ANKARA. – Armenia’s historical capital city Ani, which is currently in Turkey, continues to serve as a pasture for the nearby villages. Four security employees and a 4.5 kilometer fence are not enough to protect the territory of 78 ha from shepherds, Haber7 informs.

Head of the culture and tourism department Hakan Doganay stated he had warned the village residents for many times that Ani is a historical territory and it is prohibited to use it as a pasture.

However, in response the residents complained about drought and not enough food for animals. The villagers said they have to enter the territory of Ani adding they do preserve the ancient ruins.

To note, the village residents have always used the historical territory as a pasture and this year was not an exception.