03/19/2021 Turkey (International Christian Concern) – The historical site of an Armenian and Catholic cemetery is being desecrated in Ulus, Ankara as construction continues on top of human remains. The Chamber of Architects Ankara Branch verified the remains and submitted stop work requests to several overseeing ministries. Not only does the construction of a state-owned bank continue, but oppositional political leaders are being barred from entering the site.
MP Garo Paylan, an Armenian-Turkish politician of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) condemned the continued construction and submitted questions to Parliament on why action was allowed to continue. Tezcan Karakuş Candan, President of the Chamber of Architects Ankara, also spoke out saying “the ongoing construction is a great disrespect to the multiculturalism of Anatolia. It is inhumane to be dumping concrete on top of those who lived in Anatolia, regardless of their religion, language or race.”
Paylan, Candan, and their accompanying group were stopped by police when they attempted to examine the Armenian cemetery site on March 16. Public outcry and sentiment speak of the historical Armenian presence in Anatolia and the disrespect shown to ancestors and those of a different religion, notably Christianity.
Armenian Christians are facing significant attacks against their heritage from both Turkey and Azerbaijan. Sacred places and items to Armenian Christians are being destroyed or misused for tourist attractions.