Ani Archaeological Sitevisitor guide.

KARS ANI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE The archaeological site of Ani on the Türkiye-Armenia border was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016. Located 44 kilometers east of Kars adjacent to the village of Ocaklı, Ani is also known as the 'Land of Kings with a population of 100,000 on the Silk Road'. It went down in history for cradling diverse cultures and civilizations through the ages. Ani owes its significance to its secure location perched on a high rocky plateau commanding the Arpaçay and Alacasu valleys. As the Silk Road's first staging post in Anatolia, it was simultaneously a renowned commercial hub. Known as a wealthy and cosmopolitan medieval city, Ani's earliest history is thought to date back to 5000 BC. A MEDIEVAL CITY GUARDING THE BORDER The Arpaçay River, forming the Türkiye-Armenia border, also borders Ani to the east. Spread across 78 hectares atop a volcanic tuff bedrock, the highest part of the city features the citadel where the Urartians first settled. The fortifications, reinforced by numerous rectangular and semicircular bastions, stretch 4,500 meters in length and reach around 8 meters in height. Within the walls of the ancient city of Ani are 21 structures, some well preserved, including mosques, churches, baths, palaces, caravanserais, and bridges. The Middle Gate (Lion Gate), featuring a roaring lion relief and an inscription installed by Manuchihr, is one of the city's splendid gates among its seven entrances. BRINGING DIFFERENT FAITHS TOGETHER The site's prominent monument is the three-aisled mosque built in 1072 by Ebul Shuja Manuchihr of the Shaddadids. The ceiling is embellished with rich Seljuk motifs. Another notable monument in Ani is the Church of Saint Prkitch (the Redeemer) or Keçeli Church, which lost half its structure to a lightning strike. Other notable monuments in Ani include the Church of Abughamrents (Poladoğlu), the Church of Tigran Honents, the Church of the Virgins, the Nunnery, and the Rock-Cut Church. The Zoroastrian Fire Temple (Ateshgah) also stands out as an artifact of the Sasanians who once ruled the region. WHILE YOU ARE HERE Do not miss the Great Cathedral (Fethiye Mosque), the best-preserved and most significant monument on the site. According to inscriptions, its foundations were laid in 990 AD by Bagratid King Smbat II, and completed in 1001 by his wife Queen Katranide following his death. Its architect was Trdat, who also restored Istanbul's Hagia Sophia in the same century. Its cruciform plan features a central space demarcated by sturdy columns bearing arches. Interior frescoes in the apse are estimated to date to the 13th century. Built of red volcanic tuff, the cathedral rests on a stepped plinth. After Sultan Alp Arslan captured Ani in 1064, it was converted into a mosque and the first victory prayer was held there, earning it the name 'Fethiye Mosque'. DOWNLOAD MUSEUM BROCHURE NEARBY MUSEUMS KARS MUSEUM CAUCASUS FRONT MILITARY HISTORY MUSEUM