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ARMENIAN CHURCH IN TURKEY AMONG MOST ENDANGERED MONUMENTS IN EUROPE
http://www.a1plus.am/en/social/2013/06/13/aravot
01:15 PM | TODAY | SOCIAL
The Roman amphitheatre in Durrės in Albania, the buffer zone in
the historic centre of Nicosia in Cyprus, the 17th century Vauban's
fortifications in Briancon in France, the Renaissance monastery of
San Benedetto Po in Italy, the 15th century monastery in Setśbal in
Portugal, the historic mining landscape of Rosia Montana in Romania
and the Armenian church of St. George in Mardin in Turkey have been
selected as the 7 most threatened landmarks in Europe. The announcement
was made today by the leading European heritage organisation Europa
Nostra, together with the European Investment Bank Institute, at
a press conference in Athens, on the eve of its 50th Anniversary
Congress. These gems of Europe's cultural and natural heritage are
in danger, some due to lack of funds or expertise, others due to
inadequate planning, neglect, natural disaster or even political
conflict. An urgent action is therefore required.
"These monuments and sites were selected not only because they tell a
fascinating story about our shared past, anchoring a sense of belonging
to a European family, but also because they are highly valuable to the
local communities who are strongly engaged in saving them. Rescuing
these sites would also act as a catalyst for the social and economic
revitalisation of entire cities or areas. This is why Europa Nostra
calls upon many public and private partners, at local, regional,
national and European levels, to join their forces and ensure
a promising future the selected sites," stated Placido Domingo,
President of Europa Nostra.
"For 15 centuries the Church of St. George was the spiritual home
of the large Armenian community in the Turkish city of Mardin. This
Grade I registered historical building was founded in 420 AD and was
in use until 1915, when the Armenian population left the city. In
spite of its outstanding historical and cultural importance, this
monument is currently in an advance state of decay.
Europa Nostra Turkey, with the support of the owner, the Mardin
Armenian Catholic Church Community Foundation, is strongly committed
to rescuing this tangible witness of Turkey's multi-cultural history.
The preservation of the church and its annexes would enable the
future generations to understand the contribution of Armenian people
to Mardin's history and identity and, at the same time, allow a
wider public to appreciate their cultural expressions and artistic
achievements. The local authorities, who are also aware of the
economic advantages from future tourism development, are supportive
of restoration projects in their town, but their endeavours need
to be encouraged and supported by national and European partners,"
said the organisation.
From: Baghdasarian
http://www.a1plus.am/en/social/2013/06/13/aravot
01:15 PM | TODAY | SOCIAL
The Roman amphitheatre in Durrės in Albania, the buffer zone in
the historic centre of Nicosia in Cyprus, the 17th century Vauban's
fortifications in Briancon in France, the Renaissance monastery of
San Benedetto Po in Italy, the 15th century monastery in Setśbal in
Portugal, the historic mining landscape of Rosia Montana in Romania
and the Armenian church of St. George in Mardin in Turkey have been
selected as the 7 most threatened landmarks in Europe. The announcement
was made today by the leading European heritage organisation Europa
Nostra, together with the European Investment Bank Institute, at
a press conference in Athens, on the eve of its 50th Anniversary
Congress. These gems of Europe's cultural and natural heritage are
in danger, some due to lack of funds or expertise, others due to
inadequate planning, neglect, natural disaster or even political
conflict. An urgent action is therefore required.
"These monuments and sites were selected not only because they tell a
fascinating story about our shared past, anchoring a sense of belonging
to a European family, but also because they are highly valuable to the
local communities who are strongly engaged in saving them. Rescuing
these sites would also act as a catalyst for the social and economic
revitalisation of entire cities or areas. This is why Europa Nostra
calls upon many public and private partners, at local, regional,
national and European levels, to join their forces and ensure
a promising future the selected sites," stated Placido Domingo,
President of Europa Nostra.
"For 15 centuries the Church of St. George was the spiritual home
of the large Armenian community in the Turkish city of Mardin. This
Grade I registered historical building was founded in 420 AD and was
in use until 1915, when the Armenian population left the city. In
spite of its outstanding historical and cultural importance, this
monument is currently in an advance state of decay.
Europa Nostra Turkey, with the support of the owner, the Mardin
Armenian Catholic Church Community Foundation, is strongly committed
to rescuing this tangible witness of Turkey's multi-cultural history.
The preservation of the church and its annexes would enable the
future generations to understand the contribution of Armenian people
to Mardin's history and identity and, at the same time, allow a
wider public to appreciate their cultural expressions and artistic
achievements. The local authorities, who are also aware of the
economic advantages from future tourism development, are supportive
of restoration projects in their town, but their endeavours need
to be encouraged and supported by national and European partners,"
said the organisation.
From: Baghdasarian