Preserving the Medieval City of Ani

Cultural heritage can serve as a catalyst for reconciliation, even in post-conflict societies with contentious histories. This study highlights the case of Ani, a medieval Armenian capital in eastern Turkey, which has long been neglected due to its non-Muslim identity and the state's reluctance to acknowledge painful episodes of Turkish history. By analyzing recent developments in heritage management—particularly involving international organizations and civil society debates—the research demonstrates that Ani’s preservation efforts, despite significant challenges, offer a pathway for acknowledging and reconciling with suppressed historical narratives. The approach combines archival analysis, interviews, and policy reviews to explore the tensions between tourism-driven economic opportunities and the need for historical acknowledgment.

Watenpaugh, H. Z. (2014). Preserving the Medieval City of Ani. Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, 73(4), 528–555. https://doi.org/10.1525/jsah.2014.73.4.528