International media forum kicked off in Antalya, which has participants from 50 countries. Not only issues of media are on its agenda. In particular, on the first day of the conference economic questions were extensively discussed. It was obvious from the speech of Turkish representatives that they are concerned that tourists’ flow and investments were decreased as a result of terroristic attacks and unfavorable coverage of the international press.
Arda Emrut, the president of the Investment Support and Promotion Agency of Turkey (ISPAT), said that Turkey is one of the safest countries for investments, but Nabi Avci, Minister of culture and tourism of Turkey, was announcing that Turkey is one of the most popular tourists destinations, and Turkey is not just the sea, the sun and the sand, it is much more. A separate meeting was organized for the foreign media representatives. Reporter of “Aravot” asked the Minister of Culture and Tourism (by the way, he is the former chief adviser to President of Turkey) about the state of Armenian churches in Turkey, we also asked if they have any projects to renovate Armenian churches.
We quote the complete answer of Avci: “Our ministry has very close relationships and works with Armenian citizens of Turkey. From time to time, when it is a remarkable day for them, they are making demands (he means providing space or serve liturgy, etc – editorial) which we accept. The dialogues with our Armenian citizen as well as all national minorities are in a very good condition. In this regard, I would like to thank the Armenian member of parliament Margar Yesayan (he means a member of parliament of AK party, columnist, Margar Yesayan, who is not ambiguously perceived in Armenian community and he is a supporter of Erdogan, editorial), who is also elected member of the Armenian community. Thank you Mr. Margar: he is always in touch with us concerning the demands, needs, and problems of the community, therefore there is no lack of dialogues. By the way, sometimes we are having guests from Armenia, again by the mediation of Mr. Margar we meet them.
Therefore, we consider members of the Armenian community, as well as Armenians all around the world as links of friendship, we are vulnerable not only to Armenian religious institutions but also to the religious institutions of other minorities. Lately, we are implementing a program in Izmir regarding synagogues, you know there is a block. During the visit to Israel our Jewish citizens who have left for there … who have Turkish origin … (he was confused and he paused, editorial), even they do not now their origins for sure. What shall we say Jews with Turkish descent or Turks with Jewish descent? Even they do not have the exact answer (laughs, editorial). Anyway, on the demand of Jews who have left Turkey, we continue to work in Izmir. You know the church of Akhtamar island, on some days of the year there serves a liturgy, besides the tourists, have a keen interest. We have good relations.”
