VAN (Anatolia News Agency)–Armenian churches in the eastern Turkish province of Van will be restored, the deputy governor said Monday.
Speaking to an Anatolia news agency correspondent, Van deputy governor Halil Berk said that Armenian churches on Carpanak Island in Lake Van and the village of Yukari Bakracli would be restored within the scope of a project prepared by the governor’s office.
Berk said they were undergoing the projects to boost the province’s tourism potential.
“There are four islands including Akhtamar Island in Lake Van. Every island has a church. Only Akhtamar Church was restored. Churches in Carpanak Island and Yukarı Bakracli village will also be restored with the project prepared by us,” Berk said.
The Monastery of Varakavank in the village of Yukari Bakracli includes seven churches, the oldest being St. Sophia built in the 8th century.
Carpanak Church which was built in the 6th century was restored in 1462. After an earthquake in 1703, the church was again restored between 1712 and 1720.
Yet another ploy to fool the Europeans and make headway into the European Union.