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Bakhchysarai Khan's Palace

Bakhchysarai Khan's Palace (Hansarai) is the principal residence of the rulers of the Crimean Khanate (from the first half of the 16th to the end of the 18th century), the only surviving example of Crimean Tatar palace architecture in the world and the only palace complex of the Chingizid dynasty. The palace complex is the main religious, historical and cultural shrine and a symbol of the statehood of the Crimean Tatar people.

Overview

Khan Sahib I Giray is considered the founder of the Khan's residence in Bakhchysarai; construction began in 1532–1533. The oldest surviving structures of the architectural ensemble are the Renaissance Portal by Alevizo de Montagnano (created in 1503), the "Sary-Gyuzel" baths (1533), and the Great Khan Mosque (1532).

The walls, portals and interiors of the Bakhchysarai Palace are adorned with images of the Tarak-Tamga — the dynastic symbol of the Giray dynasty, established by the first Khan, Hajji I Giray. The palace complex is of unique significance as a world monument of the Muslim and Crimean Tatar architectural tradition and is inscribed on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage.

After the occupation of the Crimean Peninsula by the russian federation in 2014, the occupation administration launched the so-called "restoration works", which caused the destruction and barbaric rebuilding of the authentic structures of the Khan's Palace, provoking protests by Crimean activists, an expert assessment by ICCROM, and a response from international organizations (in particular UNESCO).

Key Details / Subtopics

  • State of the approach and the reserve in 1954: A commission of the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions (VTsSPS) recorded the neglected state of Lenin Street, which led to the Khan's Palace and Chufut-Kale, as well as the lack of proper protection of the surrounding monuments.

  • Symbolic significance and the tarak-tamga: The palace enshrined the state heraldry of the Giray dynasty — the Tarak-Tamga. After the deportation of 1944, Hansarai remained the main material symbol of the origin and development of Crimean Tatar statehood.

  • Barbaric "restoration" during the russian occupation (since 2014):
  • The works were carried out by the customer (the "Republican Committee for Cultural Heritage"), the general contractor (the ATTA-Group company), and the subcontractor (Kiramet LLC).
  • Instead of scientific restoration, a decision was made to completely dismantle the roof of the Great Khan Mosque using heavy construction machinery and jackhammers.
  • Loss of authentic elements and technologies:
  • The authentic beam ceiling system, ceilings, and the hipped (tent) roof of the Great Khan Mosque were completely lost.
  • The ancient handcrafted "tatarka" spoon tile was replaced with Spanish factory-produced tile.
  • Building deformations and failure to comply with protection conditions:
  • Cracks appeared on the walls, stained-glass windows, gravestones of the Khan's cemetery, and the Eastern Minaret.
  • International outcry and UNESCO:
  • Reports by UNESCO and ICCROM experts on the deteriorating state of heritage preservation in annexed Crimea.

Contradictions and Open Questions

  • Scientific restoration vs. illegal construction: The occupation authorities declare the implementation of a "comprehensive restoration", while experts confirm the irreversible loss of the monument's authenticity.