Authentic Balkar Saklya Unveiled at KBSU’s Elbrus Educational and Scientific Complex
On September 17, 2026, the grand opening of an authentic Balkar saklya (traditional mountain dwelling) took place at the Elbrus Educational and Scientific Complex of Kabardino-Balkarian State University (KBSU). Realized during the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia, the project was conceived as a unique cultural and educational space where anyone can learn about the traditions and way of life of the mountain people.
Opening the event, Yuri Altudov, acting rector of KBSU, spoke about the project’s profound significance:
«We have studied in detail the phenomenon of the Balkar saklya — a distinctive cultural element that embodies the wisdom of our ancestors. The dwelling is designed to allow people to live in complete harmony with nature. Behind this architecture lies the history of a people who endured immense hardships—including deportation—yet maintained their courage and drive for progress. Today, we are forming research groups at the university to study these technologies and traditions in depth, ensuring that the knowledge gained is translated into scholarly works and student theses. This is our contribution to the development of the Elbrus region and a foundation for future research and a deeper understanding of the history of the Balkar people.»
Distinguished guests arrived to support the university and share in the joy of the occasion. Mikhail Zalikhanov, an Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and member of the KBSU Board of Trustees, warmly addressed the gathering:
«It gives me great pleasure to join you in unveiling this saklya. It is a vital part of our heritage. It is heartening to see our university fostering respect for one’s roots among the youth. I wish the university success in launching new projects, and I wish the students academic excellence and a happy life in a calm, peaceful country.» Oleg Gontar, Head of the Department for State Protection of Cultural Heritage Sites of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (KBR), emphasized the site’s historical and educational value:
«On behalf of the KBR Government, I express my deep gratitude to the leadership of KBSU. This event is dedicated to the reconstruction of Kaisyn Kuliev’s saklya (traditional mountain house); the original structure is located in the Chegem District and is officially registered as a cultural heritage site. The value of this structure lies in the opportunity it gives young people to connect with their ancestral heritage—to see the unique architecture and traditional lifestyle associated with Balkar dwellings.»
Mukhtar Otarov, Head of the Elbrus District Administration, addressed the students and guests:
«Those who do not remember the past have no future. We must know the conditions in which our ancestors lived. I thank all the craftsmen and organizers who brought this project to life. I thank you on behalf of the entire population of the Elbrus District.»
Roman Litvinov, director of the «Veche» Society for Russian History and Culture (a Kabardino-Balkarian regional public organization), highlighted the project’s role in strengthening interethnic friendship:
«Today, we are opening a space where history comes to life. It is highly significant that this project was realized during the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia. To understand the soul of a people that has endured through the centuries, one must see how their ancestors lived. This venue is intended to be a gathering place for true friends—a place where we learn to understand one another through shared, constructive endeavors. Young people, it falls to you to embrace these traditions and values, to cherish them, and to pass them on to future generations.»
The ceremony continued with an awards presentation. Asker Doduev, Editor-in-Chief of Mingi-Tau magazine and People’s Poet of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, presented the Kaisyn Kuliev Jubilee Medal to Yuri Altudov on behalf of the Russian Lermontov Committee. «On behalf of the Lermontov Committee, I would like to present an award to Yuri Kambulatovich Altudov for the opening of this complex and for his leadership of the university. Under his tenure, the institution has undergone a remarkable transformation.»
The new facility will become part of KBSU’s educational and extracurricular activities. Plans are in place to create a permanent exhibition showcasing the lifestyle and architecture of the mountain people; this will turn the saklya (traditional mountain dwelling) into a living classroom for students and an educational venue for visitors to the republic.
The idea to erect a traditional dwelling on the grounds of the KBSU Educational and Scientific Center came to the university leadership after a visit to the ancestral estate of Kabardino-Balkaria’s People’s Poet, Kaisyn Kuliev, in the village of El-Tyubyu. It was decided to build the structure strictly according to ancient Balkar architectural traditions, completely eschewing modern technologies and metal fasteners. Construction was overseen by Ibragim Kuliev—head of the Tourism Development and Cultural Heritage Protection Department for the Chegem District administration—who had previously led the creation of the «Book in Stone» memorial.
«With modern materials and technologies, the authenticity of the saklya—and the very purpose of building it—is lost. We have extensive experience: we previously restored several structures using ancient techniques at the Kaisyn Kuliev estate, pledging not to drive in a single nail so as to remain true to the traditions of the old masters. Wood-to-wood joints hold just as well as—and sometimes better than—metal fasteners; one simply needs to execute them skillfully,» noted Ibragim Kuliev.