Ani, City of 1001 Churches

–

Ani (Armenian: Անի) is a ruined and uninhabited medieval capitol of Armenia situated in the Turkish province of Kars, near 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 a triangular site, visually dramatic and naturally defensive.

Called the “City of 1001 Churches” and “City of 40 gates” Ani was stationed on various trade routes and its many religious buildings, palaces, and fortifications were amongst the most technically and artistically advanced structures in the world.

At its height, Ani had a population of 100,000–200,000 people and was the rival of Constantinople, Baghdad and Cairo. Long ago renowned for its splendor and magnificence, Ani has been abandoned and largely forgotten for centuries.

Music: Andouni Armenian Lament (Oral Tradition) – by Trdat