Ani (Armenian: Անի, Latin: Abnicum is a ruined and uninhabited medieval city-site situated in the Turkish province of Kars, beside the border with Armenia. It was once the capital of a medieval Armenian kingdom that covered much of present day Armenia and eastern Turkey. The city is located on triangular site, visually dramatic and naturally defensive, protected on its eastern side by the ravine of the Akhurian River (Turkish: Arpaçay) and on its western side by the Bostanlar or Tzaghkotzadzor valley
Անիի մայր տաճար The Cathedral of Ani
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| Ani Cathedral |
Գագիկաշեն, Gagikashen Cathedral
Սուրբ Ամենափրկիչ Church Surb Amenaprkitch (Redeemer)
This large church was completed around the year 1035, and the walls are covered with long and elegantly carved inscriptions that reveal much of its history. The inscription partially reproduced above records that the church was commissioned by prince Ablgharib Pahlavid to house a fragment of the True Cross. He had obtained this relic after a visit to Constantinople, and in the inscription he commanded that nightly services should be held within this church until the second coming of Christ.
The Church of Sant Gregory of the Abughamir familiy
Fire Temple in Ani
Armenian fortress Magazberd Մաղասբերդ
The Cathedral of Mren
About 34km south of Ani, as the crow flies, the Arpa/Akhurian and Digor rivers join. Just before that point the two rivers flow through deep canyons, between which is a flat plateau on which was once located a settlement known as Mren. Originally a small town, the site is now completely uninhabited and the only surviving identifiable structure is an imposing Armenian church whose lofty silhouette is visible from many miles away.
