Akhtamar Church to Open November 4

PanARMENIAN.Net - The opening of the church on Akhtamar island will most likely take place November 4. According to supervisor of the restoration works, architect Zakhid Certanly, the works were started in May 2005 and finished August 30, 2006. "600 000 Liras was spent for the restoration carried out under the supervision of 5 experts. Bas-reliefs on the walls were cleaned, the foundation was fastened, roof and floor were repaired and windows glassed. Presently the workers put in order the surrounding territory, repair the roads, build a quay, a booking office, a hotel, a café and a gift shop," the Turkish architect said. He also remarked that he restored the church in Bitlis which is now used for social needs.



"As for Akhtamar, we always kept in contact with Armenian architects in order to maintain its Armenian originality," Certnaly said emphasizing that Turkish Prime Minister Racep Tayyip Erdogan attaches importance to the restoration of the church, which can contribute to the development of the Armenian-Turkish relations and become an example for the whole world. "Erdogan will to all appearance be present at the opening ceremony," he said. The Turkish architect also reminded that the Church of Saint Apostles was built in the 10th century by King Gagik Artsruni, reports Yerkir with a reference to Marmara newspaper.