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Ani, Turkey
The Cathedral of Ani construction began in 989 and was completed around 1010. (Virtual Ani) 
The City Wall is said to date from the 13th Century. (Virtual Ani) 
The Church of the Redeemer was completed around 1035. (Virtual Ani) 
The Great Palace was built in the 13th Century. For more information on the Great Palace click on the Conference Report. For more detailed information click the Virtual Ani link below each image. |
SACRED SITE The sacredness of the city of Ani is partly because the Armenian culture was the first to convert to Christianity. Subsequently they invented the form of architecture which we now call Gothic to celebrate their new religion. The protection of the region around Ani is important because of the role the area has played historically. It seems that the city of Ani was probably the most important city in the world 1000 years ago. By the 11th century the population of Ani was between 100,000 and 200,000 people of many faiths. Its wealth and renown was such that it was known as "the city of a thousand and one churches." Now on the Turkish side of the border with Armenia, Ani nevertheless needs to be protected regardless of whose jurisdiction it falls under. Earthquakes in 1319, 1832, and 1988, Army Target practice and general neglect all have had devastating effects on the architecture of the city. The city of Ani is a sacred place which needs ongoing protection. GOAL The Landmarks Foundations first goal was to bring attention to the threatened city of Ani and to communicate the importance of its historical presence. SUCCESS In 1996, early in the development of the Landmarks Foundation, we organized a conference in Ani, the medieval capital of Armenia, which is now on the Turkish side of the border that divides the two countries. Animosity between the two counties has resulted in the near destruction of the magnificent and distinctive architecture. We proposed and partially funded a conference that included many international participants and organizations. The resulting conclusions included recommendations about how to and how not to restore and protect the city. The conference effectively demonstrated to the Turkish authorities how valuable and important the city of Ani is. We returned in 2004 to the medieval city and found the site has been well cared for and made secure in accordance with our recommendations. The Turks have largely stopped their destructive preservation techniques, and in 2005 we were pleased to see first hand, that some proper interventions were successfully initiated by some of the original participants of our conference. The Landmarks Foundation's interest continues with our more active involvement with the Church and Island of Akhtamar nearby in Lake Van. We have succeeded in engaging the Turkish authorities in recognizing the importance of this region and protecting it. With the Studio Programs at University of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with the Turkish Universities and the Historical Heritage Protection Foundation of Istanbul, we are proposing a discreet but functional design for the protection and development of this most sacred and historic area. "A people which is cut off from its own past is far less free to choose and to act as a people than one which has been able to situate itself in history. This is why - and this is the only reason why - the entire art of the past has now become a political issue" - John Berger, "Ways of Seeing" |