Yakov Dubinskiy A hereditary caretaker of the Kyrk-Er fortress, who lived there for 40 years, and the founder of the cave cities museum. Date of Birth: 20.01.1895

1. Early Life and Education
2. Custodianship and Archaeological Interest
3. Archaeological Discoveries
4. Establishment of the Museum of Cave Cities
5. Preservation of Museum Collections
6. Post-War Archaeological Work
7. Legacy

Yakub Abramovich Dubinsky: Custodian, Archaeologist, and Museum Founder

Early Life and Education

Yakub Abramovich Dubinsky was born on 20 January 1895, in Feodosia. He was the son of Abram (Ibrahim) Dubinsky, who served as the custodian of the Kyz-Kermen fortress and later became the gazan (priest) of the ancient Kenesa temple in Bakhchisarai. Yakub graduated from a four-year urban school in Bakhchisarai.

Custodianship and Archaeological Interest

Dubinsky inherited the custodianship of the Kyz-Kermen fortress and lived there for 40 years. His interest in archaeology emerged at a young age, and he dedicated 30 years of his life to researching the history of Crimea. He collaborated closely with archaeologists from Moscow and Leningrad and participated in many archaeological surveys and excavations in the southwestern highlands of Crimea from 1928 onwards.

Archaeological Discoveries

Thanks to his keen observation, Dubinsky made several significant archaeological discoveries, including the Belbek and Tibertian burial grounds, the burial ground near Bashtavka (Pychky), and the ancient city of Chufut-Kale. He actively participated in excavations conducted by the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR (IIMK).

Establishment of the Museum of Cave Cities

In 1936, Dubinsky joined the Sevastopol Museum Association, which oversaw the protection and study of archaeological sites in southwestern Crimea. He played a key role in the establishment of the Historical-Archaeological Museum of Southwestern Crimea (known as the Museum of Cave Cities), based on materials excavated from Eski-Kermen and Mangup.

Preservation of Museum Collections

During World War II, Dubinsky risked his life to protect museum collections hidden in the caves of Chufut-Kale. After the war, he actively participated in restoring the museum's exhibits.

Post-War Archaeological Work

Dubinsky's archaeological work intensified after the end of World War II. He participated in the Tauro-Scythian Expedition of the IIMK in 1946 and excavated an early medieval burial ground near Chufut-Kale from 1948 to 1950. He also organized the Inkerman Expedition of the Crimean Branch of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR and the Museum of Cave Cities in 1951, as well as the Gurzuvit Expedition of the IIMK in 1951.

Legacy

Yakub Abramovich Dubinsky's passion for the history of Crimea and his dedication to preserving its cultural heritage left a lasting legacy. He inspired fellow archaeologists with his tireless efforts and meticulous approach to research. His contributions to the field of archaeology and the study of the Karaite people continue to be recognized and celebrated today.