Excavations resume in ancient city of Ani in northeastern Türkiye

By Cuneyt Celik

KARS, Türkiye (AA) - A team of art historians, archaeologists, architects and students has resumed excavations at the archaeological site of Ani, located in Türkiye's northeastern Kars province, in order to unearth historical artifacts.

Known as "the world city" or "cradle of civilizations,” Ani was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016.

Located on the Türkiye-Armenia border, Ani is one of the greatest historical and cultural gems in the country.

Ani was ruled by Bagrationi dynasty in 884-1045, and by Byzantium in 1045-1064.

It was conquered by Sultan Alparslan on Aug. 16, 1064.

The site standing on an approximately 85-hectare (210-acre) area was home to many civilizations and languages throughout history, including Armenian, Greek, Turkish, Arabic, Georgian, Persian from 970 to 1320.

Muslims and Christians lived side by side in Ani for centuries.

Ani is also home to many architectural masterpieces, including Ebul Manucehr Mosque, the first Turkish-built mosque in Anatolia, Amenaprgic Church, Cathedral of Ani, Dikran Honentz Church, Abugamir Pahlavuni Church, and Seljuk Caravanserai.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Muhammet Arslan, head of the excavation team, said that the Ani archaeological site is a very important city with its 5,000-year history.

Arslan added that Ani has a very important place because it is the beginning of Turkish history and Turkish architecture in Anatolia.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan