Levent Ozturk - Kuzey News Agency

Although Crimea the strategic region on the Black Sea cost has dominated global agenda after Russian occupation nowadays, its historical and cultural richness has always been an attractive point. The city of Bahçesaray for instance and the palace called Hansaray in it have special place in Crimean history for the Khans of Crimea, the governors of the region, had lived there. 

The palace was built by Khans of Giray, a dynasty ruled Crimea, and was the center of administration for the region. Having used from the beginning of 16th century to 1783, Hansaray was destroyed by the Russian army. It was renovated in 1740-1743 by Ottoman Empire which led the palace gain Ottoman character in its architectural style.

Another historically important work of art in Bahçesaray, Han Mosque which was damaged throughout the history was lastly restored TIKA, Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency.

One of the most significant parts of Hansaray is the 'Tear Fountain' that inspired well-known  Russian writer Alexander Pushkin. One of Crimean Khans Giray built the fountain for his dead wife Dilara Bikeç as an expression of his sorrow and said 'This fountain will shed tears forever.' Having learned this story Pushkin was inspired to one of his novels. One of his works, the Tear Fountain was mentioned "Tear Fountain. Oh, sprinkler of love, oh immortal fountain! I brought two roses as gift. I love your endless talk and poetical tears. Your silvery dust drizzling on me. Keep flowing happy river. Tell me what you know. Oh, sprinkler of love, oh mournful fountain, I listen the story of your stone lips. The pieces of misery and happiness are far away. But you did not mention Maria..." Pushkin wrote those lines after he was expelled to Crimea at the beginning of 19th century.

The association between Pushkin and the fountain rescued the fountain from destruction during Soviet era a time period when any historical link to the Tsarist regime was erased. Furthermore, dues to the fountain's name and Bahçesaray were in Pushkin's works, the name was not Russianized.

Maybe as a result of these developments, just next to the fountain today the bust of Pushkin is standing.