Museum ex-head: Face breach on the Khan’s Palace mosque could lead to a collapse

The Khan’s Palace restoration in Bakhchisaray led to irreversible consequences, which could entail the monument destruction of universal historical and cultural significance.

Being indifferent to the monument fate journalists and Crimean Tatars wrote about the collapse threat of some elements in the buildings of the palace complex. However, the invaders continue the restoration work in the Khan's palace, and one of the constructor’s actions has already led to irreversible consequences.

The Bakhchisaray Historical and Cultural Reserve ex-head Elmira Ablyalimova wrote on Facebook about the face crack on the Great Khan’s Mosque because of too heavy structures installed during the restoration work. This breach can lead to the wall collapse and, probably, has already caused damage to the stained glass.

«The cracks were occurred there because of the reinforced belt and rafter weight. Therefore, stained glass windows were broken too! I am sure that the reserve administration and the contractors know about this. That’s why the mosque face are carefully hung! We are waiting for a disaster, the face collapse! These walls are more than 500 years old! They were not destroyed neither by war, nor by time ... but people destroy them and it’s their absolute stupidity!» said Ablyalimova.

As to Elmira Ablyalimova, most likely, the museum administration did not conduct a foundation analysis. Although the experts warned that the modern design construction could significantly increase pressure on the walls, at the initial stages of the restoration work.

«The crack is already very serious. We talked about this and warned that this reinforcement and concrete plus new beams will significantly increase the pressure on the walls. The foundation was not analyzed. I guess that stained glass could be cracked because of the face breach. It all can lead to the face destruction», said the museum ex-head.

The Ukrainian side is performing diplomatic steps to protect the Khan's Palace. In particular, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine sent a note to UNESCO, and also organized a meeting with representatives of international organizations, where the issue of the palace destruction will be discussed. Ablyalimova noted that this process may take some time.

In addition, there had been filed a petition to a court against the company carrying out this restoration work in the Khan's palace. This step is also necessary for further work to protect the museum at the international level.