Karo Paylan Questions Turkey's Ministry on Protection of Armenian Churches in Parliament

Karo Paylan, an Armenian parliament member from Turkey's opposition People's Democratic Party (HDP), has brought the issue of the "Holy Virgins" Armenian monastery to the agenda of the Turkish Parliament (Meclis), reports Ermenihaber.

The "Holy Virgins" monastic complex, located in the Akboyu neighborhood of the Gürpınar district in Van, continues to be targeted by treasure hunters and is being continuously damaged. The Armenian MP reminded that this structure, which dates back to the 16th century, once sheltered around 300 virgins and was a vital educational center in the region.

“Architecturally significant, this complex is unfortunately on the verge of complete destruction due to years of neglect and vandalism by treasure hunters. The cultural heritage sites in Van and its surroundings are being destroyed due to the activities of treasure hunters and the indifference of the authorities,” stated Paylan.

He has submitted inquiries to seek a response from the Minister of Culture and Tourism regarding the future restoration of the "Holy Virgins" monastery. Paylan sought answers to the following questions:

1. Have those digging for treasures in and around the "Holy Virgins" monastery been identified, and have legal proceedings been initiated against them?
2. Why is your ministry not taking steps to protect the "Holy Virgins" monastery and other Christian cultural structures in Van province?
3. Are there any plans in place for the restoration of the "Holy Virgins" monastery?
4. Has a list been compiled of monastic, church, and cultural structures built by Armenians in Van province?
5. The destruction of cultural remnants left by Armenians has been a state policy to date. Are you considering any changes to this policy?