Just Turkey

29/1/2008

ANİ

Category: Belirtilmemiş

ANİ Ani, the ancient capital of the Bagratids, is located on a plateau near the gorges of the Arpa Çayı, whose course has delimited the border between Armenia and Turkey. Due to the proximity of the border, an authorization for the visit must be obtained from the Kars Tourism Office, and countersigned by the police in Ani.

The Armenian people who, at the time, was a prey to civil wars, had to split into two kingdoms: the Southern Kingdom in the region of Van, and the Northern Kingdom in the hands of the Bagratids. Ani was founded by Ashot Msaker (806-827) who was a prince of the Bagratid family, but it was made the Bagratid capital by Ashot III only in 961. In 993, during the construction of the cathedral, the See of the Armenian Catholicos was transferred here. This prosperous city owed to Sembat II its double walls with four gates and round towers still visible today. Weakened by fratricide wars, Ani was also assaulted by the Georgians and threatened by the Seljuks. Hovhannes Sembat asked for the protection of the Byzantines, in compensation of what, he bequeathed his kingdom to them. Gagik II who did not hold his Uncle’s word (who died in 1040) was forced to give it up in 1045. Only a few years later, Ani was taken by the Seljuks led by Alparslan. The place came under the power of emirs then was taken from Muslim hands by the Georgians. The Armenian governors remained under their sovereignty until the time of the devastating Mongol invasion towards the middle of the 13th century. Trade with the oriental countries was completely ruined and Ani was depopulated and finally deserted.

The most interesting remains are:

The walls and the Lion Gate.

St Gregory of Tigran Honetz Church.

The Cathedral.

Abul Ghamrentz Church.

The Mosque.

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