TURKEY FUNDS RECONSTRUCTION OF ARMENIAN CHURCH

09.08.2005 05:02

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Resulting from downpours biblical frescos at Surb
Khach church in Akhtamar Island gradually disappear. After a
century-long indifference and decades of political variance, Turkey
has decided to lend an ear to EU calls to protect national minority
rights in Turkey. This May the Turkish Government provided 2 million
Turkish liras ($1.5 million) to repair Surb Khach church. The move
gives careful hope for the warming of Armenian-Turkish relations. In
late July Armenian Patriarch of Turkey Mesrop Mutafyan met with
representatives of the construction company that is restoring the
church. Planned restoration works and participation of Armenian
architects were discussed at the meeting. «Surb Khach church is
important both to Armenians and Turks,» noted Zeydanli company
head. In his words, Patriarch Mesrop Mutafyan has advised to contact
Armenian architect Zakaria Mildauoghlu, reported RFE/RL.