ARA SARAFIAN PROPOSES TURNING BITLIS CHURCH INTO WILLIAM SAROYAN MUSEUM

Noyan Tapan

Nov 25, 2008

ISTANBUL, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENIANS TODAY – NOYAN TAPAN. Ara Sarafian,
an Armenian historian, the Director of the "Komitas" Historical
Institute in London, sent a letter to the Turkish minister of culture,
in which he welcomed the intention to found a museum of William
Saroyan in Bitlis.

Ara Sarafian expressed a hope that this step will open a path enabling
to speak with warmer feelings about Armenian heritage and Anatolian
roots, noting that the museum may put a number of issues about the
1915 events on the agenda.

In his letter A. Sarafian also expressed an opinion that the only
remaining Armenian church in Bitlis would be the best place for
the museum. The church is now abandoned and unkempt and considered
property of British American Tobacco company, Marmara daily reported.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress