GHF executive director Jeff Morgan: Ani is probably one of top 10 sites in world

October 25, 2010 - 20:48 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Twelve historic sites around the world are "on the verge of vanishing" because of mismanagement and neglect, according to a new report by San Francisco-based Global Heritage Fund (GHF).

The report identifies nearly 200 heritage sites in developing nations as being at risk, highlighting 12 as being on the verge of irreparable loss and destruction, CNN reported.

Three sites in the Middle East, Iraq's Nineveh, Palestine's Hisham's Palace, and Turkey's Ani, are among those most in danger.

The ruined city of Ani, on the border of Turkey and Armenia, dates back to the 11th century. Once known as "The City of a Thousand Churches," many of its remaining buildings are now on the brink of collapse.

"Ani is probably one of the top 10 sites in the world, right up there with Machu Picchu and Angkor Wat. It's incredible," GHF executive director Jeff Morgan told CNN.