Turkish Hurriyat daily writs that a century after its establishment, the historical Surp (Saint) Giragos Armenian Church in Diyarbakır, reopened for worship last year. Now, the church is set to completely return to its former glory with the installation of a new bell on November 4. The new bell, which weighs 100 kilograms, was produced in Moscow
As already mentioned the new bell, which weighs 100 kilograms, was produced in Moscow and presented as a gift from the Russian Armenian community to the Surp Giragos Church. It’s already been delivered to Diyarbakır and presented to the public.
Note, the tower was destroyed by cannon fire in 1915 on the grounds that it was taller than the minarets of mosques.
Istanbul-based Canadian artist Raffi Bedrosyan, who contributed to the restoration of the church, said the following:
“This church, the greatest Armenian Church in the Middle East, is a clear evidence of Armenian influence in Anatolia before 1915 and now it has become a pilgrimage place for all Armenians from Turkey, Armenia and the diaspora”.
Bedrosyan also hopes to restore the historical Varagavank Monastery located in the eastern province of Van. “Both Ankara and Van agreed to launch the restoration project, but social and natural obstacles delayed the process. We wish to restore this church with the cooperative efforts of both Turkish and Armenian experts,” Bedrosyan said.
