Turks realized that Armenian churches can help promote tourism

PanARMENIAN.Net - Initiating the prayer in St. Kirakos church, the Mayor of Diarbekir aimed to develop the region and improve relations with Armenians, a historian said.

“Osman Baydemir knows that the reconstructed church will attract a large number of Armenians, what will promote development of tourism and economy of the region,” said Christine Melkonyan, expert of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the RA Academy of Sciences.

“Baydemir just reminded that a lot of Armenians left Diarbekir as a result of the Turkish authorities’ policy. He is known as national minorities’ rights advocate,” she said, adding that the government did not prevent the event, fearing of the international community’s reaction.