Ingushetia is the smallest republic in our vast country. On the one hand, it is surrounded by high mountains, on the other, green plains and hills stretch. There are beautiful landscapes that will not leave anyone indifferent. In addition to natural we alth and splendor, Ingushetia is famous for its architectural heritage. So, let's take a closer look at this republic and its sights.
Official data
The capital of the republic is the famous city of Magas, located not far from Nazran (only 5 km east of the largest city). It is known for being a city that was specially built as a capital. The area of the republic is only 3628 km22, and the population reaches 480 thousand people.
Geography and climate
The Republic is located in the central part of the Greater Caucasus Range, so the entire territory can be conditionally divided into two parts: the north is steppe and flat zones, the south is mountains, valleys and gorges. There are two large rivers Sunzha and Nazranka, which are included inbasin of the Caspian Sea. In addition to attractions, Ingushetia is rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, marble and dolomites. There are also many springs with medicinal, thermal and mineral waters. The climate is continental, which means moderately hot summers and warm winters. It is for the unusually beautiful nature and pleasant weather that tourists fell in love with little Ingushetia.
Attractions: location
In the republic, an invisible line has been drawn between the mountains, where all history and antiquity are stored, and the plain, in which each building personifies modernity. These are absolutely two different worlds, interesting and different from each other.
The locals call the mountainous part of Ingushetia "the land of towers". Despite the depopulation and lack of many benefits of civilization, a magnificent atmosphere of luxury and beauty reigns here. Perhaps the main attraction of Ingushetia lies precisely in these mountains, with their small villages, majestic towers, castles and temples. Each abandoned ancient village is an architectural monument.
Dzheirakhsky district - the heart of Ingushetia
The oldest part of the republic, which has preserved the main historical monuments, is located in the village of Dzheirakh. Translated from the Ingush language, this means "the heart of the mountains." Here, many centuries ago, the ancestors of the modern Ingush lived, who built many temples and shrines. The best architectural monuments are preserved hereIngushetia and sights of the times of the first settlers.
Many tourists call this area "Little Switzerland" for its unusually pleasant climate and stunning scenery. Picturesque views of the valleys immersed in green grass in summer, rich fauna, mountain streams, clean air - all this makes the rest in Ingushetia unforgettable.
The most famous sights of Ingushetia
Photos and videos will not be enough to appreciate the scale of magnificence that reigns in this little corner of paradise. It is best to go and see the main architectural structures of the republic live. Below are the most famous and visited sights in Ingushetia.
- The ancient temple of Thaba-Erde was built already in the 8th century, the order for its construction was signed by Queen Tamara herself. This temple is considered the most ancient building in Russia. It is located in Dzheirakh, right in the middle of the majestic mountains. The building itself was built in the form of a parallelepiped, decorated with carvings and stucco, and its roof is gable. This is a very interesting architectural monument, on the western side of which there is a composition with biblical characters. In addition to Jesus Christ, the first ktitor is depicted on the wall, who paid for his needs and practically supported the entire temple.
- The sanctuary of Myatsil is located on the border with Georgia, on the mountain peak of Miyat Loam. This architectural landmark of Ingushetia is very popular with tourists and historians, and for good reason. Indeed, it is in this ancient room,built with inward-leaning walls, with two doorways and small niches instead of windows, public meetings and prayers for rain were held. In honor of the deity Myat-Seli, sacrifices and sumptuous feasts were arranged, which were led by the priest of the village. Similar ritual prayers existed until the end of the 19th century.
- The Metskhal complex is a whole village located on Mount Matlom. It consists of many tower structures and is one of the oldest architectural monuments. This village served as the economic and cultural center of the Dzheirakh region in the late Middle Ages.
Vovnushki Fortress - a unique monument of history and architecture
The complex, located in the Dzheyrakhsky district, was first mentioned in documents of the 18th century. Scientists suggest that it was built much earlier. The fortress was built for defensive purposes to protect against the attacks of Chechen neighbors, so it is located in a strategically advantageous place - in the river gorge, next to the rocks, where no enemy could reach. The Vovnushki complex is a structure like pyramidal towers, but only with a truncated top. There are three towers in total, each of them has its own purpose. So, for example, one served as a place where the elderly, women and children were sent in case of a siege of the settlement, while the other served as a warehouse for weapons and food. Ingushetia, whose sights are among the most significant in the entire territory of Russia, highlights this particular complex. Vovnushki are officially considered an important historical and architectural heritage belonging to the State Natural Museum-Reserve.
Muslim sights
The dominant religion in the Republic of Ingushetia (the sights of which will be considered from a religious point of view) is Sunni Islam. There are also Orthodox Christians among the population, but their number is many times less than Muslims.
The most ancient architectural monument belonging to the Muslim culture is the mausoleum of the early burial of Borga-Kash. It is located on the banks of the Sunzha River and is an architectural monument of federal significance, which is protected by the state. The mausoleum is a white-stone small building with a rectangular base and a domed ceiling. It was built in 1405 and a noble man Bek-Sultan was buried in it. Many people come here to pray and thank God.
The charm of nature
The most beautiful landscapes are found in the same Dzheirakh region, where magnificent valleys with their villages and architectural monuments stretch among high mountains. A pleasant climate, clean mountain air, useful plants, real healing water - these are the main natural qualities of Ingushetia.
Since the time of Tsarist Russia, noble nobles came here to relax, and in Soviet rule even more people learned about this wonderful land, so there arethere are enough sanatoriums and rest houses.
The "Armkhi" resort area is a large complex located near the valley of the river of the same name. This resort has a large selection of entertainment, but perhaps the most famous are the ski slopes, the height of which reaches more than 1150 meters. Sanatoriums and he alth resorts are scattered throughout the territory of Ingushetia, each of them specializes in something specific. For example, the "Jeyrah" complex accepts guests with diseases of the cardiovascular system. The healing influence of climate and a properly selected diet heal patients in the shortest possible time.
It is worth visiting this republic at least once and seeing with your own eyes all the architectural and natural sights of the country in order to understand and appreciate the great significance of the cultural heritage of Ingushetia.
