Throughout the nine months of the year 2017, 109,000 tourists have visited Akhtamar Island in Van, reported the Turkish Cumhuriyet newspaper. The newspaper also reports that the number of tourists having visited the island between January and September 2017 has grown by 25.5 percent compared to the previous year. In 2016, 82,000 tourists visited Akhtamar.

The  active season for tourism in Van is considered the summer when thousands of tourists visit the island.

According to the newspaper, Iranians make up the prevailing majority of the tourists who visit the island that has become remarkable for the historic Armenian churches located on the island.

Let us remind that the Holy Cross Armenian Church, which was built by King Gagik Artsruni in the 10^th century, is located on Akhtamar Island and is famous with its frescos and ornaments.

In 2007, the Turkish authorities renovated the church, which now operates as a museum. A religious ritual is only permitted once a year on the Sunday following or preceding the Khachverats Day. However, over the past two years, there has not been any Mass served in the church due to the clashes between Kurds and Turkish forces.