Epress.am News from Armenia
Today, Turkey’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture officially upheld the decision by Kars regional authorities which stated that leader of Turkey’s Nationalist Movement Party Devlet Bahçeli can visit the Cathedral of Ani, but he can’t pray namaz (or salat) there.
As told by the Epress.am correspondent in Istanbul, Ankara has not permitted worship in the cathedral with any official documents.
Speaking with Epress.am, this news was confirmed by Turkish-Armenian weekly paper Agos’ editor Aris Nalcin. He said that he spoke with the director of Van’s city museum, who also concern there was no permission in writing.
“In that document which Turkey’s culture ministry has publicized, it notes only about permission to visit and there’s nothing about namaz,” said Nalcin.
According to the Agos editor, though Turkish authorities officially prohibited praying namaz, “in reality, they tolerate the actions of the nationalists.”