1. The Fortress Naryn-Kala
The nature reserves in the world. The protected areas of their native land.
The Fortress Naryn-Kala
Aliev Marat

2. Derbent fortress: history and attractions
Derbent is the most ancient city in the Russian Federation. It lies in Dagestan, on the Caspian sea. It is not known the exact date of the founding of the city, but historians suggest that his age - not less than 5 thousand years. The main attraction of the village is the Derbent fortress.

3. The strategic purpose of the complex
Fortress in the vicinity of Derbent was built to protect the peoples who inhabited Western Asia and the Caucasus, from the destructive invasions of the Northern nomads. It is a massive defensive complex composed of urban, sea, mountain walls and the Naryn-Kala (the citadel). The ancient buildings were built during the reign of Sassanid dynasty. By its power they are not inferior to the great wall of China. The city had not the most advantageous strategic position and was vulnerable from the Caucasus mountains and the sea, so the local population has paid special attention to its strengthening. The massive wall that surrounded the settlement on all sides, have become a reliable protection from invaders.

4. The theory of the origin of sights
Historians have not been able to find out who built the Derbent fortress. For this reason there are many legends. One legend says that the founders of the city and the fortress was a fire-breathing giants that inhabited these lands before the advent of humanity. There is another version of the appearance of the Derbent fortress and around it. According to her, the founder of the ancient city was Alexander the great. The great commander ordered to construct between the mountains and the sea an impenetrable wall, crowned with her towers and install iron gates to outsiders was not able to get here. Many historians this version of the origin of the complex of fortifications is considered a legend as Alexander the great was never on the described lands. But the fact of the existence of different versions of the appearance of a defensive complex is evidence of its importance in the lives of southerners.

5. Gate
In the walls of the fortress defense system was some small, but very strong gate, through which in ancient times was accessible in Derbent. They not only defended the city but was also its decoration. The gates were opened for guests, allies and merchants. The entrances were located in different parts of the fortress. They still preserved the rich decor, which can be seen how beautiful they were in ancient times. Door, looking to the North, where in Derbent could come with hostile nomads, looked massive and intimidating. In contrast, the southern entrance to the city was elegant and solemn. Today it is difficult to establish the exact number of gates, as not all of them survived.

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