Situated along a major east-west caravan route, Ani first rose to prominence in the 5th century AD and had become a flourishing town by the time Ashot III the Merciful (reigned 952-977), the Bagratid king of Armenia, transferred his capital there from Kars in 961. Thus began a golden age for the city, which was beautified under two subsequent Bagratid rulers. The many churches built there during this period included some of the finest examples of medieval architecture. With a peak population of about 100,000 by the early 11th century, Ani was larger than any European city and rivaled Baghdad, Cairo, and Constantinople in its size and magnificence. It remained the chief city of Armenia until Mongol raids in the 13th century and a devastating earthquake in 1319 sent it into an irreparable decline. Eventually the site was abandoned. The handful of surviving churches and the remnants of the city walls attest to the extraordinary quality of Armenian stonework during the Middle Ages. The modern Turkish village of Ocakli is nearby.

In the northeastern corner of the country, stands Kars, over a high plateau. The province, famous in Turkish history, lies at the foot of a magnificent fortress, the Kars Kalesi from the 12thcentury. This castle constructed by the Seljuks, was later restored in the 19th- century, and it affords a wonderful view of the land below. Nearby is an old cathedral which was subsequently used as a church, named as the Havariler Museum (the Church of the Apostles) where some relief of the Apostles can be seen.

One of the most important sights in Kars, is the Kars Museum, housing many archaeological finds from the earliest ages. Beautiful wood carvings, and a wide collection of coins found in the area are exhibited here, together with some ethnographic works of art, such as fine kilims, carpets and local costumes.

42 km east of Kars, lies Ani, a fascinating medieval town, situated on the ancient Silk Road. This impressive place was once the capital of Urartians, later invaded by the Byzantines and the Mongols, and is located near the Arpacay stream which flows between the Turkish and Armenian Republics. The proximity of this ghost town to the border, places some restrictions on visitors, but the ruins of the mosques and numerous churches, together with the cathedral and the citadel, all inside city walls, are really worth seeing.

Fifty kilometers north of Kars, nature lovers may consider excursions to Lake Clidir, with its artificial island. This area, possessing many different kinds of fish and birds, is a naturepreserve, and it is a lovely spot for relaxation and picnicking. 53 km from Kars, is Sankamls, another pretty town, which is a ski center surrounded by large pine forests. It is an attractive resort with modern facilities, providing opportunities for every type of winter sport. Kagizman is famous for its rock relief belonging to the Neolithic Age. The Aras River canyon is full of wild, natural beauties. The other significant locations are Tuzluca for its salt caves, Gole for its meadows and Aygir Lake, Posof for its forests and mountains is heavenly and Digor where it is believed that the famous Turkish poet Dede Korkut lived.

Regarding the specialties of the region, folkloric values play an important role, and visitors will enjoy the traditional entertainment of rich and interesting folk dances. The kilims and carpets woven in the area are also famous for their colors and designs. Delicious honey is another specialty of Kars, and tasty "kasar" (Keshkawal) cheese is produced by the villagers in this city of pastures and dairy products.

• Kaynak: http://www.kars.gov.tr    http://www.kars.bel.tr         http://www.kultur.gov.tr