Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Jan 8 2010
Church restorations under way in Diyarbakır
The restoration of an Armenian and a Protestant church in the
southeastern province of Diyarbakır is taking place under the auspices
of the province’s Regional Directorate of Foundations as part of a
project focused on preserving historic buildings in the province, the
Anatolia news agency reported yesterday.
Noting that work is under way on a local Armenian church that dates
back to the 16th or 17th century and a protestant church that dates
back to the 19th century, Diyarbakır Regional Foundations Director
Yakup Aktürk said they have developed plans for the restoration of
every historic building in the province that needs repair and that
projects are implemented based on urgency — structures in worse
condition are restored first. `We have completely restored 30
buildings. Currently, the restoration of two churches as well as Ali
PaÅ?a Mosque is under way,’ he added.
Noting that 11 more historical buildings will be repaired this year
including the Diyarbakır Ulu Mosque and the tombs of the prophets in
the EÄ?il district, Aktürk said the restored buildings will be opened
for cultural tourism in the city.
08 January 2010, Friday
TODAY’S ZAMAN Ä°STANBUL
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
