RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF VARAGAVANK MONASTERY IN TURKEY IS READY

news.am
Aug 29, 2011
Armenia

The reconstruction project of Varagavank monastery in Yukaribakracli
village, near Van city in Turkey is ready, imam of the village Mehmed
Choban told Armenian News-NEWS.am correspondent. The imam stressed
the mosque near the monastery should be destroyed. “A new mosque
is being constructed. As soon as construction works are over, this
mosque will be dismantled and Varagavank will be constructed,” he said.

The imam said the staff of the regional department of tourism and
culture came to Varagavank, bringing a reconstruction project,
which provides for full restoration of the temple complex. Choban
emphasized he has been preserving the remaining pieces of the church
complex for years.

Following the opening of Surb Khach (Holy Cross) Church on Akhtamar
Island in Van, Yukaribakracli villagers appealed to the regional
administration and management of tourism and culture and demanded to
renovate the temple complex in their village.

“Varagavank” was built on the particle cross of Christ, hidden by St.

Hripsime. Initially, “Surb Nshan” church was built, later the number
of churches reached 7.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress