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.

As part of the work plan for the visual inspection of the technical condition of cultural heritage sites, the staff of the Dzhirakh-Assinsky Museum-Reserve made an inspection trip to the temple-sanctuary "Itaz-Erda".

Itaz-Erda is one of the largest temples-sanctuaries of mountain Ingushetia, located south of the village of Olgeti, on the slope of the forested mountain of the side gorge of the Archkha River of the Jeirakh district of Ingushetia. During the visual inspection, we found the unsatisfactory condition of the monument, despite the fact that it was preserved to the full height.

Dimensions in plan: 4.97×10.34 m, height 4.52 m. The structure is rectangular, stretched from east to west. The walls are lined with rough stones in lime mortar. Outside covered with lime smear. Uncovered floor.

The monument was explored in 1969-1970 . Inside were found a large number of horns of sacrificial animals (bulls, tours, deer, goats, deer), as well as iron arrowheads and fragments of ceramics.

The temple is now partially destroyed. Emergency condition, previously conservation work was not carried out. Repair and restoration work is required.

The history of each village is associated with some legend or legend. In addition to the legend of the outstanding person whose name this temple is named, there is another ancient history that is passed down by the inhabitants of the village of Olgetti from generation to generation. The legend says that in this place, where the temple is located, it is categorically impossible to cut down trees, since this place is considered sacred (as well as all places where temples are located) : the felled tree should soon die. Residents of nearby villages and to this day continue to believe in this tradition, and still do not dare to cut shrubs and trees in this truly sacred place.

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