Alikhan Dozariyev, an ethnography expert and researcher at the “Kropanov” Archaeological Center, reported that during excavations at the mountainous Gireti complex, he noticed a previously overlooked site. He added: “By analyzing a remaining corner of the structure, we can estimate with 80-90% certainty that this is the remnant of an ancient battle tower. To confirm this discovery definitively, additional excavations must be conducted at one of the corners to determine the tower’s exact dimensions.”

Dozariyev confirmed that this discovery will be a significant event in Caucasus archaeology, as no battle tower had been previously mentioned in studies of Gireti.

The researcher explained that several distinctive features confirm the structure’s nature as a battle tower, including the stone corner, the thickness of the slanted walls, and the cross-shaped carvings on the stones at the corners measuring 80-90 cm.

Dozariyev noted that the Gireti archaeological complex was previously known as a small tower village dating back to the late medieval period, consisting of four semi-ruined residential towers connected by a defensive wall.

Ramzan Seltigov, General Director of the “Heritage” Builders-Restorers School, said: “The presence of this battle tower indicates that the village inhabitants were not only craftsmen but also warriors ready to defend their lands. The tower’s discovery adds a new dimension to understanding the life of this settlement, which was famous for its leather products, belts, horse equipment, shoes, and military gear highly valued outside the region.”

Seltigov added that archaeological excavations will continue to study the entire tower. The excavations are funded by representatives of the Soltigov and Timorziev clans, who commissioned the “Heritage” school in cooperation with the “Kropanov” Archaeological Center to complete the work.