Tsoy-Pede complex is one of the largest medieval necropolises in the Caucasus. It is located in the Itum-Kali district of the Chechen Republic, 40 km from Itum-Kali at the confluence of the Meshi-khi and Chanty-Argun rivers on a corner cape directed from north to south. The cape is inaccessible on three sides, and on the north - rests on the rocks of the foot of the Kore Lam ridge. Thus, the cape is a natural fortification. On it there is a necropolis, as well as battle towers and the remains of residential buildings.
In the “city of the dead” there are two pagan pillar altars covered with spirals, swastikas, crosses and solar symbols. They believed in the resurrection of the dead and the resurrection of the dead. Behind them are 42 solar burial grounds (malkh-keshnash), dating from the XIII-XV centuries. Above the crypts rises a battle tower designed to protect the crypts from intruders. There are a lot of loopholes in it, and on top of it there are squirrels. The tower is covered with petroglyphs. There is also a second battle tower, which previously controlled the passage to the gorge from Georgia. In addition, historians suggest that the highest representative body of the Nakh tribes, Mehk-khel, periodically met in Tsoy-Pede. In total, there are 46 cultural heritage sites of various preservation in Tsoi Peda: 42 crypts, 2 pillar-shaped sanctuaries and 2 battle towers.
Tsoy-Pede complex is located in the border zone of Itum-Kali district of the Chechen Republic. In the daytime, it is open to citizens of the Russian Federation without any passes, only upon presentation of a passport. Foreigners need to get a pass PS FSB of Russia.
As part of the tourist program, an excursion was organized for a group of tourists to one of the most distinctive and historically significant places in the Chechen Republic—the village of Khoi.
Participants visited an ancient tower complex and learned about the architectural features and history of the settlement. Guests also visited observation decks offering picturesque views of mountain valleys and learned more about the cultural heritage of mountain peoples.
As part of the tourist program, an excursion to the village of Ulus-Kert was organized.
Participants learned about the history of the settlement and visited significant places and natural attractions.
Tourists noted the hospitality of the local residents and the picturesque views of the mountainous terrain.
The trip took place in a calm and friendly atmosphere.
Senior Researcher at the Department of Archaeology and Architecture R. S. Bakanayev gave an interview to the state television and radio broadcasting company Vainakh in the Shatoi district near the Yukerch-Keloyskaya tower.
The questions were about Chechen tower architecture and the Great Signal System.
Employees of the Argun Museum-Reserve State Budgetary Institution held a community work day on the grounds of the Tsecha Akh historical and architectural complex.
We took a fascinating tour of the mountains of Chechnya, visiting several significant historical sites. Our first stop was the Ts1echa Akh complex, where, surrounded by mountain slopes and ancient tower buildings, we felt the spirit of antiquity and the power of mountain nature.
Then we went to Yalkhary, a clan village surrounded by picturesque landscapes. The winding roads, breathtaking views, and peaceful atmosphere made the trip especially memorable.
The final stop was the village of Khaibakh, one of the oldest in the region. Its stone buildings, silence, and stunning views create the feeling of traveling back in time.
The excursion left a lasting impression and allowed us to take a fresh look at the rich history and beauty of mountainous Chechnya.
Our trip through the mountains of Chechnya turned into an exciting and educational excursion for the children, with the majestic Mount Banduk as its main destination. From the very beginning, the children were in the mood for adventure: picturesque landscapes, green gorges, and high slopes opened up around us, inviting us to explore this amazing world.
When we reached the foot of the mountain, the children were amazed by the spacious valleys and panoramic views, creating the atmosphere of a fairy-tale mountain journey. They listened with interest to stories about the nature and history of these places, learning new facts about the relief, climate, and features of the region. The safe trails allowed them to feel like little explorers, carefully examining everything around them.
The excursion to Mount Banduk gave the children many vivid emotions and became a real discovery for them. This trip left a feeling of lightness, inspiration, and real mountain magic that is impossible to forget.
Ramzan Bakanayev won the Knowledge Award for being the best educator in the Chechen Republic.
On November 25, 2025, the results of the prestigious Knowledge Award were announced, with Ramzan Bakanayev, senior researcher at the Argun Museum-Reserve, named the winner in the Best Educator category for the region. This federal-level recognition reflects his significant contribution to the promotion of cultural heritage, the development of interregional dialogue, and the expansion of scientific and educational projects in the Chechen Republic.
At the invitation of A.A. Kadyrov Chechen State University, Deputy Director of the Argun Museum-Reserve State Budgetary Institution, Kh. Kh. Sersultanov, took part in a round table discussion held at the Department of Museology and Cultural Studies of the History Faculty of A.A. Kadyrov Chechen State University.
The theme of the round table was “The professions of cultural studies and museology: problems and prospects for student training.”
On January 20, a seminar on “Chechen Tower Architecture” was held at the A.A. Aidamirov National Library of the Chechen Republic.
The seminar was conducted by R.S. Bakanayev, senior researcher at the Department of Archaeology and Architecture of the Argun State Historical, Architectural, and Natural Museum-Reserve. The event examined the history and characteristics of Chechen tower architecture, its cultural significance, and modern approaches to the preservation and restoration of tower complexes.
Specialists from cultural institutions took part in the seminar. The event became an important platform for professional exchange and discussion of issues related to the preservation of the architectural heritage of the Chechen Republic.
The director of the Argun Museum-Reserve, along with staff from the departments for popularization and use of cultural heritage sites and for monitoring and ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage sites, identified nine new objects with characteristics of cultural heritage sites in the Itum-Kali district of the Terloysky rural settlement.
Argun Museum Reserve staff visited the Bovloi Gorge and carried out maintenance work at four cultural heritage sites.
