Ani Harabeleri

The Ani archaeological site is located 42 km from Kars city center and is the largest archaeological site in the Eastern Anatolia region. It was built on volcanic land to the west of the Arpaçay River that separates the Türkiye-Armenia border. The site has a rich history, with the first settlements dating back to the prehistoric period, and it was an important trade city on the Silk Road. The city was home to many civilizations and features 21 architectural structures, including temples, churches, palaces, and mosques. The site is also home to the Ateşgede Temple and has a complex of different structures, including caves and rock paintings. Ani was a major city in the medieval period, with a population of over 100,000, and was known for its splendor and sophistication. It was sacked by the Mongols in 1236 and abandoned by the 17th century. Today, it is a widely recognized cultural, religious, and national heritage symbol for Armenians and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016