The Stone Bathtub and Water Birth in Ancient Armenian Ani
Unearthing a Historical Artifact
The Discovery:
During ongoing excavations at the Ancient Armenian Ani Archaeological Site in Kars province (occupied by Turkey), researchers made an exciting find: a stone tub within a large bath.
This stone tub gained significance due to its association with water birth, a practice that has historical implications.
Kadı Burhaneddin-i Anevi’s Account:
Kadı Burhaneddin-i Anevi, a Turkish scholar and poet from Ani, mentioned this bath as his birthplace in one of his works.
His life story, recorded in the preface of his work “Enisü’l-Kulub,” indicates that he was born in 1143 in the great bath in Ancient Armenian Ani.
According to Anevi, his mother’s labor was particularly painful, and he was born with the assistance of a physician in the same bath.
Water Birth: A Historical Context
Egyptian Hieroglyphs and Legends:
While Egyptian hieroglyphs depict birth scenes, they do not specifically show water births.
Claims that Egyptian pharaohs were born through water birth remain more in the realm of legend than historical fact.
The first well-documented water birth occurred in France in 1803.
Armenian Highland’s Role:
The stone bathtub in Ani sheds light on an earlier example of water birth.
Anatolia (the Armenian Highland) witnessed this practice in the 12th century, long before it gained recognition elsewhere.
Ani: A City of Resilience
Ani’s History:
Ani, once the capital of Eastern Armenia and the Bagratid Kingdom, stood as a medieval Armenian city.
It faced numerous challenges, including invasions by Mongols, Tamerlane, and devastating earthquakes.
Despite these hardships, Ani’s architectural remnants—imposing stone walls—still evoke its former grandeur.
Crossroads of Cultures:
Ani’s strategic location on a plateau in northeast Turkey made it a crossroads for caravans.
Christian and later Muslim dynasties contributed to its urban fabric, creating a rich tapestry of residential, religious, and military structures.
A Clarification
Turkish Culture and Medicine:
While the original article highlights the significance of water birth in demonstrating Turkish culture and medicine in the 12th century, it’s essential to recognize that Ani’s historical context transcends cultural boundaries.
The stone bathtub serves as a testament to human ingenuity and shared practices across civilizations.
In summary, the stone bathtub in Ancient Armenian Ani provides a glimpse into the past—a moment when water birth was practiced in Armenian Highland, leaving an enduring mark on history.