The City of 1001 Churches
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The ancient city of Ani is a ruined medieval-era Armenian city now situated in Turkey's province of Kars. It is located next to the closed border with Armenia. From 961 AD to 1045 AD, Ani was the capital of the Bagratid Armenian kingdom covering present-day Armenia and eastern Turkey. Nicknamed the "City of 1001 Churches," it stood at the crossroads of many trade routes. At the peak of it's power and influence, Ani's once magnificent churches, palaces, and fortifications were some of the most technically and artistically advanced structures in the world. During Ani's golden age, its population was around 100,000 people. Today it's a collection of crumbling buildings and walls scattered across miles of farm land on the Armenian-Turkish boarder.
The Cathedral, also called Surp Asdvadzadzin (the Church of the Holy Mother of God), was built in 989 AD by King Smbat II. The building wasn't completed until 1001 AD. It had a domed basilica, but that structure collapsed in 1319 AD. The building contains pointed arches and clustered piers. to give it a Gothic style. The Cathedral was designed by the architect Trdat. It's one of the best preserved of the Ani churches.
Toppled column head from the Basilica.
Today Ani is an archaeological sites that is being conserved and maintained. Mostly what remains are churches and fortification walls. This image is of a toppled column head from the basilica.
Nicknamed the City of 1001 Churches, the main Ani complex is still partly surrounded by its fortification walls. These walls are thick, with towers and battlements. At it's peak of power, Ani had over 100,000 inhabitants. Near Kars, eastern Turkey.
The churches and fortification of Ani extend down into the deep gorge which runs next to the main center of the once great city.
The Mosque of Minuchihir in ancient Ani overlooks a steep gorge. It is named after its founder, the emir Minuchihr. He ruled Ani in 1072 AD. The Citadel is in the background. Ani is located at the edge of a steep gorge which marks the modern-day border between Turkey and Armenia.
Farmland and small farming communities have grown up around the ruins of Ani. Ani is located on a high plateau in eastern Turkey. The land around it is rich with nutrients and perfect for farming. Local beekeepers, herders, and farmers raise their plants and animals around these impressive ruins. The churches shown here is the Church of St. George of the Abughamrents and an unnamed church.
Interior of the The Cathedral, Ani.
The largest structure still standing at Ani. The Cathedral was the seat of the Catholicos, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Today, it's great domes is gone, but much of the church still remains.
