complex consists of 1 battle tower and 2 residential towers, XIV-XVI centuries of construction. The tower is five-story with a pyramid-step roof. The height of the tower is over 25 meters. The roof is step-pyramidal. Upstairs, the tower narrows. The tower is oriented at corners to the cardinal points.
The walls of the tower are lined with well-treated stone on a clay-lime solution. At the base, large stone blocks were used, in the upper part of the preserved structure, stones are smaller, but also carefully selected and adjusted.
The floor ceilings are made of wooden beams with decking from boards, resting on castle stones located at the corners of the walls.
Near the castle complex there is a tower-shaped mosque, XVIII-XIX centuries built, which is a rectangular one-storey building with a four-sided roof and a minaret in the form of a battle tower, stretched along the east-west line.
The Etkali castle complex is part of the Argun State Historical, Architectural and Natural Museum-Reserve and is protected by the state.
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.
The day before, Said-Amin Amagov, museum curator from the department of monitoring and ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage objects of the State Budgetary Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve”, conducted a survey of the condition of architectural monuments in Itum-Kalinsky district, around the village of Baskhoi.
During the visit, the necessary technical works were carried out, which included photo-fixation and measurement of the discovered inscription on the remains of the object. These activities are part of the regular activities of the staff of the museum-reserve aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
The staff of the State Budgetary Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve” organized a fascinating excursion to an abandoned historical and architectural complex in the village of Muzhakh, located in Sernovodsky district.
This unique expedition gave the participants a chance not only to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of history, but also to examine the architectural details of the site. During the trip, museum specialists conducted an informative tour, familiarizing guests with the history of the complex, its architectural features and cultural significance for the region. The participants learned about how the architecture reflects the traditions and life of the past years.
In addition, museum workers performed a number of necessary activities on the territory surrounding the complex. This trip not only deepened the knowledge of the cultural heritage of the region, but also contributed to the formation of a new generation of admirers of historical architecture.
The Chechen Culture Week, held for the first time in the Republic of Karelia and organized by Ksenia Dianova with the support of PERLAMUTER Art Space, came to an end the day before.
This significant event was an important step in strengthening intercultural ties and exchange of experience between Russian regions. Ramzan Bakanaev, Senior Researcher of the Archeology and Architecture Department of the Argun Museum-Reserve, who traveled to Karelia on a business trip, played a special role in organizing the series of events.
From February 14-21, visitors were able to learn about the rich history and culture of both Chechnya and Karelia through lectures, exhibitions and master classes. Meetings with the local media were organized especially for the event, which helped to draw attention to the interconnections and peculiarities of both cultures. Participants could not only hear about famous traditions, but also participate in dialogues that promoted tolerance and understanding. The week came to an end, leaving vivid impressions with all the guests.
As part of a long-standing tradition, a visit to the infamous village of Khaibakh took place. A group of leading scientists and historians of the Chechen Republic, headed by Khizar Yakhyaev, director of the State Budgetary Institution “Argun Museum-Reserve”, organized a trip to the Khaibakh historical and architectural complex located in the Urus-Martanovsky district of Chechnya.
Upon arrival, those gathered honored the memory of hundreds of residents of Khaibakh who tragically perished in a stable fire during the deportation of the Chechen people in 1944 as part of the operation code-named “Lentil”.
They paid tribute to the victims of this tragic page in the region's history by reciting Dua with the whole group, praising the Almighty and asking for good for all Muslims.