A remarkable 1,000-year-old sundial discovered during excavations at the Ani Ruins in Kars, Turkey — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — has been put on display, attracting the attention of both local and international tourists.
The Ani Ruins, once a thriving medieval city and a gateway from the Caucasus to Anatolia, continue to reveal secrets from the past. In 2021, archaeologists unearthed a sundial from the remains of a historic bathhouse within Ani. After restoration and preservation, the ancient artifact has now been showcased to the public for the very first time at the Kars Archaeology and Ethnography Museum.
A City of Civilizations
Ani, often referred to as the “City of 1,001 Churches”, flourished between the 10th and 13th centuries and hosted more than 23 civilizations throughout history. Spanning an area of 85 hectares, this once-bustling medieval city contained mosques, cathedrals, palaces, bridges, monasteries, and fortifications, reflecting a rich cultural mosaic. Today, around 25 of its most significant structures remain standing, offering visitors a rare glimpse into its storied past.
Beneath the surface, Ani also hides nearly 1,500 underground structures, including tunnels and living quarters, shedding light on how ancient societies adapted and survived in the harsh climate of Eastern Anatolia.
The Sundial’s Historical Significance
According to archaeologists, sundials were widely used in the Hellenistic and Roman periods but became less advanced in the Middle Ages. The Ani sundial, however, stands out with its half-circle design and 12 distinct divisions, where a metal rod once cast shadows to measure time.
Kars Archaeology and Ethnography Museum’s Acting Director, Hakim Aslan, emphasized the importance of the discovery:
“The sundial we uncovered in the bathhouse excavation is significant not only because of its age but also because of its design. It dates back approximately 1,000 years and offers us valuable insight into how medieval societies in Ani perceived and measured time.”
Growing Tourist Interest
Since being placed on display just two weeks ago, the sundial has already sparked strong interest among visitors. Domestic and international tourists flock to the museum to witness this rare medieval artifact, further boosting Ani’s reputation as a cultural treasure trove.
The discovery adds another layer of significance to Ani, reinforcing its value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of cultural interaction between East and West.
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