Archaeological Site of Ani – Kars
Situated in close vicinity of Türkiye’s eastern border, on what used to be a significant trading hub, the medieval ruins of Ani carry the traces of a history that goes back thousands of years. The ancient site is located on a triangular piece of land whose climatic and geographical features make it naturally defensive. Also called the City of 1001 Churches, the site, together with its 50 churches, 33 cave churches and 20 chapels, is a must-visit region for all history enthusiasts and lovers of the early Gothic architecture.
The many temples, palaces and complementary buildings that the site accommodates are thought to have been among the most technically and artistically advanced structures in the world at the times they were first built. The area also houses the oldest surviving mosque of Anatolia, called by the name Manuchihr. The mosque was built during the rule of the Shaddadid dynasty, though its prayer hall dates from a later period (the 12th or 13th century). The complex of the mosque contains a public museum showcasing heritage assets that have been found within and around the area. This City of 1001 Churches has found itself a place among the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2016.
The Ancient City of Ani was divided into three sections: The citadel, the walled city, and the outer citadel. These three sections house impressive structures giving an unmatched architectural history lesson in the open air.
The citadel involves the ruins of the Palace of Kamsaragans, Midjnaberd Church (including the Tomb of the Prince Children), Karimadin Church, and Palace Church (Surp Sargis and T’oros, Kamsaragans), Sushan Pahlavuni Church and the Church with Six Apses (St. Eghia). The remains of these structures could be considered architecturally precursors to existing structures in the ancient city, and many display matchless or rare features of their kind, surviving to the present.
The walled city hosts the Fire Temple (Ateşgede), Ramparts of Smbat II, Cathedral (St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Fethiye Mosque), Armenian and Georgian churches and monasteries dating between the 9th and 13th centuries, Rock Chapel, Ebu’l Manuçehr Mosque as the first mosque built by Turks in Anatolia, Emir Ebu’l Muammeran Complex, Big and Small Baths, Seljuk Palace, residential structure, bazaar, bezirhane (place where linseed oil was produced) ruins, and Silk Road Bridge. In the outer citadel are Shepherd Church, Bird Houses, and Rock Carved Structures, also a part of the archaeological area.
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