Armenian specialists to participate in restoration of Armenian churches in Turkey

Presenting the situation of Armenian monuments in Turkey will not give anything, it is necessary to undertake more real steps, Gagik Gyurjyan, chairman of ICOMOS Armenia, said.

“It is necessary to undertake concrete steps using international resources. Direct ties with Turkey are excluded,” he told the reporters.

Gagik Gyurjyan presented like what he said the small achievements of Armenian side within the framework of ICOMOS and referred to Akhtamar restoration works.

“The state borders very often do not correspond to the borders of cultural heritage and there is a necessity for that country to participate in the heritage restoration works,” he said.

“During the restoration of Akhtamar we had concerns connected with the participation of the Armenian party in the restoration of our monuments. We have applied to ICOMOS which approved our offer and allowed our participation,” Gyurjyan added.

The next resolution related to elimination of Jugha monuments and only after raising the issue in ICOMOS the international establishment condemned it. Gyurjyan also referred to the recent resolution adopted in November 2011 relating to restoration of Ani main temple and the Savior Church.

“At that time ICOMOS-Armenia presented a resolution relating to the restoration of the monuments, in particular preparation of a group of international specialists and their participation in the works,” he stressed.

Gyurjyan said according to initial list Turkey has committed to restore 35 churches of which five Armenian.

He noted that more probably Ani’s main temple and Savior church will be included in the final list as they have been approved by UNESCO. The restoration works are funded by World Foundation, Turkey’s Ministry of Culture, US ambassadors.