Turkey to turn Armenian church into art center

Dilapidated Armenian St. Sarkis Church in Menemen district of Turkey’s Izmir Province will be restored, according to Ermenihaber.

Aydin Pehlivan, the acting mayor Menemen, spoke about the matter, according to whom the church will be restored and used as an “art and science center.” According to Pehlivan, this church was used by Armenians until 1922. Later, it was neglected, as a result of which the church lost its former appearance over the years.

“After receiving the necessary permits, we announced a tender. After the completion of the restoration works, we plan to make it serve our people as an art and science center,” said the acting mayor.

After being abandoned, the Armenian St. Sarkis Church in Menemen was used by the Turks for some time as a military depot, and then—as a stable.