An extraordinary exhibition titled "Ani's Story" has opened at the Kars Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, featuring 244 archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, with 196 being unveiled to the public for the first time. The exhibition is part of the "102 Exhibitions in the 102nd Year" project, launched by the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums of Türkiye's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Visitors to the exhibition can explore a range of artifacts, including gold, silver, bronze, glass, stone, and metal items such as rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and everyday objects. These items date from as early as 5000 BCE to the present, offering a unique glimpse into the rich history of Ani, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Serkan Geduk, acting director of the museum department of the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, highlighted that the exhibition presents a chronological display of cultural assets unearthed during archaeological excavations dating back to 1892.
"One of the main reasons for organizing these temporary exhibitions is to showcase artifacts stored in museum depots, offering them in different perspectives and contexts along with their stories," Geduk explained.
Associate Professor Muhammet Arslan, head of the Ani Excavation Team, emphasized the significance of Ani, particularly for the history of Turkish-Islamic culture in Anatolia.
"Ani is a city with 5,000 years of history, from the Late Chalcolithic Period to the present. Our ongoing excavations, restorations, and conservation efforts aim to protect and promote this invaluable heritage," Arslan said.
The exhibition also serves as an educational platform, enhancing public awareness of Ani's cultural significance and bringing ancient treasures to light for a broader audience.
Hakim Aslan, director of Kars Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, noted that 196 of the 244 exhibited artifacts are being displayed for the first time. "These are the results of excavations that began in 1892 and continued until 2024. This exhibition offers a fresh perspective on Ani's rich history," Aslan added.