Armenian Surp Giragos Church expropriated
While clashes and curfews continue in Diyarbakir, the Cabinet of Turkey took an urgent expropriation decision. Surp Giragos Church, the largest Armenian church in Middle East, is among the places in Sur province of Diyarbakir that are expropriated by the decision of the cabinet, reports Agos weekly newspaper.
According to the source, Surp Sarkis Chaldean Church, Armenian Catholic Church, Virgin Mary Ancient Syriac Church and Protestant Church are among the expropriated places.
Thus, there are no places of worship left for non-Muslims.
With the help of funding campaigns started in the US and other countries, Surg Giragos Armenian Church was restored after being abandoned for more than a century. About 2 million Turkish liras were spent for restoration. The church was restored in 2011 and open to worship, becoming the most important centre for uniting Armenians.