The Turkish Tigris Haber.com has covered the St. Kirakos Armenian Church located in Diyarbakir (Sur region).

Member of the board of directors of the St. Kirakos Armenian Church Gaffur Turkai has given his evaluations of the destruction of the largest Armenian church in the Near East. He has particularly stated that the church was destroyed not as much during the clashes in Sur as much as after the clashes through thieves. Although curfew has not been lifted in the quarter where the church is located and only the relevant authorities permit visits to the church, thieves manage to destroy the church.

The residents of the quarter have addressed different officials with the issue of the ongoing destruction. The officials have stated that the church will be renovated in the course of this year, but the year is drawing to an end, and no step has been taken yet. It is unclear as to when the renovation will be launched. In this scenario, what is more troubling is not when works will be launched, but how much more damage can be caused to the church before reconstruction. Consequently, it is necessary to take special measures to protect the church. Negotiations over the issue continue. Regional director of the vakifs of Diyarbakir Metin Evsen has stated that the right of ownership of the church does not pertain to the vakifs. He has also stated that restoration works will be launched, but it is not clear when. Police officers have been warned that measures will be taken to prevent any damage that may be caused to the church.

Akunq.net