Currently in ruins and uninhabited, Ani was once a fortress (5th c. – 9th c.), the capital of Armenia (10th c. – 11th c.), and an important economic and cultural center (9th c. – 14th c.). Its name comes from the Armenian fortress-city and religious center of pagan Armenians located in the region of Daranaghi in Upper Armenia.
In 1045, Ani was conquered by the Byzantines.
In the 18th century, Ani was incorporated into the territory of the Russian Empire.
In 1920, Ani was handed to Turkey in accordance to the Treaty of Constantinople.
In Armenian architecture, Ani is known as “the city of 1001 churches.”
The epic story of Ani and its ill fate have been an inspiration for many writers.
The Ani Chapter was established in 1972 in the Jdeideh region.
The founding board included: Mariam Guluzian, Loucin Kotchoyian, Baydsar Keledjian, Shoushan Arslanian, Mari Havatian, Eliz Vartabedian, and Siranoush Kayadjian.
The chapter operates at the “Ani” Center in New Jdeideh.
