“Today, two parts of Armenia are hosting two different events, a Turkey-organized show on one side and a protest rally, followed by a liturgy, on the other. The expression “two parts of Armenia” was not a mistaken one, as we make no difference between Western and Eastern Armenia,” the Genocide Museum director Hayk Demoyan told a news conference.

“We’ll never be misled by Ankara’s attempt to turn Armenian cultural heritage and spiritual landmark into a propaganda tool. We are the masters of our memories and no force can take them away from us,” he stressed.

The rally hosting several thousand protesters was held under the mottos “Turkey, fulfill your international obligations” and “Our church is not to be landed to us”.