2. Russia Redux • Возвращающаяся Россия

Khakassia (06.2010)

A land of natural and spiritual beauty, the Republic of Khakassia is located in the southern part of eastern Siberia. Considered an archeological mecca, Khakassia's recorded history dates from the 4th to 3rd centuries B.C. This ancient land of serene splendor, with its centuries old burial mounds, prehistoric menhirs (monolithic standing stones), and petroglyphs, remains one of mystery & shamanism. A 4.5 hour flight from Moscow, or a 75 hour train ride on the Trans-Siberian, the Khakass Republic has a population of 546,000 of whom about 165,000 live in the capital city of Abakan.
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These sandstone slabs were brought hundreds of miles from the shores of the Yenisei River. As with the Egyptian pyramids & Stonehenge, it's unclear how the stones were transported & installed.
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These sandstone slabs were brought hundreds of miles from the shores of the Yenisei River. As with the Egyptian pyramids & Stonehenge, it's unclear how the stones were transported & installed.

Big Salbyksky Kurgankurganancient burial mound3rd century B.C. graveTagar tribekhakass valley of the kingskhakassiasiberiarussiarusurusu photographysandstone slabs

  • Approaching another, smaller power plant.
  • Shooting by the side of the road.
  • Let the sun shine in...
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  • Church erected by a famous Russian wrestler in the town of Mina.
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  • A lazy summer afternoon. Village life in Mina, Khakassia.
  • Replica of a menhir (standing stones) found in Khakassia.
  • This area is known as The Valley of the Kings as there are more than 50 ancient burial mounds here dating back to the 6th century B.C.
  • These rocks are the remains of a stone wall that supported an earthen pyramid that was 20 (65 feet) meters tall.
  • Inside each kurgan (pyramid-burial mound) was a mummy. The Big Salbyksky mound contained 6 individuals including servants to aid in the afterlife.
  • The vertical stone slabs weigh 20 to 60 tons & can reach heights of 8 meters.
  • Rustem & Oxana listening & learning.
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  • A giant phallus? Archeologists are uncertain. To this day, people place prayer ribbons around these sacred stones.
  • According to ancient tradition, the burial mounds were "the way of spirits", which led the souls of the dead into upper heavenly peace.
  • These sandstone slabs were brought hundreds of miles from the shores of the Yenisei River. As with the Egyptian pyramids & Stonehenge, it's unclear how the stones were transported & installed.
  • Invoking the spirits.
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  • Our tour guide, Irina.
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