The 500-year-old St. Sarkis Armenian Church, in Turkey’s southeastern province of Diyarbekir”known historically to Armenians as Dikranagerd”will soon undergo major renovations, reports Anadolu Agency. It is situated in the Sur district, and is owned by the Surp Giragos Armenian Church Foundation.
This church has deteriorated over the years, due to a lack of congregation and significant damage sustained from the twin earthquakes on February 6, 2023.
The Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry has approved and funded the renovation project set to commence in June 2024. Cemil Koc, Head of the Culture Ministry’s Directorate of Surveying and Monuments in Diyarbekir, said, “The church is classified as a first-class monumental structure and is the second-largest Armenian church in Diyarbekir, after the Surp Giragos Armenian Church.”
Koc detailed the church’s architectural features: “The structure consists of five naves parallel to the apse, featuring wide arches and a wooden-beam, earth-covered roof. The women’s gallery, known as the last congregation area, has suffered damage to its columns and arches due to recent earthquakes and human factors.”
He further explained, “Our renovation work aims to revive the church and contribute to the tourism of our region and country.” Koc added that the renovation initiative began in 2021 with comprehensive surveys and plans for renovation, structural, mechanical, and electrical improvements, which received approval from the conservation board in 2022.
Despite these preparations, the earthquakes in 2023 exposed severe damage, prompting an immediate response from the ministry. A grant of 5 million Turkish lira ($154,000) has been allocated for this year to initiate the restoration. However, subsequent phases of the renovation will rely on resources from the Armenian community and additional contributions, Koc noted.
On June 27, Archbishop Sahag II Mashalian, Turkey’s Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, will visit the church and appeal to the community for financial support.
