Kurtatinski Askerleri Anıtı

The Kurtatinski Askerleri Anıtı is a military memorial located in Kurtat Gorge in North Ossetia-Alania, Russia. The centerpiece is a sculpture depicting a horse mourning its fallen rider, standing out prominently against the mountainous landscape of the Caucasus.

The memorial was unveiled in 1971 and honors soldiers from Kurtat Gorge who died during the Second World War between 1941 and 1945. That conflict, known as the Great Patriotic War, left a lasting impact on the region and its people.

The sculpture uses a horse as its central image, which holds deep meaning in Ossetian culture as a symbol of loyalty and remembrance. Local communities gather here to honor those lost and to celebrate their heritage through ceremonies and readings.

The memorial sits near the road by Upper Fiagdon village, making it straightforward to visit while exploring the gorge. The mountain setting means weather can shift quickly, so sturdy shoes and layers are helpful for a comfortable visit.

The artist Daurbek Tsoraev chose to express grief through the eyes of a horse rather than a human figure, creating a powerful and immediately recognizable image from a distance. This approach makes the memorial stand out among typical war monuments.