A groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of the Saint Hakob Armenian Hospital was held through the efforts of the Armenian community of Istanbul on March 14. The hospital collapsed in Elmadagh last year.

As “Armenpress” reports, citing Agos Weekly, among the participants of the groundbreaking ceremony were Archbishop Levon Zekiyan of the Catholic Turkish-Armenians, as well as leaders of the Armenian community and head of Shishli District of Istanbul Hairi Inoniu. After renovation, the Saint Hakob Armenian Hospital, which is one of the oldest hospitals of Istanbul, will also serve as a nursing home for the elderly of the Armenian community. The hospital opened its doors in Istanbul in 1831.

In 1963, it was renovated, and it collapsed entirely on May 2, 2014. The new hospital will be equipped with the latest medical equipment. It will also have a surgery room and laboratories, as well as 50 rooms, of which 8 will be for children. The nursing home will be adjunct to the hospital.