ARMENIAN CHURCHES IN VAN TO BE RESTORED

Hurriyet
Feb 22 2010
Turkey

Armenian churches in the eastern province of Van will be restored,
the deputy governor said Monday.

Speaking to an Anatolia news agency correspondent, Van deputy governor
Halil Berk said that Armenian churches on Carpanak Island and Yukarı
Bakraclı village would be restored within the scope of a project
prepared by the governor’s office.

Berk said they were conducting projects to boost the province’s
tourism potential.

"There are four islands including Akdamar Island in Lake Van. Every
island has a church. Only Akdamar Church was restored. Churches in
Carpanak Island and Yukarı Bakraclı village will also be restored
with the project prepared by us," Berk said.

Varakavank Monastery includes seven churches in Yukarı Bakraclı
village. The oldest church is St. Sophia Church built in the 8th
century.

Carpanak Church which was built in the 6th century was restored in
1462. After an earthquake in 1703, the church was again restored
between 1712 and 1720.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress