Russia's Ministry of Culture finds it necessary to preserve the ancient burial in Derbent

The Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation has recognized the historical value of the ancient burials found in Derbent, and found it necessary to save and preserve the burial and memorial complex that dates back to 11^th-12^th centuries. The relevant opinion has been sent to the government.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on April 18 during laying down the storm sewer in Mamedbekov Street in Derbent, stone stelae, looking like headstones, were found.

According to Dmitry Sergeev, the Deputy Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage – Head of the Department of Archaeology of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the found object is a burial and memorial complex, which dates back to the 11^th-12^th centuries. It was located in the medieval town cemetery behind the defence wall of Derbent.

According to his story, at present, only a small section of venerated tombs has survived; and according to preliminary estimates, the area of the monument is about 400 square meters.

According to the Director of the above Department, the required works can be carried out by the Derbent archaeological expedition at the Dagestani Scientific Centre of the RussianAcademy of Sciences; and they will take at least a year.

As reported by Bagavdinshayikh Gadjiev, the head of the Department for State Protection, Preservation, Use and Promotion of Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture of Dagestan, the works will cost about 4.8 million roubles. After excavation and making a museum, this memorial "will be of interest not only to scientists but to tourists either," said Gadjiev.

Murtazali Gadjiev, the head of the above Derbent expedition and a leading researcher at the Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnography of the Dagestani Scientific Centre of the RussianAcademy of Sciences, is ready to start excavation of the memorial this summer, should the funding issues be solved.