Massive Wall Around Ancient Ani
Later in the day, on August 17th we finally went to Ani. This was something that everyone was looking forward to. It was a very hot and sunny afternoon. We had dropped off our luggage at the Grand Ani Hotel and Selcuk drove the van through the dry barren landscape for the 20 minute ride to the ancient Armenian city of Ani.
Ani is located in the Turkish province of Kars across the border of the current Republic of Armenia. Ani was once the capital of a great medieval Armenian kingdom. It was one of the major cities along the ancient Silk Road and various other trade routes crossed through the city.
Main Path Through the Ancient Kingdom
King Ashot III chose Ani for the site of his capital in 961 AD. Successive kings built a citadel, great churches, and monasteries within mighty city walls at the edge of the deep river gorge.
One of the Many Churches
Ani had been called the “City of 1001 Churches”. It’s many religious buildings, palaces, and fortifications were among the most technically and artistically advanced structures in the world, at that time.
Church Near the Armenian Border
At the height of its glory, Ani had a population of between 100,000 to 200,000 people and was the rival of Constantinople, Baghdad, and Cairo.
Border Between Turkey and Armenia
Ani flourished for less that a century before being conquered in 1045 by the Byzantines, then by the Seljuks in 1064, followed by the kings of Georgia, and then various Kurdish emirs. In 1239, the Mongols swept in, and finally in 1319 a strong earthquake cleared out the Mongols. Ani has been in ruins ever since.
FRUSA Cousins & the Zeronians
Many of Ani’s churches survived the earthquake and have lasted through the centuries. Some people say that the ruins of the churches seem to “float on a sea of grass above the collapsed rubble of the rest of the city.”
Armenian Chapel
We walked through the huge gateway in the massive stone wall and were awestruck! Original paths lead visitors to the ruins of the buildings. Adequate signs give information about the former structures.
The Ruins of a Building
We walked around the entire ancient city for several hours. I cannot describe every building here, but have included a few of my photos. There are books and articles written for readers who want more information about the ancient city of Ani.
The Ancient Kingdom of Ani