  Cross to be fixed on Holy Cross Church in Akhtamar May 24, 2010 - 13:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish authorities permitted to fix a cross on the dome of Holy Cross Armenian Church in Akhtamar island. “The decision was made by the organization for nature and cultural monuments of Van,” Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Erturgul Gunay said. “The information was not made public yet but the cross will be fixed before September 19, 2010. Patriarchal Locum Tenens of the Constantinople Patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Aram Ateshyan said the Patriarchate has not been informed of the decision but “inauguration of the cross will afford pleasure for Turkish Armenians.” Permission to fix a cross on a Christian church was issued for the first time in the history of the Turkish Republic. Related links:    Holy Cross Church The 300-seat Holy Cross Church, located on a small island in the middle of Lake Van in eastern Turkey, is in many ways a symbol of the country's Armenian community. The church was built between 915 and 921 during the reign of Armenian King Gagik I of Vaspurakan and was one of the most important religious buildings in the region. The church, whose sandstone walls and dome are adorned with carvings of Jesus Christ and David and Goliath, is considered one of the greatest examples of Armenian architecture of the period, and an inspiration for the Gothic style that later developed in Europe, according to the New York-based Landmarks Foundation, which has advised on the church's restoration. By the end of last century, the church was falling apart due to the heavy rains and winds that swept across the lake.  Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Related sections Latest news Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals  Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation.Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush.Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year.Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |
