On a plateau in the remote highlands of northeast Turkey stands the eerie, abandoned city of Ani. Once an important cultural hub and regional power, this ancient place was once called “the city of a thousand and one churches,” but it now lies in ruins, having been left to crumble and deteriorate for years.

(MORE:17 Eerie Ghost Towns of the World)

The ruins lie on disputed territory within the Turkish province of Kars, near the border with Armenia. It is believed that Ani was founded more than 1,600 years ago, reports The Atlantic, and that because it was positioned on several important trade routes, it grew to become a thriving walled city by the 11th century. In fact, according to Atlas Obscura, Ani was once a contemporary rival of Constantinople, Baghdad and Cairo, but the city began to fall over its history as a result of a number of wars, invasions and earthquakes.

Over its history, the originally Armenian city was ruled over by five empires and an array of kingdoms,and it was completely abandoned by the 1700s. Ani did have a brief resurgence in the 19th century, only to be closed off by World War I, and then abandoned again following the Armenian Genocide. The ruins have deteriorated significantly over the last 90 years at the hands of looters and vandals. The weather has also taken its toll on the crumbling remains.

(MORE:Amazing Ancient Ruins to See Around the World)

Today, there is an ongoing effort by archeologists and activists to save the ancient city. Many of the remaining churches are still very beautiful, even in their ruined state, and the historical minaret of the Menüçehr Mosque is still standing. The ruins of Ani were included in the World Monument Fund’s Watch Lists of 100 Most Endangered Sites in 1996, 1998 and 2000 and the city has now been added to a tentative list for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Click on the slideshow above to see photos of the ancient ghost city.

MORE ON WEATHER.COM:Amazing Destinations You Probably Didn't Know Existed