ARMENIAN CHURCH AKHTAMAR IN TURKEY RESTORED BY METHODS INADMISSIBLE
FOR IT

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 10. ARMINFO. The Armenian Church “Surb Khach” (St.
Cross) on Akhtamar peninsula (territory of present day Turkey) is
restored with materials inadmissible for restoration.

Members of a public organization engaged in study of Armenian
architecture visited the peninsula on August 14 2005. They told
ARMINFO that restoration is in process, and the territory is
fenced. The unique monument of Middle Age architecture, the Cross
dated 915-921 (architect Manuel) are covered with tar and mazut,
frescos are replaced with stones made from “khachkars.” To note
Akhtamar peninsula was the residence of Armenian Kings of Artsruny
Dynasty (the 10-11th centuries). The monument’s belonging to he
Armenian culture is not mentioned, just a placard says in Turkish and
English and that church belongs to the Armenian period. Besides,
architect Manuel was presented a archimandrite, specialists say. The
church is restored without participation of the Armenian party or
independent experts of UNESCO that initiated the restoration. The
members of the organization say that local Kurds survived from
massacres by Turks continue destroying the churches and houses of
Armenians.

Anti-Armenian propaganda is widely practiced at the Museum of the
ancient Armenian town of Van, wherein a Turk-guide presents the piles
of skulls as the Turk victims of the genocide by Armenians in the
beginning of the 20th century.

According to data of UNESCO dated 1974, of 913 Armenian historical
monuments 464 were fully destroyed, 252 were ruined, and 197 need
immediate restoration.