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Ani Archaeological Site

History and archaeology / Archaeological site

Ani Archaeological Site

Merkez, Kars

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One of the most impressive medieval cities of the Silk Road, on the edge of the Arpaçay valley, with walled churches, mosques, a palace and a caravanserai; a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016.

Safety warning

The site adjoins the Armenian border (Arpaçay); use only the marked paths, and do not approach the border line or the prohibited sections descending into the valley. Check current access and security conditions before visiting. The sun can be harsh in summer, and snow and frost in winter.

Its story

Ani is about 42 km from Kars, within the boundaries of the village of Ocaklı, on a volcanic plateau west of the Arpaçay, which forms the Türkiye–Armenia border. The city, on the Silk Road entering Anatolia from the Caucasus, became the capital of the Bagratid (Pakraduni) kingdom in 961; it enjoyed its heyday between the 10th and 13th centuries and came under Seljuk rule with Alparslan's conquest in 1064. It gradually emptied as a result of earthquakes, invasions and changes in trade routes. Within the walls of about 5 km you can tour the Great Cathedral, the Church of Tigran Honents (the Painted Church), the Abuğamrents and St. Prkich churches, the Ebu'l Menuçehr Mosque, known as the first Turkish mosque in Anatolia, the Seljuk Palace, a caravanserai and the remains of a fire temple. Some of the finds are displayed at the Kars Museum. You need to set aside a few hours to explore the large site comfortably.

Key facts

Period
Iron Age – 17th century (heyday 10th–13th century)
Admission
Paid
Getting there
About 42 km from central Kars, Ocaklı village
Visit duration
2–4 hours

Trip purpose

  • Photography
  • Day trip
  • Hiking

Location

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40.50623, 43.57281

Reviews

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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ani | https://turkishmuseums.com/museum/detail/2108-kars-archaeological-site-of-ani/2108/4 | https://goturkiye.com/kars/see | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/157441696