Archaeological Site of Ani

Threats identified at the time of inscription in 2016:

• Inadequate Strategic Conservation Master Plan
• Inappropriate use of pasture areas and of the rock-cut caves in Bostanlar Creek and Arpaçay Creek within the 1st Degree Archaeological Conservation site
• Lack of a monitoring plan for the seismic activity of the micro-zone of the property
• Need to integrate a Heritage Impact Assessment approach into the management system, so as to ensure that any project regarding the property be assessed in relation to its impacts on the attributes that convey the Outstanding Universal Value of the property

On 30 November 2017, the State Party submitted a report on the state of conservation, which is available at http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1518/documents/, and addresses recommendations made at the time of the inscription of the property in 2016 (Decision 40 COM 8B.28). Updated information and planning timeframes have been provided for archaeological investigations and conservation projects for a number of listed structures, and progress has included a range of activities, as follows:

• A database has been established to collect information gained from archaeological excavations;
• Signboards have been reviewed and revised to improve information for visitors and to present a balanced representation of the complex history and development of the property;
• Implementation of the Landscape Project is continuing and is due for completion in November 2018;
• Planned timing of works for the key structures for the period from 2016-2040, including urgent interventions, has been developed. The need for urgent interventions has not yet been decided for all structures;
• Monitoring for seismic activity has been undertaken during conservation interventions, although the recommended monitoring plan for seismic activity is planned to be included into the scope of the Management Plan when it is next revised in 2020;
• Awareness raising and monitoring to restrict grazing in the property has been implemented, although sustainable long-term solutions have not yet been found;
• Compulsory Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) processes have been established for all World Heritage properties and Tentative List sites in Turkey.

The Statement of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) was adopted by the World Heritage Committee at its 41st session (Krakow, 2017) (Decision 41 COM 8B.49).

Progress has occurred in relation to a number of recommendations made at the time of the property’s inscription in 2016. The completion of the Landscape Project will improve site presentation, while the State Party has revised information boards to provide a more comprehensive overview, including information about the Armenian cultural history of Ani in the post-1918 period. Details of the changes made have not been provided, but this should be continued in future site presentation activities.

A database for collating information from archaeological excavations has been established to improve the documentation of the property. The State Party’s approach, in relation to the natural landscape and underground spaces, has been to clarify the provisions for the use of the area within the 3rd Degree Archaeological Conservation site. New developments and building activities are allowed under certain conditions, but quarrying is not permitted. While these clarifications are welcome, there is also a continuing need to improve the documentation of the property and its buffer zone.

The integrity of this property is highly vulnerable due to the widespread and serious structural problems of stability, missing fabric due to seismic action or vandalism, and lack of sustainable restoration strategy. The State Party’s approach is to consolidate the elements and prevent further deterioration, before making further conservation plans. A table outlining the implementation of short-term actions has been provided, including: the conservation projects for the Prikitch Church, Cathedral, City Walls and Seljukian Palace; urgent repairs and protective measures to Surp Arekelot’s Church; building of a visitor centre, parking and transportation infrastructure; and landscape works and measures for public safety and access.

The tables that have been provided and which outline the implementation process of the Master Plan (2016-2021) and the archaeological and conservation works planning (2016-2040) are welcomed. However, it is recommended that the State Party prioritise among urgent interventions by undertaking a comprehensive needs assessment and incorporating it into the site management and monitoring systems. The details about these plans need to be submitted to the World Heritage Centre, especially for the planned conservation works, which have to be reviewed by the World Heritage Centre and Advisory Bodies in accordance with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines.

While grazing is prohibited within the 1st Degree Archaeological Conservation site, there is inappropriate use of pasture areas and the rock-cut caves in Bostanlar Creek and Arpaçay Creek. The State Party attributes the identified problems to a lack of local awareness. Some awareness raising and monitoring measures have been implemented to prevent animals entering the property. Efforts to find longer-term sustainable solutions should continue. 

The action taken by the State Party to establish compulsory HIA processes for all World Heritage properties and Tentative List sites in Turkey is welcomed, although further efforts could be required to ensure the effectiveness of this requirement, and the systematic incorporation of HIA within the management system. Monitoring for seismic activity has been undertaken during conservation interventions, however the continued work is needed given that the recommended monitoring plan for seismic activity will only be included in revisions to the Management Plan in 2020.