Ani: The City of 1001 Churches (Kars) (AD 971)

Today located in northeast Turkey near its current border with Armenia, Ani became the capital of Armenia in 971. At its height, Ani had a population of around 150,000. Because of its Christian growth, Ani was called the “City of 1001 Churches.” After the Selçuk Turks conquered Ani in 1064, it declined in population and lost all of its inhabitants by the 1750s. The ancient ruins and historic churches of Ani are open to visitors.