What secrets does Tarhankut keep?

In a sparsely populated part of the Crimea peninsula there is a picturesque place, unlike other. This is Cape Tarkhankut. On the map of the peninsula it can be found in the western part. At different times the cape attracted the attention of scientists, archeologists, artists and even directors. This place is full of natural and historical riddles, and Cape Tarhankut rarely reveals its secrets to the townsfolk.

From the Turkic "Tarkhan" is translated as "exempt from the tax" or "elected." Until the end of the XVII century in the territory of the Crimean Khanate were circulated tarkhan acts, according to which the inhabitants of a particular village were exempted from paying taxes.

Geography of Cape Tarhankut

The peninsula, and in particular the cape, attracts scientists-geologists with their significant geological past. About two hundred million years ago, the cape was the bottom of a prehistoric now extinct ocean. In confirmation of this, fossilized sea urchins, shells and various bones of sea animals-ancient inhabitants of oceanic depths-were discovered in the surface faults. Reaching a hundred and eighty meters above sea level, the cape is a hilly plain towering over the sea, originating in the depths of the peninsula and ending with rocky cliffs of white limestone with many grottoes, arches and gorges. Although the climate of the peninsula has changed several times, today it is clearly a steppe climate with dry air in summer and wet in winter. Roast, even burning, the sun can warm the crystal clear water to 28 degrees. Sometimes the water temperature reaches only 10 degrees, the reason for this - the cold current. The season of cold currents usually occurs in the middle or end of July. The holiday season opens in early June. In winter there are severe frosts, accompanied by high humidity and strong winds from the sea. The waters of the coast are teeming with valuable fish species - these are varieties of sturgeon and mullet.

History of the settlement of the peninsula

Information about the first settlers belong to the third millennium BC. Cape Tarkhankut was chosen at one time by the Scythians, because the peninsula is strewn with Scythian burial mounds. Like the entire coast of the Crimean peninsula, this area by the end of the first millennium consisted of ancient Greek colonies. At all times, sailors are very appreciated the narrow bay, perfectly suitable for the development of trade and contributing to the prosperity of the city.

Archaeological excavations

For a long time, archaeologists are digging in the territory of the Tarkhankut peninsula, and there is no limit to new discoveries. Significant results were brought to the excavations of Belyaus, a Scythian settlement dating back to the fourth century BC. E. But the Karadzhi ancient settlement (the village of Olenevka, Cape Tarhankut) saw the raids of Cimmerians, Huns, Scythians, Greeks, Khazars and many other conquerors and robbers. Also excavations were carried out at the Pansky settlement (Yarylchagskaya bay). But the largest scale had excavations of the Greek city of Kalos, after which the museum was opened, exhibiting about five thousand exhibits (pythos and amphoras, ornaments and ceramics with elements of Greek patterns). In general, along the entire coast, more than ten settlements were discovered and excavated.

Cape Attractions

In addition to archaeological excavations and a museum, Cape Tarkhankut is famous for its special object - a 42-meter lighthouse. The construction of the lighthouse began in 1816. The walls, which had withstood numerous winds and under the influence of other natural conditions, were built of Inkerman limestone. For all time there were only cosmetic repairs. At the moment the building of the lighthouse is used as an exhibition hall for the exposition of old anchors of sunken ships found by divers.

The sea depths surrounding the cape beckon many divers with their underwater world. Water stores the secrets of sunken ships and underwater caves. It is not excluded that the underwater grottoes conceal the treasures of the pirates who once visited the sheltered bay. Also under water is a unique museum of monuments of communist leaders, and exhibits for this museum are brought by tourists from all corners of the CIS countries. In support of the development of diving in this area, diving clubs are created, providing equipment and support for immersion in the waters of the Black Sea.

Cape Tarkhankut - a holiday that you will never forget!

The path to the village of Olenevka, located on Cape Tarkhankut, is hampered by the lack of direct highways, and this place is not included in the list of tourist routes that are very popular. Orientation for the traveler should be the village of Olenevka or the Black Sea. The easiest way to get there is by car, since traveling by train or bus involves a lot of transplants. For fans of extreme recreation and diving, the already mentioned diving clubs and camping grounds operate. And for a more peaceful trip there is almost thirty-kilometer beach area with boarding houses and mini-hotels.