Turkish Minister says Akhtamar Church to have no bells
Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay visited the Armenian church of St. Cross in Akhtamar Island, Van, Eastern Turkey, following a tourism conference on “Van 2023: world city”, SonDakika informs.
“All religions are respected in all the corners of the world. Van example evidences this,” the Turkish minister said, hinting the re-opening of St. Cross church for religious ceremonies.
In response to a reporter’s question whether the church is expected to have bells, the minister said the church is just a museum and is not intended for religious ceremonies.