Anatolia's 1st rock mosque cave opens for tourism

By Cuneyt Celik

KARS, Türkiye (AA) - Anatolia's first rock mosque cave found during excavations at Ani archaeological site in eastern Türkiye, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been opened to visitors on Thursday.

The ancient city of Ani, an archaeological site located in Türkiye's northeastern Kars province, amazes visitors with its extraordinary waterfalls and natural beauty.

Located in the valley through which the Arpacay River flows, Ani was ruled by the Bagratids from 884 to 1045 and by the Byzantines from 1045 to 1064. It was conquered by Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan on Aug. 16, 1064.

Ani archaeological site, spanning 100 hectares, was ruled by various empires including the Bagratids, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Christians and Muslims lived together there in the past.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums and Kafkas University (KAU), excavation work at Ani continues at eight different sites.

The excavation of the cave, considered the first rock mosque, has been completed after 48 days.

The cave, which also features an entrance staircase, was opened to tourism following a recitation from the Holy Quran and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Kars Governor Ziya Polat stated at the opening that Ani archaeological site is a place of great significance for world history.

Polat highlighted Ani's significance as the city of firsts and noted that opening Anatolia's first mosque to tourism adds to its legacy.

He promised continued promotion of this important site, which he believes will become a unique tourist destination.

Muhammet Arslan, Excavation Director at Ani and KAU faculty member, described Ani as a beacon of both the Middle Ages and ancient times.

He noted that Ani, with its 5,000-year history and numerous cave settlements, is among the most significant ancient cities, not only for its monumental and yet-to-be-excavated architectural remains but also for its extensive cave dwellings.

Arslan stated that the cave mosque, built as a residence with eight rooms, was converted into a chapel during the Bagratid period and into a mosque with the addition of a mihrab niche after the Seljuk conquest in 1064.

He emphasized that this makes it the first mosque built by Turks in Anatolia.