Tourists should be prohibited from visiting the city of the dead, according to North Ossetians.
In the heart of North Ossetia, locals are pleading for the Daragavs mountain village's ancient necropolis to be off-limits to tourists, as insensitive visitors have been treating this sacred place with disregard. A recent video circulating online, with comments like, "It's fine either way, you'll still die," highlighted the matter dramatically.
Fed up with disrespectful behavior, the locals want tour guides to educate visitors on proper conduct during tours, or they're even open to restricting access altogether. Following a wave of public outrage, the blogger responsible for the offensive video closed her profile. The residents had previously called for protecting the necropolis from souvenir hunters, who took bones from the crypts and snapped selfies with remains.
The Daragavs necropolis, dating back 600-700 years, is the largest on the North Caucasus and has housed around 10,000 people. Built from rough stones and containing 95 crypts, this historical site is a striking testament to the area's past.
Echoing similar concerns, authorities in the Tuapse district of Kuban are alarmed over the destruction of an ancient dolmen by tourists. This monument, nearly 3-5 thousand years old, represents another priceless piece of our cultural heritage teetering on the edge of oblivion.
So, as we meander through the historic environment of North Ossetia, let's remember that these architectural wonders, like our very own Vladikavkaz, hold immense cultural and historical value, and require our utmost respect. Treat them as we would treat their deceased inhabitants - with reverence and dignity.
Locals in Daragavs village propose that tour guides should educate visitors on proper conduct to minimize disrespect towards the ancient necropolis, which might even lead to restricting access due to continued insensitivity. In the neighboring Tuapse district of Kuban, authorities are similarly alarmed over the destruction of an ancient dolmen, another architectural marvel teetering on the brink of oblivion, much like the Daragavs necropolis, a heartfelt reminder of the region's rich history and lifestyle.
