Tourist inflow to Dagestan escalates problem of destructing ancient monuments

In Dagestan, ancient monuments lack due care; and mass tourist trips to historical buildings have increased the threat of ruining them. This was stated by Vladimir Sevrinovsky, a writer and traveller, and Albert Esedov, a political analyst, who commented on the collapse of the stone arch in Gamsutl. It is planned to create a historical, cultural and natural museum-reserve in the village, the "Dagnasledie" (Dagestani Agency for Protection of Cultural Heritage) has informed.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on August 8, it became known that an ancient stone arch had collapsed in the village of Gamsutl, popular among tourists. Local activists intend to restore the arch; while social media users have criticized Dagestan authorities for the deplorable condition of ancient monuments and absence of timely reconstruction.

According to Zaur Tsokholov, the head of the "Ethnodom Chokh" project, historical monuments in Dagestan are maintained mainly through private investments.

About 3000 people visit Gamsutl every day; and the increase in the number of visitors has a negative impact on the state of the village, said Abdulmazhid Abashilov, the head of one of the divisions of the "Dagnasledie".

Vladimir Sevrinovsky, a journalist, believes that ancient monuments are poorly taken care of in Dagestan. The abandoned village of Gamsutl is actually given over to the mercy of tourists, he believes.

Vladimir has noted that the arch at the entrance to the village has been in disrepair for several years, and similar problems have persisted in Dagestan for more than 50 years.