Ani Archaeological Site Historical Route

Ani Archaeological Site

The Ani Archaeological Site, located within the borders of Kars Province, is a multicultural Silk Road settlement where habitation continued from the Early Iron Age until the 16th century. It displays the full richness and diversity of medieval urbanism, architecture, and art. Ani Archaeological Site is a 78-hectare plateau surrounded by 4500 meters of walls. The region experienced its brightest period in the 10th and 11th centuries, as cathedrals, palaces, churches, markets and bridges were built.The settlement that began in the 4th century in the Inner Castle (İçkale) is significant for documenting the region’s first transition from a closed city model to an open city model. Its location on major trade routes led to its development as a multicultural commercial center over time, making it a meeting point of Armenian, Georgian, Eastern Roman, and Seljuk cultures. The architectural design ideas, construction materials and techniques, and decorative details resulting from this cultural interaction gave rise to an architectural language unique to Ani, which later spread throughout Anatolia and the Caucasus, producing distinctive architectural monuments within a continuously evolving urban landscape. With these features, the Ani Archaeological Site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016.

Ani St Gregory Abughamrents Polatoğlu Church

Abughamrents Church, also known as Saint Gregory Church and Polatoğlu Church, is one of the structures designated as "immovable cultural property requiring protection" within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ani Archaeological Site. Located on the western edge of the city overlooking the Bostanlar Stream, the initial construction date and patron of the building are unknown. However, based on information found in one of the inscriptions on the church’s wall, it is believed to have been constructed around 980 CE. The church, which has reached the present day in a well-preserved condition, was built on a three-stepped platform with red, black, and brownish finely-cut stones. It has a cylindrical structure with an octagonal dome, supported by six corner pillars connected by slender columns that separate the deep surface. The church has a single entrance facing southwest, and each corner of the octagonal dome contains a window. The absence of an apse suggests that the church may have been used as a mausoleum. The sundial, carved using intricate techniques on the southern facade of the church, is particularly notable.

The Grand Cathedral

Discover a hidden gem known as the "Büyük Katedral," nestled within the Ani Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Grand Cathedral, also known as Fethiye Mosque, is a testament to architectural marvel, history, and centuries-old traditions, making it an essential stop for every discerning traveler. Commissioned in 1001 by Queen Katrenide, wife of King Gagik I of the Bagratid Kingdom, and designed by the esteemed architect Trdat, who also restored the domes of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, this awe-inspiring edifice holds the secrets and stories of countless generations. After Sultan Alp Arslan's conquest in 1064, the cathedral was converted into a mosque, earning it the name Fethiye Mosque. Its grand facades, intricate carvings, and unique architectural features, such as the twelve-sided dome, bear witness to its rich history and the blend of Armenian and Islamic influences. As you traverse through the heart of Türkiye, make sure to add Büyük Katedral to your itinerary. This cultural asset is a tangible link to the glorious past of Türkiye, a living part of its present, and a promise of a vibrant future. Immerse yourself in the pure essence of Turkish history and culture at the Grand Cathedral in Ani.

Tigran Honents Church

Experience an enriching journey back in time at the famed Resimli Kilise, or Painted Church, an enchanting feature within the Tigran Honents Church, situated on the plateau overlooking the Arpaçay River Valley in Türkiye. Commissioned in 1215 by Tigran, a merchant from the Honents family, and dedicated to Saint Gregory the Illuminator, this church resembles a historical canvas, holding a treasure of intricate frescoes that tell tales of devotion, Orthodox Christianity, and the events from the birth to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Resimli Kilise offers an awe-inspiring revelation in the heart of Türkiye. It’s not just a place to visit; it’s a destination to witness history, marvel at archaic art, and reflect on the rich blend of cultures that Türkiye proudly hosts. Every step within these walls allows you to appreciate the incredible endeavors of past generations, fueling your curiosity and inspiring a deeper understanding of the world beyond your time. Don’t wait any longer – rediscover a different side of Türkiye’s history and culture, and soak in the timeless allure and serenity awaiting you at the Painted Church. Make this your next stop on your Turkish adventure, and let the stories from the past regale you today.