The Armenian cemetery next to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Akhtamar Island in Van has been turned into a leisure spot.
Despite the fact that there are security guards on the island, tourists walk through the cemetery. They even have picnics and litter there.
The majority of the tombstones that were carved in the 10th century are now in ruins.
Besides turning the Armenian cemetery into a leisure spot, tourists also damage the already ruined tombstones.
Tourists who demand that the cemetery be regarded with respect say that Turkey, knowing that people litter in the area around the church and damage the church and the property around it, deliberately doesn’t guard the area.
Despite that, the state makes a lot of money from tourists who visit the island.
Turkish authorities prevented mass from being held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, which is an important church in Armenian history. However, the church will be holding mass this year after a 4-year hiatus. The church on Akhtamar island was built between 915-921 AD by architect Manvel at the orders of the King of Vaspurakan, Gagik I.
The cemetery is located in the south and southwest of the church property.
Anfnews