Legendary Ani

On the border between Turkey and Armenia, passing the river Akhuryan, lie the ruins of the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Ani, once great city of Ani, known as the "city of a thousand and one church." Founded more than 1,600 years ago, Ani was an important point on the trade route from the Caucasus to Europe and Asia. Unfortunately, it is now a ghost town, destroyed over the centuries by the Seljuk Turks, Kurds, Georgians, newly budded in the XIX century and quickly faded during World War I and the Armenian Genocide.

October 25, 2010 "World Heritage Fund" because of mismanagement, neglect and careless restoration Turkish authorities heritage of the Armenian people made a preserved landmarks Ani in the list of "Monuments on the verge of death." At the same time, the ruins of ancient Armenian capital are among the three cultural heritage objects that are most at risk of extinction. According to the report, many of the surviving buildings are on the verge of total collapse due to the homeless, those wishing to take refuge in them, and lovers of picnics.














































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