Ani: On the Trail of History

Ani Castle is one of the most important structures of the Ani Ruins. The castle is located at the highest point of the city. It is surrounded by walls and there are various structures within them.

The structure, which was started to be built by King II. Smbat in 989 and completed by Queen Katranide in 1001, is an Armenian cathedral. It is one of the most important works of Armenian architecture of the 10th century.

The cathedral was built on a domed basilica plan. Although its dome collapsed in the earthquake that occurred in 1319, the exterior of the cathedral has survived to the present day in a very good condition.

According to the inscription on the east facade, this structure was built in 1215 by the merchant Tigran, during the reign of Zakaria, the ruler of Ani. It is dedicated to Surp Krikor Lusavoric, the founder of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The church is particularly notable for its frescoes which adorn the interior. The frescoes on the interior walls and dome of the church depict the events from Jesus Christ's life, from his birth to his death.

One of the most important features of the structure are its wall paintings. The fact that the interior is completely covered with paintings is a rare feature in Armenian church architecture.

This has led some researchers to speculate that the church may have been influenced by Georgian architecture or may have been built by Georgian artists.

Researchers have dated this structure to the Manucehr period of 1086, according to an inscription written in floral Kufic script on the west façade, which was discovered by N. Khanikof in 1847 and is now in ruins.

The structure is characterized by being the first Turkish mosque built in Anatolia.

The Seljuk Palace, built on a steep cliff overlooking the Bostanlar Creek, is dated to the 12th-13th centuries, although the exact construction date is unknown, according to its architectural features and portal arrangement.

The portal door at the entrance of the palace consists of star motifs that showcase the stonework of Seljuk architecture. The palace was built on a rectangular plan with the characteristic Seljuk decorative style of the 12th century.