I traveled across Turkey to Kars, where not many backpackers visit. The city itself is amazing, and came with an unexpected surprise – the Ghost City of Ani.
Ani is an abandoned, ancient Armenian city, located in what’s now present-day Turkey, although the territory is still somewhat contested between Armenia and Turkey. The city was once home to over 200,000 people, and conquered over and over and over again (hundreds of times by some accounts). By the 1700s it was abandoned completely.
The city is not in great condition these days, and has been listed as an endangered world heritage site. Of course, the increasing state of dilapidation/ruin made for some excellent photographs.
Ani was all the more breathtaking when I visited in early summer, with beautiful flowers covering most of the site.
As you can see from the photos, it was very empty. There were maybe about 15 other people there, but the site is so massive it felt like I was alone.
The city was apparently extremely religious, which explains the crosses, numerous chruches, and religious buildings (like the mosque below) located throughout.
The border of Armenia was easily visible, separated by a small river (photo at left – Armenia is above the river to the top right).
The entryway was beautiful, too, in its own way. Although there were a few people around it really didn’t feel that way…a ghost town, indeed!
If you visit eastern Turkey, Ani is a must-see stop. All for only $4 USD!