According to UNESCO Larger Part of a Few Thousands of Armenian Churches in Turkey’s Current Territory has been Destroyed: Naira Zohrabyan Stated at PACE

PACE works continue in Strasbourg and today the Assembly discussed a report referring to culture and democracy issues. Naira Zohrabyan, PAP MP, touched upon consistent destruction of the track of Armenian culture, stating that after the 1915 Armenian Genocide Turkey started to consistently implement a cultural Genocide, purpose of which was destruction of Armenians, as well as of cultural heritage. The PAP head showed photos of Armenian churches either destructed or turned into barns in the territory of Turkey.

In her speech N.Zohrabyan particularly stated,

“Our partner Vesna Marjanovich touched upon a crucial issue and I agree with the citation of the speaker that today, in our dangerous world, culture has become a security issue. Yes, Mrs. Marjanovich You’re right, when you say culture is a powerful means for national minorities, it maintains their identity and culture is a powerful tool to prevent extremism and intolerance, which is one of the challenges of the present-day world. However, I can’t agree with You, that Turkey, as You stated, is one of its best examples. Maybe Turkey is an example for You regarding maintenance of their own culture, but You’d better inquiries that how does that very Turkey treat culture and religion of national minorities? I’d make inquiries how have Armenian churches and historical-cultural monuments been destructed in the current territory of Turkey?

According to the data of UNESCO, in current Turkey’s territory overwhelming majority of a few thousand of Armenian churches has been destroyed.

Right after the 1915 Turkey initiated cultural Genocide, which continues until now. Genocide against the Armenian culture in Turkey pursues the purpose to abolish cultural heritage of Armenians as well. Just a few months ago Turkish press warned that dilapidated Armenian protestant church in historical Kharberd city under Turkey’s current territory is being used by the Turks as barns and for parking, instead of rehabilitating it they’re going to build a hotel on its place.

I want to hope that in your following report you’ll touch upon these crucial issues as well.”