Jeyrakh-Assin Reserve
Jeyrakh-Assin Reserve

The Jeyrakh-Assin historical, architectural and natural museum-reserve is located within the boundaries of the Jeyrakh district of the Republic of Ingushetia on the northern slopes of the foothills of the Central part of the Greater Caucasus Range. The reserve was established on June 2, 1988. The area of the reserve is slightly more than 627 square kilometers. The activity of the reserve is aimed at ensuring the preservation, restoration and study of territorial complexes of cultural and natural heritage, material and spiritual values in their traditional historical (cultural and natural) environment. On the territory of the museum-reserve there are 122 ancient architectural complexes, including more than 2,670 objects of cultural significance, including defensive and residential towers, burial crypts, Christian and pagan sanctuaries and temples. The oldest buildings of the megalithic type belong to the middle of the second millennium BC. Every year, significant scientific discoveries are made on the territory of the reserve, new objects are identified, archaeological expeditions are constantly working, scientists from all over the world come. Since 1996, the reserve has been a candidate for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Significant value in the reserve is given to work on creating conditions for the development of organized tourism, its educational and service component.

During archaeological excavations at the Khamkhi complex, researchers discovered a unique 16th-century artifact: a straight razor featuring a sculptural depiction of an animal.

Damir Sergeyevich Solovyov, Deputy Director of "Archeocenter" LLC—a firm conducting archaeological research in the mountainous region of Ingushetia—comments on the find:

"During the archaeological investigation of the Khamkhi tower complex in the Republic of Ingushetia, a unique object was unearthed: a razor, which a modern observer would classify as a 'straight razor.' It consists of a brass handle—topped with a sculptural figure of an animal (possibly an elephant or a dog)—and a metal blade that fits into the handle. The item is remarkable for its estimated 16th-century date and its Western European origin. There are no known parallels to this object elsewhere in Eastern Europe or the Russian Federation. However, while preparing the project documentation, we identified a similar piece in the collection of Albert Figdor—an Austrian banker and art collector who assembled his collection in the early 20th century. That specimen entered his collection in 1935 and is dated to the 15th century; however, its exact origin remains unknown, and further study has proven difficult."

"This artifact, discovered during archaeological fieldwork in the Republic of Ingushetia, will become a part of the republic's history. Once the collection has been processed and the final report completed, the item will be transferred to a museum in the Republic of Ingushetia."

Previously, two vases were also discovered at the same complex; according to experts, their scientific and historical significance is comparable to that of artifacts held by the State Hermitage Museum.

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