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RussiaWhat to Expect and Is It Worth Visiting
Gimrin Tower or Imam Shamil Tower is a historical and cultural monument associated with the name of Imam Shamil, the legendary leader of the highlanders in the Caucasian war of the XIX century. Although the tower itself is not particularly spectacular as a landmark, for residents of Dagestan it is an important symbol of the struggle for freedom and faith. And, of course, many legends and stories are connected with it, which we will tell you about later. But first, a little practical and useful information:
What you will see today on the site of the old real tower is a new model built in 1997. Unfortunately, the original tower was completely destroyed, only the foundation remained. The tower has loopholes and an observation deck at the very top, and it looks like it has been destroyed, but there is nothing inside. Nearby there is a cemetery, the place of death of the first imam of Dagestan Gazi-Muhammad with a memorial plaque (he died defending the tower), information stands.
You will be able to climb to the very top of the platform, from there there are views of the road and the gorge. You can also walk to the place with a memorial plaque. But in general, most tourists have more than 5 minutes to do here, so we will not advise them to come here specifically from the resorts. But if you will pass by during the excursion or on your own, then be sure to make a stop.
And now a little history:
The tower was built in 1830 to resist the Russian troops from capturing Gimry village during the Caucasian War. The construction was carried out by order of the first imam of Dagestan, Gazi-Muhammad.
Among his murids (students) was then still a young Imam Shamil, and it is believed that it was from this tower that his military glory began. In 1832, Russian troops led by Baron G. V. Rosen approached Gimry aul and began an assault. Although the highlanders fought selflessly, they could not resist the onslaught. Fortification and aul were taken, Imam Gazi-Muhammad was killed in battle along with other fighters, but young Shamil was one of the few who managed to escape.
They say that Shamil moved from the top of this very tower to the nearest rock, making an inhuman leap, and disappeared into the mountains. And that he was the only one who survived the battle. But the historical version says that he was far from the only one who survived. And that he jumped not from the top of the tower, but from the sakli (a traditional stone building that could be used as a dwelling or utility room) on the slope of the cliff.
But whatever version is true, there is no doubt that it was an amazing act. Here is what the officer of the Erivan regiment A. F. Rukevich later wrote in his memoirs:
After stubborn resistance, the tower was taken by our troops, and all the defenders, along with the Kazi-Mullah himself, were killed, but one, almost a young man, pressed against the wall with a sapper bayonet, stabbed a soldier with a dagger, then pulled the bayonet out of his wound, jumped over the corpses and jumped into the abyss yawning near the tower. It happened in front of the whole squad. Baron Rosen, when he was informed about this, said:
– Well, this boy will make trouble for us over time...
🕐 Working hours
Around the clock.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket price
Free of charge.
🚶 How to get there
The Gimrinsky tower of Imam Shamil is located 70 kilometers from Makhachkala and 180 from Derbent (Tower on the map). If you drive from Makhachkala to Hunzakh, Gunib, to the Irganai reservoir or towards Chechnya through Lake Kezenoy-Am, then in any case you will pass by the tower. If your route to these places goes from Kaspiysk, Izberbash or Derbent, then the navigator will offer you another way through Levashi bypassing the tower. Therefore, if you want to see it, you need to specify the passage through the tower as an intermediate point. On the way you will pass through another interesting attraction - Gimrin tunnel.
💥 We remind you that it is much more interesting to get acquainted with the sights of Dagestan with the help of excursions, and therefore we advise you to look at online booking options on these proven search and price comparison sites: