Turkish government to restore Carpanak church

After restoring the Akhtamar Church, the Turkish government plans to restore the church in Carpanak Island.

Cihan news agency reports that the restoration work is aimed at developing the local tourist industry after two earthquakes struck Van.

The restoration work has got under way at the Carpanak church, which operated until 1915. Also, preparations for the third service at the Akhtamar Church are under way.

Sahabettin Ozturk of the Yuzuncu Yil University says that the church was not seriously damaged by the 2011 earthquake.