In the south of Russia, in the mountains of the northern Caucasus, on the banks of the Terek River, there is a land with a centuries-old history and culture, a land with its own customs and traditions, a land where strong-minded men and modest women are valued - this is the Chechen Republic. It is hard to believe that there was a war here just recently. Now the republic, under the leadership of President Ramzan Kadyrov, is rapidly recovering, developing and flourishing.
The capital of the Chechen Republic is the city of Grozny.
Terrible, almost completely destroyed during the war, practically rose from the ashes, like the Phoenix bird. Now this city is considered the pearl of the North Caucasus - clean, beautiful, modern. Old streets and houses have been restored, which gives the city a special comfort. Many new buildings have been built - high-rise buildings, business centers, office buildings, residential buildings. Construction does not stop for a single day. Many new schools and universities have been opened. The roads in Grozny are of excellent quality. In terms of cleanliness and well-groomed, Grozny is more like a European city. There are many cafes, bars and restaurants - for every taste and income. Everywhere you will be perfectly served and very tasty food.
The main attraction of the city is the "Heart of Chechnya" mosque named after Akhmat Kadyrov. It is considered one of the largest in Europe and in the world. The opening of the mosque took place in 2008.
The mosque is located in the center of the city, on the banks of the Sunzha River, surrounded by a picturesque park (area of 14 hectares) with fountains, alleys and places for recreation. The "Heart of Chechnya" mosque is part of the Islamic complex, where, in addition to it, there is also the Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of the Chechen Republic and the Russian Islamic University. The mosque was built in the classical Ottoman style. Has a three-level backlight. The central hall of the mosque is crowned with a huge dome over 30 meters high and 16 meters in diameter. There are 4 minarets around the main building. The height of each is 63 meters. Both inside and outside the mosque is decorated with marble. The mosque has a capacity of over 10 thousand people. The same number of people can pray in the summer gallery and in the squares adjacent to the mosque. The art and sophistication of the interior decoration of the mosque cannot be conveyed in words - the best masters from Turkey tried. The beauty and majesty of the mosque accurately explains its name - "Heart of Chechnya".
Immediately behind the mosque is Grozny City - a complex of seven high-rise buildings. Residential buildings, a hotel, a business center and restaurants are located here.
In 2010, a memorial complex "Walk of Fame" was opened in the city - it is dedicated to all soldiers - heroes. The opening was timed to the 65th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. On the territory of the complex there is a Museum of A. Kadyrov - the first President of the Republic, a monument dedicated to Movlid Visaitov - a hero of the USSR, a monument to the hero of Chechnya - Matash Mazayev. There is also a tank from the time of the Great Patriotic War, proudly towering on a pedestal. Also on the territory of the "Walk of Fame" you can see more than 40 bas-reliefs created by famous sculptors.
There are many parks and squares in Grozny, in which both residents and guests of the city like to relax. One of these places is the Journalists' Square. It was opened in 2007 and is dedicated to the memory of the dead journalists. The park has over 500 trees, many shrubs and, of course, flowers. At the entrance to the square, you will see a stele with an inscription and a flowerbed clock. On the main alley there are comfortable benches for resting, street cafes are located to the left and right of the alley.
And this is only a small part of what can be said about Grozny. Just take a walk around the city, feel the atmosphere, be surprised and rejoice at how quickly and successfully the city is developing.
In addition to its cities, the Chechen Republic attracts with the beauty of its nature. Among the natural attractions, I advise you to visit:
Argun reserve and Argun gorge
Andean ridge and Lake Kezenoy - Am
Argun and Gekhi waterfalls
Vedensky, Shatoisky and Shalinsky reserves
The Terek and Sunzha rivers
Mountains Tebulosmta (4493 m), Diklosmta (4285 m), Komito (4262 m), Donosmta (4174 m) and Maistismta (4082 m)
From the historical sights in the Chechen Republic, you can see:
Dera watchtower
The most ancient tower of the Chechen Republic, miraculously preserved to this day. It was built in the XII century as a military structure. The height of the tower is about 23 meters, the uppermost tier served as an observation point, from here an excellent view of the mountain gorge opens up. The inside of the tower was reconstructed.
Ushkaloi watchtowers
The construction of the towers dates back to the Xl-Xll centuries. The towers are located in the narrowest part of the Argun gorge. The towers are four-storey, 12 meters high. There are three versions about the purpose of the Ushkaloi towers: the first - the towers were built as military ones and served to guard the road, the second - the towers were customs, stood on the border of the territories and they were charged for crossing. The third version - there used to be a tradition to build towers, and this served as an indicator of the nobility of the family. Unfortunately, to this day, the towers have not survived in their original form. They are now fully restored.
The ancient city of Hoi
The name of the ancient city of Hoi can be translated as "Guards Settlement". The settlement is believed to be over 1000 years old. There used to be a guard fortress on this place. The ancient city is located on the edge of a mountain abyss, far below, along the bottom of the gorge, the mountain river Ansalta flows. Earlier, on the opposite edge of the gorge, there was also a watchtower, but, unfortunately, now nothing is left of it.
The ancient city of Tsoi - Pede
Among the high mountains, on a cliff, is the famous city of the dead - Tsoi-Pede, translated as "Settlement of the deity." The City of the Dead is one of the largest necropolises in the Caucasus. The exact date of the appearance of the burial structure is not known; from about the 5th century to the 15th century, burials were carried out here. On the territory of the city of the dead, there are two towers and 42 crypts.
These are far from all natural and historical objects of the Chechen Republic. By visiting this region, you will discover a lot of new and interesting things. You will be able to get to know this proud and hospitable people better, hear many legends, taste delicious local cuisine, and you will have enough impressions from the breathtaking beauty of nature for a long time!
