The most beautiful, the most luxurious, the richest … these words are probably the best to characterize the city of Ani, which was at the center of attention for many years thanks to its exceptional beauty and grandeur. Even now, when only ruins of the city are left, it continues to cause admiration.
Ani is situated on the bank of the River Akhuryan.
The city was first mentioned in the V century. Historians mention an impregnable fortress, located on a cliff and called Aghjkaberd. However, before the VIII century, Ani was just a fortress. Only since the ninth century, it became a big, economic, political and cultural center, and in 961 – the capital of Armenia. The city began to be built up intensively. A number of churches, palaces, residential buildings were built. Fortified walls were restored as well.
In 1045 Ani became a free city. It turned into a major industrial center. It involved more than 50 types of crafts: metal working, pottery, weapons industry, blacksmithing, weaving, carpet weaving and so on. The so called hamqarutyuns (unions) were created for trades craftsmen. Agriculture and commerce also develops in the city.
The city became a major scientific and cultural center of Armenia. It was famous for historians, poets, architects and builders. The city staged theatrical performances; gusans (folk song writers) wrote and performed songs. A lot of schools were also built in the territory of the city. But Ani was not only a major political and industrial center. During these years, the city became the spiritual center of Armenia, as the throne of the Armenian Church moved to the city. During these years a lot of churches were restored and new ones were built in Ani. Later it was known as the city of 1000 and 1 churches.
Ani was a beautiful city. It was named the city of arts and crafts. The city was famous for its magnificent churches, palaces and buildings. Not once enemies tried to conquer the city. But Ani was a heroic city. For many years it managed to repulse attacks of enemies.
However, since 1236 a period of falling of Ani began. Initially, the city had been captured by the Seljuks, then the Mongols. The part of the city’s population, consisting of about one hundred thousand people, have been forced to move to inland, while others moved themselves. Several families from Ani have later founded Zeitoun, another famous Armenian historical city. The city itself fell into decay, although it continued to exist. The city was almost completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1319. Now the visitors can admire the ruins of beautiful architectural buildings of the city, reminding of once a powerful city.
Choose one of our tours to Armenia to enjoy beauty of Armenia with your own eyes.
