AZG Armenian Daily #146, 19/08/2005

Neighbors

RECONSTRUCTION OF SURP KHACH OF AKHTAMAR GOES ON

The website of Turkish NTV informed on August 18 that the
reconstruction of Surp Khach Armenian church on Akhtamar Island
has been completed by 35 percent. The primary goal is to finish
restoration of outward walls before autumn rains begin. The NTV notes
meanwhile that “the church built by Armenian king Gagik I on Akhtamar
Island of the Lake Van in 915-921 stood against time”. The money for
restoration, 200 million 400 thousand lire, were allocated by the
Culture and Tourism Ministry.

Representative of the firm carrying out the restoration, Adna Vural,
told NTV, “Natural disasters and treasure hunters have severely damaged
the church. We are done with the roof in the first stage. As soon
as the facade is ready, we’ll turn to the frescos, and specialists
invited from abroad will do that job”.

NTV writes that 25 specialists take part in restoration works. The
works are scheduled to finish by 2006 unless nothing unplanned happens.

By Hakob Chakrian