Speaking about the restoration work started at Surp Sarkis Armenian Church, Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayor Doğan Hatun stated that the historic building is part of the city's memory and said, “The first step has been taken. As the Metropolitan Municipality, I promise that we will take ownership of all the steps to follow.”

Restoration work has begun on the Surp Sarkis Armenian Church located in the Sur district of Diyarbakır.  The restoration work, initiated with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, began with the participation of Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayor Doğan Hatun, the 2nd Patriarch of the Armenians of Turkey, His Holiness Sahak, and Patriarchal Assistant Priest Kasbar Garabetyan, Sur Municipality Co-Mayor Fatma Gulan Önkol, and Diyarbakır Director of Monuments and Sites Cemil Koç.

Patriarch Sahak: Today is a historic day

Speaking at the event, Sahak, the second Patriarch of the Armenians of Turkey, said that the church, which had existed for over 500 years, had been abandoned and fallen into disrepair over the last century, adding that this was heartbreaking for them and not something to be proud of for Diyarbakır. Patriarch Sahak noted that restoring this church would be a source of pride for Diyarbakır, saying, “The most difficult part of any task is to begin. And we are beginning this work. Here, we ask for support from the local authorities for the completion of this building. We will also do our part. Hopefully, when we gather again in a few years, we will be faced with a very different picture. This will be a project crowned by the re-emergence of a monument that will be a source of pride for our country and for Diyarbakır. I am certain that today is, in this sense, a historic day.”

Co-Mayor Hatun: We will take ownership of every step

Co-Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality Doğan Hatun noted that they had made serious efforts for this historic building while serving as civil society leaders for many years, saying, “Unfortunately, we have not been able to make significant progress in our efforts. However, we have acted as guardians to prevent the structure from deteriorating or being damaged, and now we are here for its construction. I also congratulate the Ministry on this first step and find it valuable. The first step has been taken. As the Metropolitan Municipality, I pledge to take ownership of all subsequent steps. This is not just a place of worship; it is a memory of history. It is one of the greatest monumental structures in this city. Every individual must protect and take ownership of this place. This is the memory of our city. We must protect our memory and leave traces of this memory for future generations. This is a necessity. The restoration of all historical monumental civil architectural structures in our city is an issue that we consider to be as important as drinking water in this city. May it be beneficial to the people of Amed, the Armenian community and foundation, our city and all of humanity," he said.

After leaving the programme, Co-Mayor Hatun visited the Lalebey Mansion, affiliated with the Department of Women and Family Services. Receiving information about the activities, Hatun then visited the Diyarbakır Promotion, Culture and Solidarity Foundation (DİTAV).