Bakhchysarai Raion, Administrative district in Crimea.
Bakhchysarai Raion is an administrative district in Crimea characterized by mountains, plains near the coast, and ancient cave settlements scattered across the landscape. The area contains several significant archaeological sites, including the cave cities of Chufut-Kale, Eski Kermen, and Mangup, which show traces of medieval life carved into the cliffs.
The district was established as an administrative unit in 1923 following major reorganization efforts during the early Soviet period in Crimea. Its boundaries and structure have shifted several times since then, reflecting the complex political changes the region has experienced.
The district is home to medieval cave cities such as Chufut-Kale and Eski Kermen, where you can see remnants of how people built their settlements into the cliffs. Walking through these ruins gives you a sense of the daily life that unfolded in these rock-carved communities centuries ago.
The main sites are reachable by road, though mountainous areas may involve steeper paths and uneven terrain. Plan for extra time since the main attractions, such as the cave cities, are spread across the district rather than in one location.
The district is home to the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory, a scientific research facility equipped for astronomical observations and space programs. This institution often goes unnoticed by visitors, yet it conducts important research activities in the field of space science.
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