Targim

Targim (Ingush: Тӏаргам, romanized: Thargam^[a]) is an ancient city-settlement in the Dzheyrakhsky District of Ingushetia.^[8] It is part of the rural settlement (administrative center) of Guli.^[9] The entire territory of the settlement is included in the Dzheyrakh-Assa State Historical-Architectural and Natural Museum-Reserve and is under state protection.

Targim Таргим
Aul
Other transcription(s)
• Ingush	Тӏаргам[a]
Location of Targim
Targim Location of Targim Show map of Russia Targim Targim (Republic of Ingushetia) Show map of Republic of Ingushetia
Coordinates: 42°50′06″N 44°56′33″E
Country	Russia
Federal subject	Ingushetia
Elevation	1,080 m (3,540 ft)
Population  (2010 Census)[5]
• Total	7
Administrative status
• Subordinated to	Dzheyrakhsky District
Time zone	UTC+3 (MSK [6])
Postal code(s)[7]	386433
OKTMO ID	26620450196

Nomenclature

Some researchers associate Thargam (Targim) with the name of the legendary Thargamos.^[10] A. Suleymanov believed that "Thargam" could mean "shield".^[11]

Geography

It is located in the south of Ingushetia, on the right bank of the Assa River in the Targim basin. Altitude above sea level: 1080 m.^[12] The nearest settlements are: in the northwest — Egikal, in the southwest — Khamkhi, in the south — Gureti, in the west — Barkhane.

History

On the territory of Targim, remains of megalithic cyclopean dwellings dating back to the II-I millennium BC were found.^[13] According to legend, the powerful tower fortresses of Targim, Egikal and Khamkhi in the valley of Ghalghaï Koashke (“Ghalghaï outposts”) were founded by three brothers, the sons of the legendary Alby (in other sources "Gha"). The youngest of them was Targim (Thargam), who settled across the river Assa.

In the second half of the 18th century (1770s), the German researcher J.A. Güldenstädt indicated Targim among the total number of Ingush villages and districts.^[14]

Notes

1. 
    • Commonly mentioned as 'Thargam' (Ingush: Тӏаргам),^[1][2] however the village was sometimes mentioned as 'Thargim' (Ingush: Thærgim)^[3] or 'Thargime' (Ingush: ТIаргиме).^[4]