Ani - Fethiye Camii Cathedral

Even without its dome and supporting drum, both of which have collapsed, this solid, triple-aisled church with a nave of suitably cathedral-like proportions, still manages to dominate the ruined city of Ani. Founded by King Smbat and Queen Gadarine, it was built between 989 and 1001, replacing the Church of Ashot III as Ani's principal church. The architect was the famous Trdat, commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Basil II to save the dome of Hagia Sophia from collapse following the earthquake of 989. Having been plundered by the Seljuks, the cathedral was converted into a mosque in 1064. The raised sanctuary has survived. Graceful blind arcading articulates the exterior.