Ani Bridge on the Turkey-Armenia border will be rebuilt

Minister Uraloğlu made a written statement regarding the restoration work of the bridge within the Ani Ruins in Kars.

Stating that the bridge is located in Ani, one of the important trade centers of the Middle Ages, Uraloğlu stated that they will rebuild the structure, which was built on the Silk Road in the 10th century and only ruins of its feet have survived to the present day. Pointing out that the bridge, built as a customs gate on the Silk Road, was one of the important crossing points of trade between east and west for centuries, Uraloğlu emphasized that the structure is of great importance in terms of historical and cultural heritage.

Uraloğlu stated that the original structure of the bridge is 80 meters long and 8 meters wide, and that the structure is located at the narrowest point where the bed width of the Arpaçay River drops to 36 meters. Stating that the circular arch of the building, with a span of 31 meters, collapsed on October 16, 1807, Uraloğlu underlined that the bridge was among the important crossing points of the Silk Road route when it was still standing.

Reminding that the Ani Ruins, including the Ani Bridge, were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016 with 21 cultural assets, Uraloğlu stated that the aim is to transfer the historical structure to future generations.

Uraloğlu said that within the scope of the protocol signed between Türkiye and Armenia, they will carry out the restoration works under the coordination of the joint commission.

Stating that the protocol determining the scope and method of the work on the reconstruction of the bridge was signed in Yerevan on May 4, Uraloğlu said, "In line with the protocol signed at the meeting attended by our Vice President, Mr. Cevdet Yılmaz, the restoration process will be carried out by the joint commission, including our Ministry and the General Directorate of Highways (KGM)."

Uraloğlu mentioned that the tender for the restoration of the historical bridge was held by the General Directorate of Highways (KGM) on September 16 and said:

"By signing the contract on September 28, we completed the tender process for the reconstruction of the historical Ani Bridge, located on the border of Turkey and Armenia. With the reconstruction of the historical bridge, we aim to preserve one of the important cultural heritages of the Silk Road and transfer it to future generations."

Source: TRT Haber Açık RSS (Gündem) (Open Press / Translated Full Text)