ARMENIAN CHURCH’S BELL RING AFTER 97 YEARS IN DIYARBAKIR

Hurriyet Daily News
Nov 5 2012
Turkey

Armenian church Surp Giragos in the southeastern province of Diyarbakýr
was reopened yesterday after 32 years.

The church’s bell was demolished in 1915, as it was taller than the
minarets of all mosques in the area. A bell similar to the original one
has been reconstructed and rang out today after 97 years of silence.

The first rite was conducted today by Turkey vice-patriarch Aram
Ateþyan, who called for interfaith peace and dialogue.

Worshipers from the United States, Armenia and Canada participated
in the rite and the opening ceremony.

The restoration project was launched in 2010 by the Surp Giragos
Armenian Church Foundation, with contributions from the Diyarbakýr
Metropolitan Municipality.