Ani is among twelve historic sites around the world that are “on the verge of vanishing” because of negligence and mismanagement. According to the report, by San Francisco-based Global Heritage Fund (GHF), nearly 200 heritage sites highlighting 12 as being on the verge of irreparable loss and destruction.
Ani “The City of a Thousand Churches” is among those most in danger. Many of its remaining buildings are now on the brink of collapse.
“Ani is probably one of the top 10 sites in the world, right up there with Machu Picchu and Angkor Wat. It’s incredible.” GHF executive director Jeff Morgan told CNN.
The ruined city of Ani, on the border of Turkey and Armenia, dates back to the 11th century.
We say we’re going to use tourism for economic development purposes, but you really need an assessment of the economic geography of the place.
Ani has been “caught in a political morass,” because of its position on the border of two countries that don’t have diplomatic relations, said Morgan, arguing that restoring these heritage sites will attract tourism that can pay for their ongoing preservation and bring sustainable income to local communities.
"That’s why what’s happening now is so critical -- because of scarcity. There are so few intact ruins and historic districts left,” told Morgan to CNN.
