Kingdom of Vaspurakan

With the studies carried out by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, governorship and municipality, the historical Akdamar Island of the eastern province of Van and the historical church on it has been lit up and the island has attracted attention with its new appearance.

The historic Akdamar Church in the eastern province of Van has welcomed thousands from around the world for its 10th special mass, following its restoration and reopening as a museum in 2010.

The mass, which gathered thousands of local and international faithful in Van, was officiated by priest Harutyun Damadyan.

The attendees prayed and hymned in the historic church.

The Akdamar Church, a 1,100-year-old Armenian church in Turkey's eastern Van province, hosted its ninth special mass on Sept. 5 since reopening in 2010 after a hiatus of 95 years.

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A limited number of people were taken to the island by boat to attend the ceremony due to the ongoing pandemic.

The Akdamar Church in Turkey's eastern province of Van will host its ninth special mass on Sept. 5 since reopening in 2010 after a hiatus of 95 years.

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Previously attended in the hundreds before the novel coronavirus pandemic struck last year, participation in the annual mass will once again be subject to limitations as part of efforts to prevent infection.

A photo exhibition depicting the Armenian Akdamar Holy Cross Church in Turkey's eastern province of Van opened in New York on Nov. 5.
Organized by the Turkish Presidency Directorate of Communications, the exhibition highlights Turkey's efforts to restore and promote the medieval Christian art and architecture.

The Akdamar Island located in eastern Van province has drawn more than 160,000 visitors in 2019, an official said.