Despite previous statements, Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism allowed the leader of National Movement (MHP) Turkish opposition party, Devlet Bahceli and the heads of local structures to pray October 1 namaz on the ruins of Ani, CNN Turk reported.

Earlier, Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertugrul Gunay was cited as naming Bahceli’s initiative unconstitutional.

The decision to open the parliament’s fall session with a prayer in Ani was adopted at МНР meeting in Istanbul.

Sabah Turkish newspaper characterized this step as Bahceli’s response to Akhtamar’s Holy Cross liturgy on September 19.