Experts and citizens criticize repairs in Derbent

The restoration works of the ramparts of the Citadel Naryn-Kala have broken the unity of the architectural style of the monument, both experts and local residents assert.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on September 15 Derbent will celebrate its 2000^th anniversary; and the city is preparing for the jubilee.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was explained by Valentin Gavrilov, a corresponding member of the Academy of Architectural Heritage, that the restoration timed to the anniversary was held without regard to the real needs of Derbent.

"People write to me from Derbent and send photos. Instead of restoring the magals (the areas in the old part of the city, – note of the "Caucasian Knot"), repair the mosque and develop the museum complex in the Citadel, as it had been planned many years ago, they make patches on the walls," said Valentin Gavrilov.

The ramparts of the Citadel Naryn-Kala should have been preserved, not renovated, believes Kulam Isakov, a former director of the museum "Naryn-Kala".

According to his story, residents of Derbent repeatedly wrote complaints to various authorities about the works in the Citadel.

"People worried and actively wrote to Moscow. But a commission came from the ministry, said that everything is within the approved project. Although we see not a restoration but construction works at the site of the cultural heritage of world significance," said Isakov.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.