Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality has signed a protocol with the Diyarbakır Armenian Surp Küçük Kilise Hıdır İlyas Surp Gregos Churches Foundation for the restoration of Surp Sarkis Church, one of the key historical and cultural assets of Sur district.

Under the protocol between Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality and the Diyarbakır Armenian Surp Küçük Kilise Hıdır İlyas Surp Gregos Churches Foundation, the restoration of the historic Surp Sarkis Church will be carried out as a joint service project. Within this framework, the Metropolitan Municipality will provide financial support for the renovation works.

The protocol was signed by Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayor Serra Bucak and Foundation Chair Ergün Ayık. The signing ceremony was attended by Co-Mayor Bucak, Foundation Chair Ergün Ayık, Vice-Chair Ohannes Gafur Ohanyan, Head of the Department of Culture and Social Affairs Zeynep Yaş, member of the Council’s Commission on Faith and Minorities İbrahim Türkay and member of the Council’s Culture Commission Redur Dijle.

Following the signing ceremony, Co-Mayor Bucak expressed her hope that the protocol would be beneficial.

Supporting the historic fabric and multicultural heritage

With this protocol, which aims to preserve, repair and pass on Surp Sarkis Church to future generations, the intention is to contribute to the city’s historic fabric and multicultural heritage. The restoration works are also expected to support the development of local tourism.