the most ancient structure in russia?
Aug 9th 2004, 9:37 am
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
the most ancient structure in russia?
PRE-ISLAMIC FORTIFICATIONS OF DERBENT (ANCIENT ALBANA)
When the Sasanians revived the Persian Empire after the
Hellenistic-Parthian period; their main adversary in the west was the
Roman Empire, and in the north the Nomadic tribes. The problem of the
northern frontier was recognized also by the Romans who even sustained
the Persian efforts to resist potential invasion from that direction.
This fortified limes formed a barrier over the mountains of the
present-day Dagestan, where some 40 km still remain. The site of
Derbent was critical for the boundary, and the walls actually entered
some 500 m into the Caspian Sea to control sea traffic as well. The
defence system continued on the eastern side of the Caspian Sea,
across the Turkeman steppe. A popular reference of this wall is made
to Alexander the Great. In 1937, E.F. Schmidt photographed it from the
air noting that there remained some 170 km. There has also been recent
archaeological work on this site. In any case, the fortifications of
Derbent are the best preserved part of this limes.
The defence walls are the most outstanding feature of Derbent. They
rise from the Caspian Sea up to the citadel on the mountain, an
overall length of ca 3.6 km. There are two walls (north and south)
running parallel, ca 300-400 m from each other. The city was built
between these walls. The wall then continues over the mountains ca 40
km to the west (mountain wall), as well as extending into the Sea (ca
500 m), in order to protect the harbour. The north wall still exists
in its full length, while much of the south wall was demolished in the
19th century. The earliest parts of the walls are in unbaked bricks,
but the main part of the structure (6th century CE) is built in solid
ashlar stone (in average: 100 x 65 x 25 cm) with lime mortar, and a
rubble core. Some of the later construction used smaller stones (ca 30
x 40 cm). The stones are laid face and header side alternately for
better binding. The thickness of the walls varies from 230 cm to 380
cm; the height is about 12 m.
A total of 73 defence towers were built at regular intervals. The
north wall has 46 towers, ca 70 m from each other. There are several
gates, which are of architectural interest in their design.
Originally, most gates date from the 6th or 7th centuries, but some
have been rebuilt or changed later. There used to be 14 gates, and 9
still remain, 2 in the citadel, 4 in the south wall, and 3 in the
north wall: Narin-Kala-kapi (Mountain Gate), Kali-kapi (Citadel Gate),
Bajat-kapi (Song Masters Gate), Orta-kapi (Middle Gate, upper part
rebuilt in 1812), Dubari-kapi (Double Wall Gate), Dzharchi-kapi
(Messenger Gate, rebuilt in 1811), Kirkhlar-kapi (Gate of Forty,
rebuilt in 17th century), Dash-kapi (Stone Gate, 10-12th centuries).
The Citadel is situated up on the mountain. It covers an area of ca
180 m x 280 m (4.5 ha), fairly irregular in shape. The walls of the
citadel are provided by small defence towers distanced 20-30 m from
each other. The most interesting of these is in the south-west corner,
a square tower that serves as a link to the mountain wall. On three
sides, the citadel is defended by steep slopes. Inside the Citadel,
there are a number of historic buildings, though most of them in
ruins.
Along the southern wall, there is the Khan's Palace, which was an
elaborate building with courtyards, but now partly in ruins. In the
Citadel, there are also the remains of a 5th century Christian church,
subsequently built over when other religions were introduced
(Zoroastrianism, and then Islam). Djuma-mesjid is one of the earliest
mosques in the former USSR. It probably dates from the 8th century,
though renovated or rebuilt in the 14th and 17th centuries. The
madrasah building, in front of the mosque, dates from the 15th
century. Together with an administrative building, the Mosque and
Madrasah form a closed courtyard. The citadel also has bath buildings
and several underground water tanks.
The Sasanian fortification system could be compared to the Roman limes
(Hadrian's Wall, inscribed in 1987, criteria: ii, iii, iv), as well as
the Great Wall of China (inscribed in 1987, criteria: i, ii, iii, iv,
vi). Even though having a similar function, the Sasanian construction
differs in terms of culture and type of construction. In the case of
Derbent, furthermore, the question is about a gate structure and
related town in a strategic point of north-south communication on the
Caspian Sea. In relation to the other sites, it can be seen to have
different though complementary qualities.
The Sasanians had strong defences in their towns and villages, and
many of these were retained and re-used in the Islamic period.
Structurally the walls of Derbent can be compared to other Sasanian
constructions, such as those of Takht-e Suleiman in north-western
Iran. It is noted that there exists a comprehensive study of the
fortifications in Iran (published in 1998), as well as a comparative
study by UNESCO of the military architecture in the geo-cultural
region of Central and Southern Asia (1997).
RECOMMENDATION WITH RESPECT TO INSCRIPTION
That the nominated property be inscribed on the basis of criteria iii
and iv:
Criterion iii: The site of the ancient city of Derbent has been
crucial for the control of the north-south passage on the west side of
the Caspian Sea since the 1stmillennium BCE. The defence structures
that were built by the Sasanians in the 5th century CE were in
continuous use by the succeeding Persian, Arabic, Mongol, and Timurid
governments for some 15 centuries.
Criterion iv: The ancient city of Derbent and its defence structures
are the most significant section of the strategic defence systems
designed and built in the Sasanian empire along their northern limes,
and maintained during the successive governments until the Russian
occupation in the 19th century.
ICOMOS, March 2003
whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=1070
When the Sasanians revived the Persian Empire after the
Hellenistic-Parthian period; their main adversary in the west was the
Roman Empire, and in the north the Nomadic tribes. The problem of the
northern frontier was recognized also by the Romans who even sustained
the Persian efforts to resist potential invasion from that direction.
This fortified limes formed a barrier over the mountains of the
present-day Dagestan, where some 40 km still remain. The site of
Derbent was critical for the boundary, and the walls actually entered
some 500 m into the Caspian Sea to control sea traffic as well. The
defence system continued on the eastern side of the Caspian Sea,
across the Turkeman steppe. A popular reference of this wall is made
to Alexander the Great. In 1937, E.F. Schmidt photographed it from the
air noting that there remained some 170 km. There has also been recent
archaeological work on this site. In any case, the fortifications of
Derbent are the best preserved part of this limes.
The defence walls are the most outstanding feature of Derbent. They
rise from the Caspian Sea up to the citadel on the mountain, an
overall length of ca 3.6 km. There are two walls (north and south)
running parallel, ca 300-400 m from each other. The city was built
between these walls. The wall then continues over the mountains ca 40
km to the west (mountain wall), as well as extending into the Sea (ca
500 m), in order to protect the harbour. The north wall still exists
in its full length, while much of the south wall was demolished in the
19th century. The earliest parts of the walls are in unbaked bricks,
but the main part of the structure (6th century CE) is built in solid
ashlar stone (in average: 100 x 65 x 25 cm) with lime mortar, and a
rubble core. Some of the later construction used smaller stones (ca 30
x 40 cm). The stones are laid face and header side alternately for
better binding. The thickness of the walls varies from 230 cm to 380
cm; the height is about 12 m.
A total of 73 defence towers were built at regular intervals. The
north wall has 46 towers, ca 70 m from each other. There are several
gates, which are of architectural interest in their design.
Originally, most gates date from the 6th or 7th centuries, but some
have been rebuilt or changed later. There used to be 14 gates, and 9
still remain, 2 in the citadel, 4 in the south wall, and 3 in the
north wall: Narin-Kala-kapi (Mountain Gate), Kali-kapi (Citadel Gate),
Bajat-kapi (Song Masters Gate), Orta-kapi (Middle Gate, upper part
rebuilt in 1812), Dubari-kapi (Double Wall Gate), Dzharchi-kapi
(Messenger Gate, rebuilt in 1811), Kirkhlar-kapi (Gate of Forty,
rebuilt in 17th century), Dash-kapi (Stone Gate, 10-12th centuries).
The Citadel is situated up on the mountain. It covers an area of ca
180 m x 280 m (4.5 ha), fairly irregular in shape. The walls of the
citadel are provided by small defence towers distanced 20-30 m from
each other. The most interesting of these is in the south-west corner,
a square tower that serves as a link to the mountain wall. On three
sides, the citadel is defended by steep slopes. Inside the Citadel,
there are a number of historic buildings, though most of them in
ruins.
Along the southern wall, there is the Khan's Palace, which was an
elaborate building with courtyards, but now partly in ruins. In the
Citadel, there are also the remains of a 5th century Christian church,
subsequently built over when other religions were introduced
(Zoroastrianism, and then Islam). Djuma-mesjid is one of the earliest
mosques in the former USSR. It probably dates from the 8th century,
though renovated or rebuilt in the 14th and 17th centuries. The
madrasah building, in front of the mosque, dates from the 15th
century. Together with an administrative building, the Mosque and
Madrasah form a closed courtyard. The citadel also has bath buildings
and several underground water tanks.
The Sasanian fortification system could be compared to the Roman limes
(Hadrian's Wall, inscribed in 1987, criteria: ii, iii, iv), as well as
the Great Wall of China (inscribed in 1987, criteria: i, ii, iii, iv,
vi). Even though having a similar function, the Sasanian construction
differs in terms of culture and type of construction. In the case of
Derbent, furthermore, the question is about a gate structure and
related town in a strategic point of north-south communication on the
Caspian Sea. In relation to the other sites, it can be seen to have
different though complementary qualities.
The Sasanians had strong defences in their towns and villages, and
many of these were retained and re-used in the Islamic period.
Structurally the walls of Derbent can be compared to other Sasanian
constructions, such as those of Takht-e Suleiman in north-western
Iran. It is noted that there exists a comprehensive study of the
fortifications in Iran (published in 1998), as well as a comparative
study by UNESCO of the military architecture in the geo-cultural
region of Central and Southern Asia (1997).
RECOMMENDATION WITH RESPECT TO INSCRIPTION
That the nominated property be inscribed on the basis of criteria iii
and iv:
Criterion iii: The site of the ancient city of Derbent has been
crucial for the control of the north-south passage on the west side of
the Caspian Sea since the 1stmillennium BCE. The defence structures
that were built by the Sasanians in the 5th century CE were in
continuous use by the succeeding Persian, Arabic, Mongol, and Timurid
governments for some 15 centuries.
Criterion iv: The ancient city of Derbent and its defence structures
are the most significant section of the strategic defence systems
designed and built in the Sasanian empire along their northern limes,
and maintained during the successive governments until the Russian
occupation in the 19th century.
ICOMOS, March 2003
whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=1070
Aug 9th 2004, 11:22 am
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: the most ancient structure in russia?
Thank you for this information, very interesting, Any pictures available?
"Igor Sklar" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected] om...
> PRE-ISLAMIC FORTIFICATIONS OF DERBENT (ANCIENT ALBANA)
> When the Sasanians revived the Persian Empire after the
> Hellenistic-Parthian period; their main adversary in the west was the
> Roman Empire, and in the north the Nomadic tribes. The problem of the
> northern frontier was recognized also by the Romans who even sustained
> the Persian efforts to resist potential invasion from that direction.
> This fortified limes formed a barrier over the mountains of the
> present-day Dagestan, where some 40 km still remain. The site of
> Derbent was critical for the boundary, and the walls actually entered
> some 500 m into the Caspian Sea to control sea traffic as well. The
> defence system continued on the eastern side of the Caspian Sea,
> across the Turkeman steppe. A popular reference of this wall is made
> to Alexander the Great. In 1937, E.F. Schmidt photographed it from the
> air noting that there remained some 170 km. There has also been recent
> archaeological work on this site. In any case, the fortifications of
> Derbent are the best preserved part of this limes.
> The defence walls are the most outstanding feature of Derbent. They
> rise from the Caspian Sea up to the citadel on the mountain, an
> overall length of ca 3.6 km. There are two walls (north and south)
> running parallel, ca 300-400 m from each other. The city was built
> between these walls. The wall then continues over the mountains ca 40
> km to the west (mountain wall), as well as extending into the Sea (ca
> 500 m), in order to protect the harbour. The north wall still exists
> in its full length, while much of the south wall was demolished in the
> 19th century. The earliest parts of the walls are in unbaked bricks,
> but the main part of the structure (6th century CE) is built in solid
> ashlar stone (in average: 100 x 65 x 25 cm) with lime mortar, and a
> rubble core. Some of the later construction used smaller stones (ca 30
> x 40 cm). The stones are laid face and header side alternately for
> better binding. The thickness of the walls varies from 230 cm to 380
> cm; the height is about 12 m.
> A total of 73 defence towers were built at regular intervals. The
> north wall has 46 towers, ca 70 m from each other. There are several
> gates, which are of architectural interest in their design.
> Originally, most gates date from the 6th or 7th centuries, but some
> have been rebuilt or changed later. There used to be 14 gates, and 9
> still remain, 2 in the citadel, 4 in the south wall, and 3 in the
> north wall: Narin-Kala-kapi (Mountain Gate), Kali-kapi (Citadel Gate),
> Bajat-kapi (Song Masters Gate), Orta-kapi (Middle Gate, upper part
> rebuilt in 1812), Dubari-kapi (Double Wall Gate), Dzharchi-kapi
> (Messenger Gate, rebuilt in 1811), Kirkhlar-kapi (Gate of Forty,
> rebuilt in 17th century), Dash-kapi (Stone Gate, 10-12th centuries).
> The Citadel is situated up on the mountain. It covers an area of ca
> 180 m x 280 m (4.5 ha), fairly irregular in shape. The walls of the
> citadel are provided by small defence towers distanced 20-30 m from
> each other. The most interesting of these is in the south-west corner,
> a square tower that serves as a link to the mountain wall. On three
> sides, the citadel is defended by steep slopes. Inside the Citadel,
> there are a number of historic buildings, though most of them in
> ruins.
> Along the southern wall, there is the Khan's Palace, which was an
> elaborate building with courtyards, but now partly in ruins. In the
> Citadel, there are also the remains of a 5th century Christian church,
> subsequently built over when other religions were introduced
> (Zoroastrianism, and then Islam). Djuma-mesjid is one of the earliest
> mosques in the former USSR. It probably dates from the 8th century,
> though renovated or rebuilt in the 14th and 17th centuries. The
> madrasah building, in front of the mosque, dates from the 15th
> century. Together with an administrative building, the Mosque and
> Madrasah form a closed courtyard. The citadel also has bath buildings
> and several underground water tanks.
> The Sasanian fortification system could be compared to the Roman limes
> (Hadrian's Wall, inscribed in 1987, criteria: ii, iii, iv), as well as
> the Great Wall of China (inscribed in 1987, criteria: i, ii, iii, iv,
> vi). Even though having a similar function, the Sasanian construction
> differs in terms of culture and type of construction. In the case of
> Derbent, furthermore, the question is about a gate structure and
> related town in a strategic point of north-south communication on the
> Caspian Sea. In relation to the other sites, it can be seen to have
> different though complementary qualities.
> The Sasanians had strong defences in their towns and villages, and
> many of these were retained and re-used in the Islamic period.
> Structurally the walls of Derbent can be compared to other Sasanian
> constructions, such as those of Takht-e Suleiman in north-western
> Iran. It is noted that there exists a comprehensive study of the
> fortifications in Iran (published in 1998), as well as a comparative
> study by UNESCO of the military architecture in the geo-cultural
> region of Central and Southern Asia (1997).
> RECOMMENDATION WITH RESPECT TO INSCRIPTION
> That the nominated property be inscribed on the basis of criteria iii
> and iv:
> Criterion iii: The site of the ancient city of Derbent has been
> crucial for the control of the north-south passage on the west side of
> the Caspian Sea since the 1stmillennium BCE. The defence structures
> that were built by the Sasanians in the 5th century CE were in
> continuous use by the succeeding Persian, Arabic, Mongol, and Timurid
> governments for some 15 centuries.
> Criterion iv: The ancient city of Derbent and its defence structures
> are the most significant section of the strategic defence systems
> designed and built in the Sasanian empire along their northern limes,
> and maintained during the successive governments until the Russian
> occupation in the 19th century.
> ICOMOS, March 2003
> whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=1070
"Igor Sklar" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected] om...
> PRE-ISLAMIC FORTIFICATIONS OF DERBENT (ANCIENT ALBANA)
> When the Sasanians revived the Persian Empire after the
> Hellenistic-Parthian period; their main adversary in the west was the
> Roman Empire, and in the north the Nomadic tribes. The problem of the
> northern frontier was recognized also by the Romans who even sustained
> the Persian efforts to resist potential invasion from that direction.
> This fortified limes formed a barrier over the mountains of the
> present-day Dagestan, where some 40 km still remain. The site of
> Derbent was critical for the boundary, and the walls actually entered
> some 500 m into the Caspian Sea to control sea traffic as well. The
> defence system continued on the eastern side of the Caspian Sea,
> across the Turkeman steppe. A popular reference of this wall is made
> to Alexander the Great. In 1937, E.F. Schmidt photographed it from the
> air noting that there remained some 170 km. There has also been recent
> archaeological work on this site. In any case, the fortifications of
> Derbent are the best preserved part of this limes.
> The defence walls are the most outstanding feature of Derbent. They
> rise from the Caspian Sea up to the citadel on the mountain, an
> overall length of ca 3.6 km. There are two walls (north and south)
> running parallel, ca 300-400 m from each other. The city was built
> between these walls. The wall then continues over the mountains ca 40
> km to the west (mountain wall), as well as extending into the Sea (ca
> 500 m), in order to protect the harbour. The north wall still exists
> in its full length, while much of the south wall was demolished in the
> 19th century. The earliest parts of the walls are in unbaked bricks,
> but the main part of the structure (6th century CE) is built in solid
> ashlar stone (in average: 100 x 65 x 25 cm) with lime mortar, and a
> rubble core. Some of the later construction used smaller stones (ca 30
> x 40 cm). The stones are laid face and header side alternately for
> better binding. The thickness of the walls varies from 230 cm to 380
> cm; the height is about 12 m.
> A total of 73 defence towers were built at regular intervals. The
> north wall has 46 towers, ca 70 m from each other. There are several
> gates, which are of architectural interest in their design.
> Originally, most gates date from the 6th or 7th centuries, but some
> have been rebuilt or changed later. There used to be 14 gates, and 9
> still remain, 2 in the citadel, 4 in the south wall, and 3 in the
> north wall: Narin-Kala-kapi (Mountain Gate), Kali-kapi (Citadel Gate),
> Bajat-kapi (Song Masters Gate), Orta-kapi (Middle Gate, upper part
> rebuilt in 1812), Dubari-kapi (Double Wall Gate), Dzharchi-kapi
> (Messenger Gate, rebuilt in 1811), Kirkhlar-kapi (Gate of Forty,
> rebuilt in 17th century), Dash-kapi (Stone Gate, 10-12th centuries).
> The Citadel is situated up on the mountain. It covers an area of ca
> 180 m x 280 m (4.5 ha), fairly irregular in shape. The walls of the
> citadel are provided by small defence towers distanced 20-30 m from
> each other. The most interesting of these is in the south-west corner,
> a square tower that serves as a link to the mountain wall. On three
> sides, the citadel is defended by steep slopes. Inside the Citadel,
> there are a number of historic buildings, though most of them in
> ruins.
> Along the southern wall, there is the Khan's Palace, which was an
> elaborate building with courtyards, but now partly in ruins. In the
> Citadel, there are also the remains of a 5th century Christian church,
> subsequently built over when other religions were introduced
> (Zoroastrianism, and then Islam). Djuma-mesjid is one of the earliest
> mosques in the former USSR. It probably dates from the 8th century,
> though renovated or rebuilt in the 14th and 17th centuries. The
> madrasah building, in front of the mosque, dates from the 15th
> century. Together with an administrative building, the Mosque and
> Madrasah form a closed courtyard. The citadel also has bath buildings
> and several underground water tanks.
> The Sasanian fortification system could be compared to the Roman limes
> (Hadrian's Wall, inscribed in 1987, criteria: ii, iii, iv), as well as
> the Great Wall of China (inscribed in 1987, criteria: i, ii, iii, iv,
> vi). Even though having a similar function, the Sasanian construction
> differs in terms of culture and type of construction. In the case of
> Derbent, furthermore, the question is about a gate structure and
> related town in a strategic point of north-south communication on the
> Caspian Sea. In relation to the other sites, it can be seen to have
> different though complementary qualities.
> The Sasanians had strong defences in their towns and villages, and
> many of these were retained and re-used in the Islamic period.
> Structurally the walls of Derbent can be compared to other Sasanian
> constructions, such as those of Takht-e Suleiman in north-western
> Iran. It is noted that there exists a comprehensive study of the
> fortifications in Iran (published in 1998), as well as a comparative
> study by UNESCO of the military architecture in the geo-cultural
> region of Central and Southern Asia (1997).
> RECOMMENDATION WITH RESPECT TO INSCRIPTION
> That the nominated property be inscribed on the basis of criteria iii
> and iv:
> Criterion iii: The site of the ancient city of Derbent has been
> crucial for the control of the north-south passage on the west side of
> the Caspian Sea since the 1stmillennium BCE. The defence structures
> that were built by the Sasanians in the 5th century CE were in
> continuous use by the succeeding Persian, Arabic, Mongol, and Timurid
> governments for some 15 centuries.
> Criterion iv: The ancient city of Derbent and its defence structures
> are the most significant section of the strategic defence systems
> designed and built in the Sasanian empire along their northern limes,
> and maintained during the successive governments until the Russian
> occupation in the 19th century.
> ICOMOS, March 2003
> whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=1070
Aug 9th 2004, 6:18 pm
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: the most ancient structure in russia?
"Deev" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<MGTRc.63409$gE.30108@pd7tw3no>...
> Thank you for this information, very interesting, Any pictures available?
http://www.towns.ru/towns/derbent_en.html
http://www.derbent.ru/photo/displayi...d&cat=2&pos=20
> "Igor Sklar" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected] om...
> > PRE-ISLAMIC FORTIFICATIONS OF DERBENT (ANCIENT ALBANA)
> >
> > When the Sasanians revived the Persian Empire after the
> > Hellenistic-Parthian period; their main adversary in the west was the
> > Roman Empire, and in the north the Nomadic tribes. The problem of the
> > northern frontier was recognized also by the Romans who even sustained
> > the Persian efforts to resist potential invasion from that direction.
> > This fortified limes formed a barrier over the mountains of the
> > present-day Dagestan, where some 40 km still remain. The site of
> > Derbent was critical for the boundary, and the walls actually entered
> > some 500 m into the Caspian Sea to control sea traffic as well. The
> > defence system continued on the eastern side of the Caspian Sea,
> > across the Turkeman steppe. A popular reference of this wall is made
> > to Alexander the Great. In 1937, E.F. Schmidt photographed it from the
> > air noting that there remained some 170 km. There has also been recent
> > archaeological work on this site. In any case, the fortifications of
> > Derbent are the best preserved part of this limes.
> >
> > The defence walls are the most outstanding feature of Derbent. They
> > rise from the Caspian Sea up to the citadel on the mountain, an
> > overall length of ca 3.6 km. There are two walls (north and south)
> > running parallel, ca 300-400 m from each other. The city was built
> > between these walls. The wall then continues over the mountains ca 40
> > km to the west (mountain wall), as well as extending into the Sea (ca
> > 500 m), in order to protect the harbour. The north wall still exists
> > in its full length, while much of the south wall was demolished in the
> > 19th century. The earliest parts of the walls are in unbaked bricks,
> > but the main part of the structure (6th century CE) is built in solid
> > ashlar stone (in average: 100 x 65 x 25 cm) with lime mortar, and a
> > rubble core. Some of the later construction used smaller stones (ca 30
> > x 40 cm). The stones are laid face and header side alternately for
> > better binding. The thickness of the walls varies from 230 cm to 380
> > cm; the height is about 12 m.
> >
> > A total of 73 defence towers were built at regular intervals. The
> > north wall has 46 towers, ca 70 m from each other. There are several
> > gates, which are of architectural interest in their design.
> > Originally, most gates date from the 6th or 7th centuries, but some
> > have been rebuilt or changed later. There used to be 14 gates, and 9
> > still remain, 2 in the citadel, 4 in the south wall, and 3 in the
> > north wall: Narin-Kala-kapi (Mountain Gate), Kali-kapi (Citadel Gate),
> > Bajat-kapi (Song Masters Gate), Orta-kapi (Middle Gate, upper part
> > rebuilt in 1812), Dubari-kapi (Double Wall Gate), Dzharchi-kapi
> > (Messenger Gate, rebuilt in 1811), Kirkhlar-kapi (Gate of Forty,
> > rebuilt in 17th century), Dash-kapi (Stone Gate, 10-12th centuries).
> >
> > The Citadel is situated up on the mountain. It covers an area of ca
> > 180 m x 280 m (4.5 ha), fairly irregular in shape. The walls of the
> > citadel are provided by small defence towers distanced 20-30 m from
> > each other. The most interesting of these is in the south-west corner,
> > a square tower that serves as a link to the mountain wall. On three
> > sides, the citadel is defended by steep slopes. Inside the Citadel,
> > there are a number of historic buildings, though most of them in
> > ruins.
> >
> > Along the southern wall, there is the Khan's Palace, which was an
> > elaborate building with courtyards, but now partly in ruins. In the
> > Citadel, there are also the remains of a 5th century Christian church,
> > subsequently built over when other religions were introduced
> > (Zoroastrianism, and then Islam). Djuma-mesjid is one of the earliest
> > mosques in the former USSR. It probably dates from the 8th century,
> > though renovated or rebuilt in the 14th and 17th centuries. The
> > madrasah building, in front of the mosque, dates from the 15th
> > century. Together with an administrative building, the Mosque and
> > Madrasah form a closed courtyard. The citadel also has bath buildings
> > and several underground water tanks.
> >
> > The Sasanian fortification system could be compared to the Roman limes
> > (Hadrian's Wall, inscribed in 1987, criteria: ii, iii, iv), as well as
> > the Great Wall of China (inscribed in 1987, criteria: i, ii, iii, iv,
> > vi). Even though having a similar function, the Sasanian construction
> > differs in terms of culture and type of construction. In the case of
> > Derbent, furthermore, the question is about a gate structure and
> > related town in a strategic point of north-south communication on the
> > Caspian Sea. In relation to the other sites, it can be seen to have
> > different though complementary qualities.
> >
> > The Sasanians had strong defences in their towns and villages, and
> > many of these were retained and re-used in the Islamic period.
> > Structurally the walls of Derbent can be compared to other Sasanian
> > constructions, such as those of Takht-e Suleiman in north-western
> > Iran. It is noted that there exists a comprehensive study of the
> > fortifications in Iran (published in 1998), as well as a comparative
> > study by UNESCO of the military architecture in the geo-cultural
> > region of Central and Southern Asia (1997).
> >
> > RECOMMENDATION WITH RESPECT TO INSCRIPTION
> >
> > That the nominated property be inscribed on the basis of criteria iii
> > and iv:
> >
> > Criterion iii: The site of the ancient city of Derbent has been
> > crucial for the control of the north-south passage on the west side of
> > the Caspian Sea since the 1stmillennium BCE. The defence structures
> > that were built by the Sasanians in the 5th century CE were in
> > continuous use by the succeeding Persian, Arabic, Mongol, and Timurid
> > governments for some 15 centuries.
> >
> > Criterion iv: The ancient city of Derbent and its defence structures
> > are the most significant section of the strategic defence systems
> > designed and built in the Sasanian empire along their northern limes,
> > and maintained during the successive governments until the Russian
> > occupation in the 19th century.
> >
> > ICOMOS, March 2003
> >
> > http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=1070
> Thank you for this information, very interesting, Any pictures available?
http://www.towns.ru/towns/derbent_en.html
http://www.derbent.ru/photo/displayi...d&cat=2&pos=20
> "Igor Sklar" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected] om...
> > PRE-ISLAMIC FORTIFICATIONS OF DERBENT (ANCIENT ALBANA)
> >
> > When the Sasanians revived the Persian Empire after the
> > Hellenistic-Parthian period; their main adversary in the west was the
> > Roman Empire, and in the north the Nomadic tribes. The problem of the
> > northern frontier was recognized also by the Romans who even sustained
> > the Persian efforts to resist potential invasion from that direction.
> > This fortified limes formed a barrier over the mountains of the
> > present-day Dagestan, where some 40 km still remain. The site of
> > Derbent was critical for the boundary, and the walls actually entered
> > some 500 m into the Caspian Sea to control sea traffic as well. The
> > defence system continued on the eastern side of the Caspian Sea,
> > across the Turkeman steppe. A popular reference of this wall is made
> > to Alexander the Great. In 1937, E.F. Schmidt photographed it from the
> > air noting that there remained some 170 km. There has also been recent
> > archaeological work on this site. In any case, the fortifications of
> > Derbent are the best preserved part of this limes.
> >
> > The defence walls are the most outstanding feature of Derbent. They
> > rise from the Caspian Sea up to the citadel on the mountain, an
> > overall length of ca 3.6 km. There are two walls (north and south)
> > running parallel, ca 300-400 m from each other. The city was built
> > between these walls. The wall then continues over the mountains ca 40
> > km to the west (mountain wall), as well as extending into the Sea (ca
> > 500 m), in order to protect the harbour. The north wall still exists
> > in its full length, while much of the south wall was demolished in the
> > 19th century. The earliest parts of the walls are in unbaked bricks,
> > but the main part of the structure (6th century CE) is built in solid
> > ashlar stone (in average: 100 x 65 x 25 cm) with lime mortar, and a
> > rubble core. Some of the later construction used smaller stones (ca 30
> > x 40 cm). The stones are laid face and header side alternately for
> > better binding. The thickness of the walls varies from 230 cm to 380
> > cm; the height is about 12 m.
> >
> > A total of 73 defence towers were built at regular intervals. The
> > north wall has 46 towers, ca 70 m from each other. There are several
> > gates, which are of architectural interest in their design.
> > Originally, most gates date from the 6th or 7th centuries, but some
> > have been rebuilt or changed later. There used to be 14 gates, and 9
> > still remain, 2 in the citadel, 4 in the south wall, and 3 in the
> > north wall: Narin-Kala-kapi (Mountain Gate), Kali-kapi (Citadel Gate),
> > Bajat-kapi (Song Masters Gate), Orta-kapi (Middle Gate, upper part
> > rebuilt in 1812), Dubari-kapi (Double Wall Gate), Dzharchi-kapi
> > (Messenger Gate, rebuilt in 1811), Kirkhlar-kapi (Gate of Forty,
> > rebuilt in 17th century), Dash-kapi (Stone Gate, 10-12th centuries).
> >
> > The Citadel is situated up on the mountain. It covers an area of ca
> > 180 m x 280 m (4.5 ha), fairly irregular in shape. The walls of the
> > citadel are provided by small defence towers distanced 20-30 m from
> > each other. The most interesting of these is in the south-west corner,
> > a square tower that serves as a link to the mountain wall. On three
> > sides, the citadel is defended by steep slopes. Inside the Citadel,
> > there are a number of historic buildings, though most of them in
> > ruins.
> >
> > Along the southern wall, there is the Khan's Palace, which was an
> > elaborate building with courtyards, but now partly in ruins. In the
> > Citadel, there are also the remains of a 5th century Christian church,
> > subsequently built over when other religions were introduced
> > (Zoroastrianism, and then Islam). Djuma-mesjid is one of the earliest
> > mosques in the former USSR. It probably dates from the 8th century,
> > though renovated or rebuilt in the 14th and 17th centuries. The
> > madrasah building, in front of the mosque, dates from the 15th
> > century. Together with an administrative building, the Mosque and
> > Madrasah form a closed courtyard. The citadel also has bath buildings
> > and several underground water tanks.
> >
> > The Sasanian fortification system could be compared to the Roman limes
> > (Hadrian's Wall, inscribed in 1987, criteria: ii, iii, iv), as well as
> > the Great Wall of China (inscribed in 1987, criteria: i, ii, iii, iv,
> > vi). Even though having a similar function, the Sasanian construction
> > differs in terms of culture and type of construction. In the case of
> > Derbent, furthermore, the question is about a gate structure and
> > related town in a strategic point of north-south communication on the
> > Caspian Sea. In relation to the other sites, it can be seen to have
> > different though complementary qualities.
> >
> > The Sasanians had strong defences in their towns and villages, and
> > many of these were retained and re-used in the Islamic period.
> > Structurally the walls of Derbent can be compared to other Sasanian
> > constructions, such as those of Takht-e Suleiman in north-western
> > Iran. It is noted that there exists a comprehensive study of the
> > fortifications in Iran (published in 1998), as well as a comparative
> > study by UNESCO of the military architecture in the geo-cultural
> > region of Central and Southern Asia (1997).
> >
> > RECOMMENDATION WITH RESPECT TO INSCRIPTION
> >
> > That the nominated property be inscribed on the basis of criteria iii
> > and iv:
> >
> > Criterion iii: The site of the ancient city of Derbent has been
> > crucial for the control of the north-south passage on the west side of
> > the Caspian Sea since the 1stmillennium BCE. The defence structures
> > that were built by the Sasanians in the 5th century CE were in
> > continuous use by the succeeding Persian, Arabic, Mongol, and Timurid
> > governments for some 15 centuries.
> >
> > Criterion iv: The ancient city of Derbent and its defence structures
> > are the most significant section of the strategic defence systems
> > designed and built in the Sasanian empire along their northern limes,
> > and maintained during the successive governments until the Russian
> > occupation in the 19th century.
> >
> > ICOMOS, March 2003
> >
> > http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=1070
Aug 9th 2004, 8:10 pm
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: the most ancient structure in russia?
Fascinating evidence and indisputable proof that out Slavic nomadic
ancestors gained their cultural and technological Nou-Hau (knowledge) from
the Ancient Persians themselves!!! Surely our Germanic friends had luck to
purge on Romans, but Romans are no Ancient Persians, thats for sure.
Quote from 1st link:
"Excavations revealed an ancient settlement, which was founded approximately
in the end of 4th - beginning of 3rd milennium BC - that is, five thousand
years ago! On the premises of the now existing citadel they found remains of
construction, numerous artifacts, agricultural implements, and granaries,
which give evidence for the existence here of one of the most ancient
agricultural economies, typical for contemporaneous civilizations of the
Middle East and South-Eastern Europe. Ancient fortifications with traces of
fires and destruction, and Scythian bronze arrow tips found in the
excavations confirm that when Scyths in 8th - 7th centuries BC were on their
Middle East campaign, they already had to assault well fortified Derbent.
Excavations uncovered a mighty fortress with walls of the rough stone, which
was erected at the turn of 8th century BC and with some renovations and
rebuildings existed till the Sassanid rulers came. Thus, Naryn-kala citadel
was built in the 6th century AD on the remains of much more ancient layings.
"
"Igor Sklar" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected] om...
> "Deev" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:<MGTRc.63409$gE.30108@pd7tw3no>...
> > Thank you for this information, very interesting, Any pictures
available?
> http://www.towns.ru/towns/derbent_en.html
> http://www.derbent.ru/photo/displayi...d&cat=2&pos=20
> > "Igor Sklar" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected] om...
> > > PRE-ISLAMIC FORTIFICATIONS OF DERBENT (ANCIENT ALBANA)
> > >
> > > When the Sasanians revived the Persian Empire after the
> > > Hellenistic-Parthian period; their main adversary in the west was the
> > > Roman Empire, and in the north the Nomadic tribes. The problem of the
> > > northern frontier was recognized also by the Romans who even sustained
> > > the Persian efforts to resist potential invasion from that direction.
> > > This fortified limes formed a barrier over the mountains of the
> > > present-day Dagestan, where some 40 km still remain. The site of
> > > Derbent was critical for the boundary, and the walls actually entered
> > > some 500 m into the Caspian Sea to control sea traffic as well. The
> > > defence system continued on the eastern side of the Caspian Sea,
> > > across the Turkeman steppe. A popular reference of this wall is made
> > > to Alexander the Great. In 1937, E.F. Schmidt photographed it from the
> > > air noting that there remained some 170 km. There has also been recent
> > > archaeological work on this site. In any case, the fortifications of
> > > Derbent are the best preserved part of this limes.
> > >
> > > The defence walls are the most outstanding feature of Derbent. They
> > > rise from the Caspian Sea up to the citadel on the mountain, an
> > > overall length of ca 3.6 km. There are two walls (north and south)
> > > running parallel, ca 300-400 m from each other. The city was built
> > > between these walls. The wall then continues over the mountains ca 40
> > > km to the west (mountain wall), as well as extending into the Sea (ca
> > > 500 m), in order to protect the harbour. The north wall still exists
> > > in its full length, while much of the south wall was demolished in the
> > > 19th century. The earliest parts of the walls are in unbaked bricks,
> > > but the main part of the structure (6th century CE) is built in solid
> > > ashlar stone (in average: 100 x 65 x 25 cm) with lime mortar, and a
> > > rubble core. Some of the later construction used smaller stones (ca 30
> > > x 40 cm). The stones are laid face and header side alternately for
> > > better binding. The thickness of the walls varies from 230 cm to 380
> > > cm; the height is about 12 m.
> > >
> > > A total of 73 defence towers were built at regular intervals. The
> > > north wall has 46 towers, ca 70 m from each other. There are several
> > > gates, which are of architectural interest in their design.
> > > Originally, most gates date from the 6th or 7th centuries, but some
> > > have been rebuilt or changed later. There used to be 14 gates, and 9
> > > still remain, 2 in the citadel, 4 in the south wall, and 3 in the
> > > north wall: Narin-Kala-kapi (Mountain Gate), Kali-kapi (Citadel Gate),
> > > Bajat-kapi (Song Masters Gate), Orta-kapi (Middle Gate, upper part
> > > rebuilt in 1812), Dubari-kapi (Double Wall Gate), Dzharchi-kapi
> > > (Messenger Gate, rebuilt in 1811), Kirkhlar-kapi (Gate of Forty,
> > > rebuilt in 17th century), Dash-kapi (Stone Gate, 10-12th centuries).
> > >
> > > The Citadel is situated up on the mountain. It covers an area of ca
> > > 180 m x 280 m (4.5 ha), fairly irregular in shape. The walls of the
> > > citadel are provided by small defence towers distanced 20-30 m from
> > > each other. The most interesting of these is in the south-west corner,
> > > a square tower that serves as a link to the mountain wall. On three
> > > sides, the citadel is defended by steep slopes. Inside the Citadel,
> > > there are a number of historic buildings, though most of them in
> > > ruins.
> > >
> > > Along the southern wall, there is the Khan's Palace, which was an
> > > elaborate building with courtyards, but now partly in ruins. In the
> > > Citadel, there are also the remains of a 5th century Christian church,
> > > subsequently built over when other religions were introduced
> > > (Zoroastrianism, and then Islam). Djuma-mesjid is one of the earliest
> > > mosques in the former USSR. It probably dates from the 8th century,
> > > though renovated or rebuilt in the 14th and 17th centuries. The
> > > madrasah building, in front of the mosque, dates from the 15th
> > > century. Together with an administrative building, the Mosque and
> > > Madrasah form a closed courtyard. The citadel also has bath buildings
> > > and several underground water tanks.
> > >
> > > The Sasanian fortification system could be compared to the Roman limes
> > > (Hadrian's Wall, inscribed in 1987, criteria: ii, iii, iv), as well as
> > > the Great Wall of China (inscribed in 1987, criteria: i, ii, iii, iv,
> > > vi). Even though having a similar function, the Sasanian construction
> > > differs in terms of culture and type of construction. In the case of
> > > Derbent, furthermore, the question is about a gate structure and
> > > related town in a strategic point of north-south communication on the
> > > Caspian Sea. In relation to the other sites, it can be seen to have
> > > different though complementary qualities.
> > >
> > > The Sasanians had strong defences in their towns and villages, and
> > > many of these were retained and re-used in the Islamic period.
> > > Structurally the walls of Derbent can be compared to other Sasanian
> > > constructions, such as those of Takht-e Suleiman in north-western
> > > Iran. It is noted that there exists a comprehensive study of the
> > > fortifications in Iran (published in 1998), as well as a comparative
> > > study by UNESCO of the military architecture in the geo-cultural
> > > region of Central and Southern Asia (1997).
> > >
> > > RECOMMENDATION WITH RESPECT TO INSCRIPTION
> > >
> > > That the nominated property be inscribed on the basis of criteria iii
> > > and iv:
> > >
> > > Criterion iii: The site of the ancient city of Derbent has been
> > > crucial for the control of the north-south passage on the west side of
> > > the Caspian Sea since the 1stmillennium BCE. The defence structures
> > > that were built by the Sasanians in the 5th century CE were in
> > > continuous use by the succeeding Persian, Arabic, Mongol, and Timurid
> > > governments for some 15 centuries.
> > >
> > > Criterion iv: The ancient city of Derbent and its defence structures
> > > are the most significant section of the strategic defence systems
> > > designed and built in the Sasanian empire along their northern limes,
> > > and maintained during the successive governments until the Russian
> > > occupation in the 19th century.
> > >
> > > ICOMOS, March 2003
> > >
> > > http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=1070
ancestors gained their cultural and technological Nou-Hau (knowledge) from
the Ancient Persians themselves!!! Surely our Germanic friends had luck to
purge on Romans, but Romans are no Ancient Persians, thats for sure.
Quote from 1st link:
"Excavations revealed an ancient settlement, which was founded approximately
in the end of 4th - beginning of 3rd milennium BC - that is, five thousand
years ago! On the premises of the now existing citadel they found remains of
construction, numerous artifacts, agricultural implements, and granaries,
which give evidence for the existence here of one of the most ancient
agricultural economies, typical for contemporaneous civilizations of the
Middle East and South-Eastern Europe. Ancient fortifications with traces of
fires and destruction, and Scythian bronze arrow tips found in the
excavations confirm that when Scyths in 8th - 7th centuries BC were on their
Middle East campaign, they already had to assault well fortified Derbent.
Excavations uncovered a mighty fortress with walls of the rough stone, which
was erected at the turn of 8th century BC and with some renovations and
rebuildings existed till the Sassanid rulers came. Thus, Naryn-kala citadel
was built in the 6th century AD on the remains of much more ancient layings.
"
"Igor Sklar" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected] om...
> "Deev" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:<MGTRc.63409$gE.30108@pd7tw3no>...
> > Thank you for this information, very interesting, Any pictures
available?
> http://www.towns.ru/towns/derbent_en.html
> http://www.derbent.ru/photo/displayi...d&cat=2&pos=20
> > "Igor Sklar" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected] om...
> > > PRE-ISLAMIC FORTIFICATIONS OF DERBENT (ANCIENT ALBANA)
> > >
> > > When the Sasanians revived the Persian Empire after the
> > > Hellenistic-Parthian period; their main adversary in the west was the
> > > Roman Empire, and in the north the Nomadic tribes. The problem of the
> > > northern frontier was recognized also by the Romans who even sustained
> > > the Persian efforts to resist potential invasion from that direction.
> > > This fortified limes formed a barrier over the mountains of the
> > > present-day Dagestan, where some 40 km still remain. The site of
> > > Derbent was critical for the boundary, and the walls actually entered
> > > some 500 m into the Caspian Sea to control sea traffic as well. The
> > > defence system continued on the eastern side of the Caspian Sea,
> > > across the Turkeman steppe. A popular reference of this wall is made
> > > to Alexander the Great. In 1937, E.F. Schmidt photographed it from the
> > > air noting that there remained some 170 km. There has also been recent
> > > archaeological work on this site. In any case, the fortifications of
> > > Derbent are the best preserved part of this limes.
> > >
> > > The defence walls are the most outstanding feature of Derbent. They
> > > rise from the Caspian Sea up to the citadel on the mountain, an
> > > overall length of ca 3.6 km. There are two walls (north and south)
> > > running parallel, ca 300-400 m from each other. The city was built
> > > between these walls. The wall then continues over the mountains ca 40
> > > km to the west (mountain wall), as well as extending into the Sea (ca
> > > 500 m), in order to protect the harbour. The north wall still exists
> > > in its full length, while much of the south wall was demolished in the
> > > 19th century. The earliest parts of the walls are in unbaked bricks,
> > > but the main part of the structure (6th century CE) is built in solid
> > > ashlar stone (in average: 100 x 65 x 25 cm) with lime mortar, and a
> > > rubble core. Some of the later construction used smaller stones (ca 30
> > > x 40 cm). The stones are laid face and header side alternately for
> > > better binding. The thickness of the walls varies from 230 cm to 380
> > > cm; the height is about 12 m.
> > >
> > > A total of 73 defence towers were built at regular intervals. The
> > > north wall has 46 towers, ca 70 m from each other. There are several
> > > gates, which are of architectural interest in their design.
> > > Originally, most gates date from the 6th or 7th centuries, but some
> > > have been rebuilt or changed later. There used to be 14 gates, and 9
> > > still remain, 2 in the citadel, 4 in the south wall, and 3 in the
> > > north wall: Narin-Kala-kapi (Mountain Gate), Kali-kapi (Citadel Gate),
> > > Bajat-kapi (Song Masters Gate), Orta-kapi (Middle Gate, upper part
> > > rebuilt in 1812), Dubari-kapi (Double Wall Gate), Dzharchi-kapi
> > > (Messenger Gate, rebuilt in 1811), Kirkhlar-kapi (Gate of Forty,
> > > rebuilt in 17th century), Dash-kapi (Stone Gate, 10-12th centuries).
> > >
> > > The Citadel is situated up on the mountain. It covers an area of ca
> > > 180 m x 280 m (4.5 ha), fairly irregular in shape. The walls of the
> > > citadel are provided by small defence towers distanced 20-30 m from
> > > each other. The most interesting of these is in the south-west corner,
> > > a square tower that serves as a link to the mountain wall. On three
> > > sides, the citadel is defended by steep slopes. Inside the Citadel,
> > > there are a number of historic buildings, though most of them in
> > > ruins.
> > >
> > > Along the southern wall, there is the Khan's Palace, which was an
> > > elaborate building with courtyards, but now partly in ruins. In the
> > > Citadel, there are also the remains of a 5th century Christian church,
> > > subsequently built over when other religions were introduced
> > > (Zoroastrianism, and then Islam). Djuma-mesjid is one of the earliest
> > > mosques in the former USSR. It probably dates from the 8th century,
> > > though renovated or rebuilt in the 14th and 17th centuries. The
> > > madrasah building, in front of the mosque, dates from the 15th
> > > century. Together with an administrative building, the Mosque and
> > > Madrasah form a closed courtyard. The citadel also has bath buildings
> > > and several underground water tanks.
> > >
> > > The Sasanian fortification system could be compared to the Roman limes
> > > (Hadrian's Wall, inscribed in 1987, criteria: ii, iii, iv), as well as
> > > the Great Wall of China (inscribed in 1987, criteria: i, ii, iii, iv,
> > > vi). Even though having a similar function, the Sasanian construction
> > > differs in terms of culture and type of construction. In the case of
> > > Derbent, furthermore, the question is about a gate structure and
> > > related town in a strategic point of north-south communication on the
> > > Caspian Sea. In relation to the other sites, it can be seen to have
> > > different though complementary qualities.
> > >
> > > The Sasanians had strong defences in their towns and villages, and
> > > many of these were retained and re-used in the Islamic period.
> > > Structurally the walls of Derbent can be compared to other Sasanian
> > > constructions, such as those of Takht-e Suleiman in north-western
> > > Iran. It is noted that there exists a comprehensive study of the
> > > fortifications in Iran (published in 1998), as well as a comparative
> > > study by UNESCO of the military architecture in the geo-cultural
> > > region of Central and Southern Asia (1997).
> > >
> > > RECOMMENDATION WITH RESPECT TO INSCRIPTION
> > >
> > > That the nominated property be inscribed on the basis of criteria iii
> > > and iv:
> > >
> > > Criterion iii: The site of the ancient city of Derbent has been
> > > crucial for the control of the north-south passage on the west side of
> > > the Caspian Sea since the 1stmillennium BCE. The defence structures
> > > that were built by the Sasanians in the 5th century CE were in
> > > continuous use by the succeeding Persian, Arabic, Mongol, and Timurid
> > > governments for some 15 centuries.
> > >
> > > Criterion iv: The ancient city of Derbent and its defence structures
> > > are the most significant section of the strategic defence systems
> > > designed and built in the Sasanian empire along their northern limes,
> > > and maintained during the successive governments until the Russian
> > > occupation in the 19th century.
> > >
> > > ICOMOS, March 2003
> > >
> > > http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=1070
