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Tash-Dzharhan (Tract and Mountain)

Tash-Dzharhan (from Crimean Tatar — "split stone") is a mountain tract and mountain on the outskirts of Simferopol (between the Fontany microdistrict and the village of Malynivka). It is known for its picturesque rocky landscapes, untouched nature, as well as a remarkable geological and archaeological site — the through cave Teshkli-Koba ("Holey Cave").

Overview

The Tash-Dzharhan tract is located near the southwestern outskirts of Simferopol. The route to it runs from the Fontany microdistrict past a pond with a limestone bottom and an asphalted dam, along Kholodna Balka (Cold Ravine) covered with coniferous forest, and further across the plateau to the southern slope with a view of the Crimean Mountain Range.

The outline of the tract is formed by steep, weathered cliffs that give it a recognizable and unique shape. Thanks to its relative unpopularity among mass tourists, the nature of Tash-Dzharhan has remained almost untouched. On the southern side, the tract borders a dense forested massif through which a trail leads to the village of Malynivka.

Key Details / Subtopics

  • Toponymy and geography:
  • The name of the tract comes from the Crimean Tatar language (taş cerğan) and translates as "split stone".
  • The landscape combines rocky outcrops, a plateau, coniferous tree plantations (including evergreen spruces in Kholodna Balka) and natural meadows.
  • Nearby there is a pond with limestone banks and boulders, which is used for fishing and for grazing livestock by local residents.
  • Flora:
  • On the slopes and the plateau of Tash-Dzharhan grow dogwood shrubs, adonis with bright-yellow flowers, and wild Crimean peonies.
  • History and archaeology:
  • In ancient times, settlements of the Scythians and Tauri were located on the territory of the tract.
  • During archaeological research in Tash-Dzharhan, ancient Tauri burial grounds with interments were discovered.
  • The Teshkli-Koba Cave ("Holey Cave"):
  • The most famous site of the tract is the Teshkli-Koba Cave (from Crimean Tatar — "holey cave").
  • Its main feature is a huge natural through opening (funnel) in the ceiling of the cave that opens out onto the surface of the plateau.
  • According to local legend, the Tauri used this natural funnel to perform sacrifices.
  • Mysterious Tash-Dzharhan — a local-history article by Yeva Khvylia in the newspaper "Krymska svitlytsia" (2018, issue No. 6); the primary source.
  • Simferopol — the Tash-Dzharhan tract is located near the southwestern outskirts of the city of Simferopol (the Fontany microdistrict).
  • Cave Cities of Crimea — the general speleological and heritage-studies context of the mountain caves and cave cities of Crimea.
  • Turkic Toponymy of Crimea — the etymology and semantics of Turkic names in Crimea (Tash-Dzharhan, Teshkli-Koba).