Underground Cruciform Structure in Naryn-Kala: A Church? Pro et Contra

A cruciform underground structure in the Derbent citadel Naryn-Kala, previously assumed to be a 17th–18th century water reservoir, has been reinterpreted as a possible Christian church from the 5th–6th centuries. While this hypothesis gained recognition without substantial evidence, it lacks solid archaeological or architectural support. Alternative interpretations, such as a Zoroastrian fire temple (proposed in 1998) or a Christian martyrium (2020), also face contradictions with available data. The structure's true purpose remains unresolved, underscoring the need for comprehensive, non-invasive studies—including magnetometry and archaeological analysis—to clarify its function and historical significance without resorting to large-scale excavations.

Gadjiev, M. S. (2021). UNDERGROUND CRUCIFORM STRUCTURE IN NARYN-KALA: A CHURCH? PRO ET CONTRA. History, Archeology and Ethnography of the Caucasus, 17(3), 684–720. https://doi.org/10.32653/ch173684-720