Armenian church unaware of Turkey’s plans to restore mosques in Javakheti, Akhaltsikhe

1/2/2011

The Georgian Eparchy of the Armenian Apostolic Church is unaware that Tbilisi allowed Turkey to construct a mosque in Javakheti and Akhaltsikhe, Spokeswoman for the Georgian Eparchy Maria Arakelova told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

“I cannot provide you information on the issue. The rumors on the renovation and construction of mosques are spread along with gossips. We did not get any official report. We are even unaware the Georgian and Turkish sides have such an agreement,” she said.

According to the historian, a specialist in Armenian architecture Samvel Karapetyan, there is a mosque of the 18th century in the Akhalkalaki fortress. However, there were no other mosques in Akhalkalaki. “There are two mosques in Akhaltsikhe, one located on the territory of the museum, which was later transformed into a Russian Orthodox Church and the other has so far served as St. Gregory the Illuminator of the Armenian Apostolic Church. So, it is the only Armenian church in Akhaltsikhe. If Turks want to restore or renovate our Armenian church, let them come and repair the church at their own expense,” he said.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am reported earlier, the Turkish and Georgian governmental commissions formed a protocol according to which Turkey plans to renovate three and build one mosques in Georgia, whereas the Georgian side gets an opportunity to restore 4 ancient churches in the territory of Turkey.

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