Anı
From Turkey Travel Guide
Anı is an ancient city, located between the borders of Turkey and Armenia, in Kars province. Ani is known primarily for its magnificent architecture based on Armenian style. Definitely Ani is a can't miss place for a traveler to Eastern Anatolia.
Contents |
[edit] History
Ani (The City of 1001 Churches) was the capital of the Bagratuni, an Armenian Kingdom in the middle ages. It was the trade center at that time and competing with Constantinople(Istanbul-Turkey), Baghdad(Iraq) and Cairo (Egypt) that still big and developed cities. Ani didn't related important trade roads but was a wealthy and big city and that was the made it an imortant trade hub. Its most important trade partners were Byzantine Empire, the Persian Empire, the Arabs and some smaller countries in the south part of Russia and Central Asia.
At the beginning of the 19th century Europians discovered Ani and started publishing articles in academic and travel journals. In 1892 the first excavations were conducted at Ani, sponsored by the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences. Along in years archaeological excavations continued, large sectors of the city were professionally excavated and the whole site was surveyed for the first time. Most builgins repaired urgently that were carrying a risk of collapse. Plenty of items that found during the excavations placed a house that restorated as a Museum.
Despite earthquakes and Mongol raids, much of Ani's immense, fortified walls, as well as the city's citadel, caravansary, cathedral and six churches still stand well preserved, their stone facades a testament to a well-developed level of craftsmanship. Despite a ruin now Ani is still worths taking miles. It has a magnificent style of architecture ou can see Armenian frescoes on the buildings. There were a though security control in previous years and even taking a photo was not allowed. And you couldn't visit the site whenever you want. But these years you can even use an handycam. The only problem with is Ani Ruins' location. Its located on a remote landscape. And there is not any bus or other public transport. But the other hand this is the one of reasons for going there. Because Ani has a unique nature. Ani is protecting on its eastern side by the ravine and branch of the Araks River, Akhurian River and its western side by the Tzaghkotzadzor Valley. Akhurian is also a natural border with Armenia and Turkey lands.
[edit] Visitor's Guide
[edit] Getting there
It's not possible to find a public transport to reach Ani Ruins. Because it's by the country border bu you can rent a car, join a tour or hire a taxi easily. Taxi takes average 100TL (About 50 euros).
[edit] Getting around
Ani is wide area but the buildings that like to see are near with an another. So you can walk around easily.
[edit] See
Menucehr Mosque (Ani Ruins): It is located in Ani Ancient City. Built by Ebu Süca Manucehr from Seddatoğulları Government in 1072, the mosque attract attention as the first building to have been constructed in Anatolia by Seljuks.It is among the most splendid works of Seljuks of Anatolia with its vivid stones of the view of mosaics and rich geometric decorations on its ceiling.
Ebul Muammeral Mosque (Boz Minare, Ani Ruins): At the center of Ani Province, the mosque was constructed by the latest Seddatlı Sultan Şahan Şah. The minaret of the devastated mosque has been fell over to one side.
Keçel Church (Aziz Pirkitch Church, Ani Ruins): Located in Ani Ruins, the church was constructed by the son of Abugremrizents Daklavini,the grandchild of Gregor between the years 1034-1036. It was restored in 1173 by Priest Tridot, and a belfry was added to the main building in 1291and the dome was repaired in 1342. Nearly half of the building has still been demolished since it was strucked by lightining.
Şirli Church (Aziz Gregor Church, Ani Ruins): Located at Ani Ruins,the church was constructed by Tigran upon the request of the minorities of Şeddatlı Government in 1215. The main structure, which is of high esteem with its adornments on the inner sections of the dome, has been destructed to a certain extent.
Abughamrent Gregor Church (Ani Ruins): Located in Ani Ruins, it was constructed by Ani King Gagik XI. in the name of Gregor in 998.
Güvercinli Church (Maiden's Church, Ani Ruins): Located in Ani Ruins, the structure thought to have been built in 12nd or 13th centuries was perched on a steep rocky place near Arpaçay.
Kemserakanlı Church (Ani Ruins): Located in Ani Ruins, the church was built in 922 and only a single wall adorned with the motifs of primitive men has remained today.
Meryemana Cathedral (Fethiye Mosque, Ani Ruins): The construction of the cathedral had been started during Sembatat II. at Ani city center in 1010 and was completed during Gagik I. period. After Alpaslan conquered the province of Ani in 1064, ithe building was used as a mosque for a certain period of time.
As it had been damaged by the earthquake in 1319, it was restored by the Architect Tiridot. Today it is among the rare structures in Ani that have been well-preserved so far.
Arak' Eltos Church (Ani Ruins): The church was constructed in Ani Ruins as a patriarchate in 1031. Upon the as the invasions of Ani by the Seljuks, it was converted into a caravanserai in 1064.
Havariler( Disciples) Church (Kümbet Mosque, Center): It is the one on the southern slope of the Kars Castle in Kaleiçi District,the church has been well preserved till to our times. It was constructed between the years 932-937 by King Abbas of Bağrat who announced Kars as the capital city. In 1878, it was restored by the Russians. The belfry had been built adjacent to the church in 1890 was demolished in 1918.After long periods of service as a church, the building was converted into a mosque by Seljuks in 1064. Still it was used as church in the following years. Reconverted into a mosque in 1918, the building finally decided to be used as a museum in 1964.
[edit] Do
If the conditions are suitable and fortress is open to tourists, you don't miss the chance of seing the fantastic scenery of Ani, the river and the meadow rolling towards the mountains of Armenia. All you do is climbing up the rocks through path worth scrambling up the rocky path for the excellent views over Ani, the river gorge, and the steppe rolling towards the mountains of Armenia.
[edit] Eat & Drink
There are no restaurant or cafe or any other place for eating. You better take snacks with you. And it s important to bring enough water because you cant buy water too.
[edit] Sleep
There are no hotel or any other accomodation in Ani, there are only a few homes surrounding it. The nearest major city is Kars, from which Ani is an easy day trip.
[edit] External links
Personal tools
It means you can use it, share it as long as you attribute to the author.
Copyright © 2012 - I was in Turkey Travel Community.