In 2017, as a result of such works, instead of the authentic tiles of the Khan’s Mosque, the roof was covered with modern material, which distorted the appearance of the whole monument. Wooden beams were replaced by metal fittings, which put too much strain on the walls of the building, and they have covered with cracks.
Crimean so-called “authorities” believe that all activities have been carried out at a high level and of high quality and continue to finance the “restoration” of new facilities on the territory of the palace. This year the turn came to the khan’s bath and tomb rotunda.
The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has recognized 175 cultural heritage sites on the peninsula as monuments of national importance. Most of the buildings of the Khan’s Palace are in this list.
From a legal point of view – this is a major breakthrough, because now the next “roof replacement” is not just about the destruction of some “lesser-known” monument, but the destruction of the country’s national cultural heritage. From this perspective – there is a large opportunity to protect Crimean monuments on international platforms, and in international courts.
In the international arena, a key event was Ukraine’s ratification of the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. Experts believe that The Hague Protocol is one of the most effective international instruments for the protection of Crimea’s cultural heritage.
“The Khan’s Palace in Bakhchisaray is in a potential addition to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. There were no appeals to Ukraine from the Russian Federation, as from an occupying power, to obtain permission to carry out any work near the ancient monument. And Russia’s current activities pose a real threat of destroying the historical and cultural value of the monument, and it is a sign of criminal actions. Now it is actually about destroying the authentic preserved elements of the unique building”, – commented the First Deputy Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Darya Svyrydova.
She also mentioned that in 2018 the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol opened a criminal case on the fact of illegal destruction and damage to the Khan’s Palace. Ukrainian law enforcement officers are conducting systematic work to establish evidence and persons, who are committing illegal actions to destroy the Khan’s Palace and other cultural heritage sites in the occupied territories.
“Persons who are involved in such crimes must understand that their illegal actions are recorded and sooner or later they will be brought to justice”, – Darya Svyrydova added.
Now not only the Khan’s Palace, but also the Vorontsov Palace in Alupka, House of Maximilian Voloshin in Koktebel, the Dintser House in Simferopol and the Kerch Fortress are under threat of “restoration”.
Details: Materials by ZMINA. Human Rights Center – https://zmina.info/…/molotkom-y-zubylom-po-kr%d1…/