Eleven holy sites in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area (YNAA) have been included in the uniform state register of the cultural heritage of the peoples of the Russian Federation, reports the YNAA information and PR department.

"Now these ethnic sites are protected by the state and no development activity is allowed within the protected area," the report reads.

Following a historical and cultural expert review, cultural heritage site status was awarded to four sacred places: Khada Pe (Old Woman Stone) in the Priuralsky District, Khorlor (Bull-Deer Lake) in Shuryshkarsky District, Ser-ngo Iriko (Old Man of the Icy Island, Owner of the White Island) and Yamal Hehe (Edge of the Earth Goddess) in the Yamal District.

Seven sacred sites have received local (municipal) cultural significance status: Vul Kev Iki Khor (Stretch of the Large Stone Old Man) in Shuryshkarsky District, Pedarata-Savrei Pe (Pointed Stone of the Woody River), Sada Pe (Marshland Stone), Syadei Khara (The River Turn of Protectors), Kharnak Seda (Sopka Boot), Sacred Place Hehe Pe (Sacred Mountain) and Sacred Place Yala Pya Seda (Sunny Tree Sopka) in the Priuralsky District.

At present 21 sacred sites in Yamal have received cultural heritage landmark status and have been included in the uniform register.