The Ani Ruins (Ani Ören Yeri) are 42 kilometres from the city Kars and west of the Arpaçay River, which separates the Türkiye-Armenia border. Ani is the largest archaeological site in Eastern Anatolia. The city attained its peak during the Bagrat period, and its population exceeded 100 thousand by the end of the 10th century. Later coming under Byzantine and Seljuk rule, Ani declined in prominence as trade routes changed during the 14th century; it was completely abandoned towards the end of the 17th century.

As an ancient trading city on the Silk Road, Ani draws attention with structures that carry religious, administrative, military and civil architectural examples of the period to the present day. The most important ruins in Ani are the walls surrounding the ancient city and the intact cathedral, mosque, caravanserai and bridge. The remains of a Zoroastrian “ateşgede” (fire temple) can also be seen in Ani.

The Archaeological Site of Ani was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016.