Turks Prepare to Restore Historic Bridge on Armenian-Turkish Border

Turkey is preparing to reconstruct the destroyed historic bridge of Ani (Silk Road Bridge), located on the Armenian-Turkish border over the Akhuryan River. This was announced by Ahmet Arslan, the former Turkish Minister of Transport, Maritime and Communication and now a member of parliament from Kars. This was reported by Ermenihaber.

In an interview with the media outlet 'Gazete Kars,' he mentioned that the Kars 18th Division of the Turkish Directorate of Highways is organizing a competition for the restoration of the bridge, which currently has only its foundations remaining. Construction work is expected to commence soon.

Arslan emphasized that the ruins of Ani are very important to them, as it was the first stop for Sultan Alp Arslan in 1064 in Anatolia. “One of the significant features of Ani is its location on the Silk Road. By God's will, the Directorate of Highways will reconstruct this historic bridge, which concludes the Silk Road and is located on the Akhuryan, the border between Armenia and Turkey, just like it has rebuilt other historic bridges. Work will begin soon,” stated the Turkish lawmaker.

However, the lawmaker did not provide further details about the restoration of the bridge, particularly whether any agreement has been reached with Armenia on this matter, as one of the two bridge supports is located on the Armenian side of the Akhuryan.

It is worth recalling that there were also reports in Turkish media about the restoration of the bridge in 2010. At that time, it was reported that a delegation from Turkey was sent to Armenia, which reached an agreement with the Armenian side on this issue.

One of the 3D reconstructions of the nearly completely destroyed historic bridge of Ani, built in the 11th century.