Turkey Refuses Cross on Akhtamar Church

Remember the Holy Cross Church on Akhtamar Island? Sure you do! We've covered it here, here, and here. If that doesn't refresh your memory, on opening day it was the only Armenian church surrounded by Turkish flags. Oh, and there was another problem.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has rejected the proposal of Patriarch of Constantinople Mesrob Mutafyan to hoist a cross on the Holy Cross Church on Akhtamar island.

"There is not a cross even at Hagia Sofia Temple, since it’s a museum. The Church on Akhtamar will also function as a museum and hoisting a cross on its dome would be a wrong step," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

If you look at the links above, it is clear that Turkey is using a historic Armenian church to exploit tourist dollars. The restoration was shoddy and before massive protests, the slated opening date was to be April 24th. And now, they're removed basically all symbols of Armenia and Christianity in the name of it being a museum.

It is clear to anyone with half a brain that Turkey is being anti-Christian and anti-Armenian. Anyone who buys into the "Turks extending an olive branch" argument is either half-brained or just Turkish.

Source: PanArmenian

BBC Gallery of Restored Akhtamar Church

The very awesome BBC just placed a link to a gallery containing seven pictures of the restored Akhtamar Church. If you recall, we covered the pros and cons of this Turkish undertaking: you can find that here.

Here is the BBC Gallery.

Does anyone else find odd all the Turkish flags being flown around the church? Does it serve as a reminder that the church is now located in Turkey or is it a subconscious attempt to show it as a sort of Turkish trophy? After all, it seems to us that this shoddy restoration is merely an attempt to capitalize on Armenia's rich history.

You decide.

Armenia to Participate in Opening of Akhtamar Church

Here's some background on the church and why it is so controversial.

Armenian delegation will participate in the opening ceremony of Holly Cross Armenian Church in Akhtamar island, Turkey.

Armenian Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs Hasmik Poghosyan told a press conference in Yerevan that a few days ago she had received an official invitation to participate in the opening ceremony of the Church.

Let's hope it goes without a hitch, but realize Turkey wouldn't want problems, anyway.

Source: Yerkir

France to Restore Two Saryan Paintings

I've always loved Martiros Saryan's work, and not just because half of all Armenian artists nowadays are trying to emulate his use of colors!

A French town is allocating $3,000 to the restoration of two Saryan paintings from 1925 and 1928.

What is not known is whether these pieces are truly in need of a restoration.

Source: Yerevan.ru (translated)

Akhtamar Church to Reopen on April 11th

This piece of news is sure to surprise you:

Akhtamar Church, situated on Akhtamar Island on Van Lake near the eastern Turkish city of Van, will be opened on April 11th, Turkish news agencies reported. The church was renovated with the cooperation of Van Governor's Office and Culture and Tourism Ministry of Turkey.

Earlier reports from Turkey suggested that Turkish authorities planned to open it on April 24 when Armenians across the globe will be marking the 92-nd anniversary of the 1915 genocide, but they revised this decision after complaints...

I must say that this is an honorable act on the part of Turkey, as long as the history of the church, its people, and so on is not distorted. Then again, this magnificent church will most likely be used to promote Turkey's version of history and generate revenues for Turkey, as well. Oh, not to mention serve as a token with which Turkey hopes to show its softer side, in hopes of influencing the all-important EU for membership.

I did some more research and discovered that an organization known as Landmarks Foundation initiated the restoration. Regardless, Turkey helped quite a bit in the process:

In April 2005, in a move that surprised all, the Ministry of Culture in Turkey allotted a generous 1.9 Million dollars for the stabilization and conservation of the Church. The contract was given to prominent local Kurdish contractor, Cahit Zeydanli. "Armenian architects were consulted to ensure that Akhtamar's reconstruction meets international standards,"

It disturbs me slightly that the job was given to a Kurdish contractor. Perhaps Turkey's idea of killing two birds with one stone?

EDIT: A reader of Armenia Blog has sent in a link which shows that this restoration is not complete and faithful and is most likely meant to satisfy the agenda I've outlined above. Shameful. Here's the link.

Source: ArmenPress