Kars Ani Ruins

The “Ani Ruins” in Kars is one of the historical beauties that take the visitors of our country, which is full of another historical treasure, almost hundreds of years ago.. Ani, which was founded on the historical Silk Road starting from China to the west of Europe, contains structures dating back thousands of years. Let’s talk a little bit about this historical building..

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• Places to Visit
• Where are the Ani Ruins
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History of Kars Ani Ruins

The city of Ani was built by the Bagratuni dynasty in 10. It was established in the century and has been one of the largest settlements in Anatolia since its establishment.. According to estimates, the population of the city increased after a century and the city was surrounded by walls in this period.. Due to its location on the Silk Road and its strategic location, the city has always been full of riches.

After the Armenians who founded the city, the Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans dominated this region.. When historical buildings are examined, the reflection of these civilizations is clearly seen.. It is possible to come across popular works of Seljuk architecture along with various church structures in the city. The Seljuks conquered the city in 1064, but 14. Towards the end of the century, the Ani fortress was captured by Timur. In 1579, the city joined the territory of the Ottoman Empire.. The region, which was occupied by the Russians for a while, was definitely included in our country in 1920.

Ani is known for its remarkable churches throughout history and is even referred to as “1001 Churched City” in epics.. In the discoveries made by European travelers in the 1600s, the existence of many churches in the city is mentioned. During the excavations, historical data were obtained until the 900s, that is, until the Urartians.. Although the presence of Urartu in the city was determined, the city was named after the Urartian god An.

The visitors of the “Kars Ani Ruins” are the last to immerse themselves in the magic of history and feel like they have taken a journey through history. degree normal. Because as soon as you enter from the walls, the city draws everyone under its spell.. It takes people away from today’s world with its thousands of years of history, which smells history all around.. In this respect, the historical ambiance it has created is much different than many historical places.

Places to Visit in Ani Ruins

According to some researchers, its history goes back to five thousand years ago. With its many historical structures, Ani has become the symbol of Kars. Our historical buildings within the walls of the ancient city of Ani are as follows:

1. Tigran Honents Church

It was built in 1215 by Tigran Honents, a wealthy city resident, on the slope just above the Arpa Stream.. The history of the construction of the church is written on its walls. Inside the church, the frescoes depicting the life of Jesus Christ and St. Illuminator draw attention.

2. Ani Cathedral (Kars Great Cathedral)

When you do research on the ancient city of Ani, the historical structure that you often come across is “Ani Cathedral”.. The cathedral, which has become the symbol of Ani Ruins today, was built according to research by King II.. It was started by Smbat in 989 and was only completed in 1010.. Defined as one of the most important churches among church architectural art, the cathedral was converted into a mosque by the Seljuks.. After serving as a mosque for a while, 14. Its dome was destroyed in a great earthquake in the 19th century.. Its strong points have been damaged by many earthquakes experienced until today and it has been in ruins until today.

3. Ebul Manucehr Mosque

It is the first Turkish mosque in Anatolia, built in 1072 by Manuçehr, who assumed the administration of the city after the Seljuks discovered the city.. There are some Seljuk motifs on the ceiling of the mosque, which was built according to a rectangular plan.. It is at the top of the historical structures that those who come to the city of Ani should see.

(The “BISMILLAH” writing on the wall of Abu’l Manuçehr Mosque…)

4. Halaskar Church (St. Prkich Church)

Constructed in 1035 in the architecture of a domed church. As with other structures, information about the history of the church can be obtained from the texts on its wall.. The church was partially restored during the Russian occupation.. However, half of the church was destroyed after a lightning strike in the 1950s.. In order to prevent the destruction of the church, it has been supported by a steel scaffolding from the inside in recent years.

5. Ani Maiden’s Castle

It was built on the top of a high hill surrounded by the Barley Stream.. The construction year of the castle, which has a magnificent view, was 13.. It is estimated to be in the century.

6. King Gagik Church

It was built by the architect Tridat by King Gagik, who reigned for about 30 years.. It is said to have been built between 1001 and 1005.. Today, only the foundations of the church, which was destroyed by the time, are left on the ground.

7. Remains of Ani Old Bridge

Only the bridge piers remain of the 30-meter arched bridge built over the Arpa Stream.. 10 of the bridge. It is estimated that it was built in the century.

8. Girls Monastery

On top of the skis in the deep valley of the Barley Stream. It was built in the century.

9. Abughamrents (Polatoğlu) Church

Constructed in 980 on a cylindrical plan with an octagonal dome. It is one of the buildings that have survived to the present day in the Ani Ruins.

10. Seljuk Palace

11. It was built during the reconstruction works carried out after the conquest of the city by the Seljuk State in the century.. The second floor of the palace, which was built as two floors, has been demolished.. There are starry motifs belonging to the Seljuks on the door of Mr..

Where are Ani Ruins? How to get there?

Those who want to visit this historical place must first come to Kars.. Since there are flights to Kars from many cities of Turkey, it is possible to arrive by air in 2 hours.

Ani Ruins are located near the Ocaklı Village of Kars on the border with Armenia.. It is located approximately 45 km from the center of Kars.. Those who will go with their private vehicles can find transportation by looking at the Google location.