The Russians have begun illegal excavations of the cave city of Bakla in Crimea

The occupiers have begun illegal archaeological excavations at the “Bakla Cave City” cultural heritage site in the temporarily occupied Crimea. Unique artifacts dating from the 10th to 13th centuries have already been removed from the western part of the complex.

This was reported by the Crimean Tatar Resource Center. 

So-called “scientists” from Sevastopol University have been enlisted in this looting expedition. They are currently investigating the western part of the complex at two locations. On the territory of Bakla, researchers are documenting stone quarters, streets carved into the rock, and structures with columns. 

According to the occupiers, the excavations have already uncovered a stone wall of a 10th–13th-century citadel, an iron lock with a key, a large cross, and a ceramic prosphora stamp. The finds are scheduled to be transferred to the occupation-run Bakhchisaray Museum-Reserve.

No systematic research on the site has been conducted for over 40 years.

In total, 10 illegal archaeological expeditions were conducted in Crimea this summer in various regions of the peninsula, including the Kerch Peninsula, the southern coast of Crimea, Solkhat, and the territory of Chersonesos. 

Earlier in Washington, the Russian Embassy opened a photo exhibition titled “Crimean Gold: ‘Civilized’ Europe Plunders Russian Treasures.” At the event, the Russians are spreading propaganda narratives and attempting to portray Crimean archaeological artifacts as Russian. 

Юлія Калабайда