In 2010, the Internet project “100 Wonders of Russia” was launched, which collected and systematized information about the most interesting and unusual sights of our country. Chukotka Whale Alley was included in this list and ranked 29th in it.
Whale Alley is located on the small island of Itygran in the Bering Sea (on the map). She looks quite unusual. A stone path leads to a round area surrounded by boulders, in the center of which there was once a fireplace. Throughout the complex, the bones of bowhead whales are symmetrically stuck into the ground. Animal skulls and jaws were also used as building materials. Scientists estimate that it took more than 60 skeletons of adult whales to create such an alley.
For the first time, ethnographers discovered this amazing cultural and historical monument only in 1977. After a series of studies, it was found that Whale Alley first appeared here in the 16th century. Its exact purpose is unknown. There are legends among local residents that a battle between “flying shamans” took place at this place. But for what reason the battle took place and who ultimately won, history is silent.
Some scientists are inclined to believe that the island was a kind of sports ground where earners undergoing selection for a privileged caste trained.
Other anthropologists suggest that meetings between fishermen and hunters took place on the island. Participants in such meetings could discuss pressing problems and look for ways to solve economic issues, and then have a feast here. If we adhere to this version, then the bones and skulls of whales acted as a guide for boats arriving at the gathering place.
The most popular hypothesis at the moment is that Whale Alley is an ancient Eskimo sanctuary where ritual ceremonies of local tribes were held.
The territory of Itigran Island, where Whale Alley is located, has been part of the Beringia National Natural and Ethnic Park since January 27, 1993. The park administration is located in the small village of Provideniya, where planes fly from Anadyr: in the summer, flights take place weekly, and in the winter only twice a month. Tickets can be purchased directly at the airport ticket office, but it is better to study the schedule in advance.
Anadyr can be reached using UTair, VIM-Avia and ChukotAvia airlines. There are direct flights from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk and Kazan.
If, as a rule, there are no problems with the flight to Anadyr and Providence, then getting to the sanctuary is much more difficult. To do this, from Provideniya you need to get to the village of Yanrakynnot, which is located 85 kilometers away. Most often, all-terrain vehicles are used for transportation, and in some cases, when the dirt road becomes completely unusable, only a helicopter can help. In winter, the only way to get from the village to the island is on ice, which is what the locals do while chasing their reindeer. True, the path is not very short – about 40 kilometers. For groups of tourists wishing to visit Berengia and, in particular, Whale Alley, excursion helicopters are provided.
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Author: Roskin Mikhail
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