A Unique Site with Great Challenges: Historic Preservation Projects of Prominent Structures in Ani since 2006

Once a lively metropolis with “1001 churches” and over 100,000 inhabitants, Ani emerged at the crossroads of caravan trade in the Middle Ages. Despite all the challenges it had to endure after its abandonment starting in 1239 with the Mongolian invasion; from earthquakes to lightings, from exposure to elements to the years of neglect Ani has survived and seems to have challenged back with its undisputed architectural and engineering masterpieces.

Following its re-discovery through the first scientific research and excavations by Nikolai Yakovlevich Marr and the team from the St. Petersburg Imperial Academy of Sciences between 1892 and 1917, Ani was declared a military zone by the Turkish authorities for a long time with limited excavations and research until 2006. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism resumed control of the site and initiated a comprehensive preservation program under the leadership of the Advisory Board of Ani together with experts from the Special Projects Unit of the General Directorate of the Cultural Properties and Museums.

This presentation, while talking on the historic preservation projects of some of the surviving structures since 2006, will particularly focus on projects of two outstanding monuments, Surp Amenap’rkich Church and the Cathedral of Ani, which are jointly managed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey and World Monuments Fund since 2011. The presentation will conclude by talking about the further research, collaborations and friendships flourished between experts over the globe together with the preservation efforts in Ani.

Join us on zoom here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84225124059