---

The city of Kars, located on the eastern border of Turkiye, is home to one of the most impressive medieval ruins: Ani.

The medieval city of Ani impresses its visitors with its well-preserved city walls, vast remains of Armenian churches and recently excavated Seljuk-era neighbourhoods. A few number of archaeological findings from Ani are on display in the Kars Archaeology and Ethnography Museum. Due to its limited space, a significant percentage of the entire collection is protected in the storage rooms.

For just a limited time of three months, visitors of Kars Archaeology and Ethnography Museum will have a chance to see two unusual pieces from the museum’s collection. They are on display for the first time since their discovery.

The first extraordinary piece is a gold belt that was found 22 years ago. Consisting of three sections (the belt buckle, belt loops and belt plate), this golden belt was made entirely of gold and has ornaments, that appear like the “Rumi” ornaments extensively used in Turkish art since the Middle Ages.

Moreover, the belt plate contains a small human head. According to the Museum Acting-Director Hakim Aslan, this small-sized human head resembles those seen in Uighur period wall paintings.

The second extraordinary piece is a gold bracelet with two snake-shaped heads on both ends. According to Mr. Aslan, snake or dragon figures were believed to have protective powers against evil spirits.

Among more than 10.000 pieces currently being stored in Kars Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, these two pieces are worth seeing because they are unique in their own categories. If you are planning a trip to Turkiye, why don’t you fly to Kars and take an exclusive look at these extraordinary objects, as well as breathtaking beauty of Ani?

---

Source: Anadolu Agency

---