The fact that Dagestan Derbent is the most ancient city on the territory of the Russian Federation does not raise any doubts, because the facts testify to this, but disputes arise due to the fact that some scientists do not want to consider this city as Russian. Indeed, in those days when it was founded, there was no Russia, nor even the Russian Empire. However, UNESCO came to the conclusion that Dagestan Derbent is the oldest city in Russia. And in 2012 this fact was confirmed not only by Russians, but also by representatives of other countries, when, as part of the All-Russian program “Trees - Living Monuments of Nature”, Derbent plane trees were recognized as wildlife monuments and taken under protection. According to scientists, their age is several centuries.
The history of ancient Derband
The most ancient city of Russia - Derbent, was founded many years before the birth of Christ. The first settlements in this area appeared over 2600 years ago. The ancient Greek historian and geographer Hekatei of Miletus nicknamed this place the Caspian Gate. The most ancient Russian city in Persian was called Derband - Narrow Gate, because it was located in the corresponding mountain passage (Dagestan corridor) between the Caucasus foothills on the western coast of the Caspian Sea. In ancient times, Derbent lay on the Great Silk Road and was an important strategic object. Because of him, many battles and battles were fought. Today, the ruins of an ancient city are preserved on the territory of Derbent. The museum-reserve includes a whole complex of stone buildings of the 6th century. BC e., the simplest water supply system, baths, the Persian fortress of Naryn-kala, and the length of the fortress wall is over 40 km. The museum also houses the Juma Mosque - the oldest Muslim shrine in the territory of not only Russia, but also the CIS. Therefore, UNESCO believes that the place, which in the past was called Derband, is the oldest city in Russia, because Dagestan is the administrative unit of the Russian Federation. Therefore, the city is located on the territory of the Russian Federation and is Russian.
The historical value of Derbent
Despite all this, the city is not yet the largest tourist center. Although there is hope that after the international organization recognized its historical value, flows of tourists from all over Russia and the world will rush to the oldest city in Russia - Derbent.
Over the centuries, art, science and craft have developed in Derbent. The historical museum of the city contains many preserved household items and artworks belonging to local craftsmen. The stone buildings themselves with interesting architecture, strong fortified walls that could withstand the onslaught of enemy hordes, speak of the power of the city.
The most ancient cities of Russia
Other ancient cities on the territory of the Russian Federation are Veliky Novgorod, Murom, Uglich, Rostov-Veliky, Belozersk, etc.
Of course, Veliky Novgorod is an original Russian city, but compared to Derbent it is very young. Novgorod began its chronology from 859, long before Russia converted to Christianity. Naturally, initially in the city there were no churches with golden domes, which modern Novgorod is so proud of. After Prince Vladimir christened the Russian people, the 13-headed wooden church of St. Sophia the Wise was built in Novgorod. Later, the city became the spiritual center of all of Russia. Many analysts believe that the oldest city in Russia is not Derbent, but Veliky Novgorod - one of the most Russian and ancient in Russia.