By KYIV. Jan 13 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The Ministry for the Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine calls on UNESCO to protect the Khan’s Palace in Bakhchysarai (Autonomous Republic of Crimea) from destruction by the Russian occupation authorities.
"The occupational administration of the aggressor state continues to destroy the historical monument of architecture ‘Khan’s Palace’ in Bakhchysarai. The ‘Khan’s Palace’ in Ukraine is officially recognized as a monument of national importance, included in the preliminary UNESCO World Heritage List. However, the aggressor despises any cultural heritage of mankind. The occupiers destroyed the Golden Cabinet Krym-Gerai Khan, completely dismantled the roof of the building and the colored stained-glass windows that decorated it. Instead of an ancient palace, a metal structure is being erected there," the ministry’s press service said.
The department said the Bakhchysarai Palace is the only preserved object of the palace architecture of Crimean Tatars in the world, a reminder of world significance, which for the Crimean Tatar people it is the main state and spiritual symbol.
"The Ministry for the Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine calls on UNESCO to increase pressure on Russia, which unfairly remains a permanent member of this organization. The international community must take measures to stop the barbaric destruction of cultural heritage sites in Crimea," the ministry said.
As reported earlier, Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko said the Russian occupation authorities were destroying the Khan’s Palace in Bakhchysarai.
