In Turkey, Some Armenian Churches Kept in Better Condition Than in Armenia: Historian

This past July, a 30-person group of historians and intellectuals went on a tour of Western Armenia (currently within Turkey’s borders), said historian Edik Minasyan at a Sept. 25 press conference.

Speaking about Armenians living in that region, he said that the Hamshen Armenians (a particular group of Armenians who converted to Islam) were more flexible, while at the same time cautious, when speaking with them.

“In Musa Ler [Musa Dagh], particularly in the village of Vakfa, all the residents were Armenian and freely stated their opinion on the matter of [Armenian] Genocide recognition. The residents there said that everything must be done so that the [Armenian] Genocide is recognized internationally,” said Minasyan.

The historian also said that there were Armenian churches in operation in the area, and the residents live a “real Armenian life.”

Minasyan, however, regretfully noted that the Saint Karapet Armenian Church in Mush (Muş) was dilapidated, a part of which was even converted into a stable (for animals), and that the dome was removed from the church in Malatya and the entrance was closed.

“In Vakfa, mass is held mainly in the Caesarea churches on holidays. The churches here are renovated and are better kept than our churches [i.e. those in Armenia],” he said. 

Minasyan also mentioned that they took numerous books to a working Armenian school in Vakfa.

Note that also in this tour group was leader of the Heritage Party, Raffi K. Hovannisian.