Kyafar Ancient Settlement and Dolmens

The Kyafar ancient settlement and dolmens lie on the northern slope of the Mytseshta Range near the right bank of the Kyafar River. The site is divided into an upper section called Monks’ Spire and a lower settlement, connected by a road. A stone wall with loopholes defended the northern side. Archaeologists have recorded 115 stone buildings, while the lower section contains stone ‘labyrinths’ and slabs carved with deer, crosses, and tamga-like symbols. Dolmens stand on the Jordan and Spire hills at the far end of the settlement. They are square structures built in stepped masonry, with openings oriented toward the sun. The largest, known as the Royal Mausoleum, is almost two meters high and decorated with reliefs of crosses, people, and animals. The settlement is dated to the 10th–11th centuries and the dolmens to the Late Bronze Age. Some researchers suggest that the complex may have been the residence of the Alan ruler Durgulel the Great.

Only prominent Alans were buried in the Kyafar dolmens, while ordinary people were placed in conventional graves. Scholars believe a branch of the Great Silk Road may have passed through the settlement. Because of this and its solar symbolism, the complex is sometimes called the ‘City of the Sun.’ Sun worship was widespread here, and the dolmens may have served as temples dedicated to the celestial body.