NEWS
DAYAHATYN: III STAGE OF RESTORATION
The third stage of the restoration works in Dayahatyn Caravansary was launched. This monument of history and culture of our is located in the area of Lebap velayat, 170 kilometers to the north-west from the modern Turkmenabat city. Dayahatyn – one of the interesting extant in Turkmenistan hostelry, situated in the ancient sector of the Great Silk Road from Amul to Khorezm.
The specialists from Turkmenistan National Department for Protection, Study and Restoration of Historical and Cultural Monuments under the sponsorship of the USA Ambassador’s Fund for Protection of Cultural Heritage started the implementation of the third stage of the restoration works of this monument of history. The restoration of the unique example of the ancestor’s heritage, built near thousand years ago has been carried out since 2013.
According to the scientists Dayahatyn could be not and ordinary merchant hostelry, but the state Caravansary. Here easily could stay during the long-distance trips the rulers and noblemen with their liege men. The premises intended for the honourable persons, were distinct from other by area and design.
At the third stage the works will be performed on the restoration of the main fascade of Caravansary, decorated with the unique brick décor and epigraphy. This is the place where on either side of the portal the Arabian writing in “kufic” script is lined by brickwork. Due to the diagonal lines, they may seem the dainty patterns, but the names of the first heirs of Prophet Mohammed are inscribed here: Ali, Omar, Osman, Abu Bakr.
To achieve the best results the thorough work was done on selection of the archival images, where by the employees of the department created the 3D reconstruction model. By this model, one can visually see how the buildings were and to what result the master’s work will lead.
Now there is a range of preparatory work, including measurement and calculation. By the way, the brick used at the restoration works, is made according to sample of original from the natural materials, using the techniques of ancient masters.
The team comprised from the Ashgabat architectures and local restorers, involved in the monuments conservation system, has already carried out two stages of the restoration works, the last of these was completed in September 2019. During the first stage the portal (main entrance to Caravansary) was restored from outside and inside and part of arch gallery of the internal yard from south side. During the second stage the left wing of building with part of north part of arch gallery were restored. At the same period, the archeological study was carried out and the archival material was actively used. Based on the obtained results, the problem areas of the bearing walls were strengthened and restored, as well as the face brickwork of а fascade of galleries was reconstructed.
Due to the restoration works implemented by the Turkmenistan National Department for Protection, Study and Restoration of Historical and Cultural Monuments, the historic and cultural monument will pass to the next generations in a form most closely resembling the original building. This unique middle-age Caravansary on the bank of Amudarya River arouses huge interest of the lovers of antique from many countries and soon will be included in the orbit of the international tourism.
Larisa Fomina