St. Gregory of Abumarents

behold the ruins Traveling does not fit in one day

The population, which covers an area of ​​78 hectares and is surrounded by walls for 4500 meters, is estimated to have exceeded 100,000 during the 2nd Smpat (977-989) and son Gagik (989-1020) period. Even though the roof of Ani Cathedral, made of red stones, collapsed in an earthquake in 1319 and another corner in a later earthquake, it remains monumental even today. It is possible to see many ruins from the Bagratuni Armenians to the Byzantines, from the Seljuks to the Georgians and the Ottomans, spread over a wide area of ​​the historical city, inside the walls surrounding the Ani. Surrounding Ani and the defenses of the Bagratuni dynasty for defense purposes, witnessed bloody clashes between Bagratuni and Byzantine, then between Byzantine and Seljuk. Having hosted many civilizations throughout history, Ani carries examples of Georgian and Seljuk architecture along with outstanding examples of Armenian architecture. The fact that it was built on the Silk Road made Ani one of the rich cities of its period and increased its importance. Ni was heavily damaged in the earthquake in 1319 and later it was captured and destroyed by Timur. However, it is understood that there was a population in the city until it was completely abandoned in the 1535 Ottoman-Iran war. The region, which was captured by the Russians in the Ottoman-Russian war of 1877-78, was taken back by the Ottomans after the First World War. However, the Ani plateau later fell into the hands of the newly established Republic of Armenia. In 1920, Ani was last changed hands once again during the War of Independence and was included in the Republic of Turkey. The population, which covers an area of ​​78 hectares and is surrounded by walls for 4500 meters, is estimated to have exceeded 100,000 during the 2nd Smpat (977-989) and son Gagik (989-1020) period. Even though the roof of Ani Cathedral, made of red stones, collapsed in an earthquake in 1319 and another corner in a later earthquake, it remains monumental even today. The church, which was completed in 1001 during the reign of the Armenian king in the 1st Gagik, witnessed the period when Ani was at its peak in terms of population and wealth. The Armenian architect of this church, Trdat, later repaired the dome of Hagia Sophia during the Byzantine period. Another church in the region is considered as an indicator of the artistic skills of the Armenian Bagratuni dynasty. The ruins of the church, which was once an architectural wonder with its 19 arches and domes and made of local red brown volcanic basalt stone, are standing today with the help of a pier. It is said that this church also contains a small part of the cross where Jesus was stretched. St. Gregor Church, founded in the late 10th century, is still magnificent with its 12-sided chapel and dome. The mausoleum in the church in the early 1900s is thought to belong to Prince Grigor Pahlavuni, one of the Armenians of Bagratuni. But, like other things in Ani, this tomb was looted in the 1990s. Opposite this church are caves carved into the rocks. Some historians say that these date back before Ani. There are traces indicating that these caves were used as tombs and churches in the Ani period, and people lived in these caves in the early 20th century. Another church here is Surp Kirkor Church. Built in 1215, the interior of the church is decorated with Jesus and Enlightening Grigor frescoes. Experts state that detailed frescoes were not found in the Armenian art of the period, so Georgian painters probably made frescoes in the church. The Seljuk Empire, which removed the Byzantines from Anatolia, took control of the region since the mid-1000s. But in 1072, he handed over the administration of Ani to the Kurdish Muslim Sheddadi dynasty. During this period, the Ebul Manucehr Mosque was built on the edge of the cliff. It is estimated that the minaret that stands today belongs to the original mosque built at the end of the 1000's, the main building is the addition in the 12th or 13th century. The main function of the Manucehr mosque is still a matter of debate. According to one view, he believes that this building was built as a palace for the Armenian Bagratuni dynasty, and then turned into a mosque.

This building, also known as Halaskar Church, is one of the beautiful buildings that have partially survived in the Ancient City of Ani. The church has a half view, as its east-facing side is destroyed. According to the inscriptions on the walls of this church, which was completed in 1035, Prince Ablgarib built this church to display the Holy Cross from Pahlavid Constantinople. In addition, according to the inscriptions, in 1193, the building was restored, which includes an external hall for pilgrims, and a bell tower was added in 1291. It is also stated that the dome was restored in 1342.

When we step inside the walls surrounding Ani, we find many ruins of the historical city spread over a wide area. In addition to the destruction that has been going on for centuries by human beings, the 12-edged St. Ani has survived the great earthquakes. Gregory of Abumarents still has a magnificent dome with its chapel. The cylindrical church has an octagonal dome and its foundation rests on 6 side pillars supported by interlocking thin columns separating the deep surface. It is claimed that the structure, whose single entrance is located on the southwest façade, was restored in 2012 with a series of faulty applications. A sundial made with carving technique on the south wall of the church is remarkable.

We can say that it is the most surviving structure in Ani ruins, but we must preserve our history. Unfortunately, it is full of articles.

Places whose restoration and protection is overdue. Many buildings have almost disappeared.