Architecture of the Balkarian folk dwelling

It is becoming increasingly difficult to judge the traditional appearance of the settlements of the Balkars and Karachays at the present time. An increasing number of old villages are being rebuilt according to the modern system, fewer and fewer archaic-type houses are being preserved. The ancient villages abandoned by the inhabitants are being destroyed, and not only from atmospheric influences, but also due to the use by local residents of the buildings preserved there as a ready-made building material. That is why it is important now to have time to fix, examine and bring into the system all the most characteristic, original and artistically significant that was created by the folk architects of Balkaria.