Istanbul Armenian Garo Paylan, who is a parliament member from the pro-Kurdish “Peoples’ Democratic Party” (HDP) of Turkey, sent written queries to Turkish PM Ahmet Davutoğlu, regarding the expropriation of the Surp (Saint) Giragos Armenian Church in Sur district of Diyarbakır city.
The written queries request information on the grounds for the expropriation of the buildings in Sur district, the future fate of these buildings, the right for property of the residents, and the confirmation of the information on the expropriation of the Armenian churches in this district of Diyarbakır, reported Agos Armenian bilingual weekly of Istanbul.
According to the Turkish Council of Ministers’ decision, all structures in Sur district of Diyarbakır, including the Surp Giragos Church, have been expropriated.
The Surp Giragos, which is one of the largest churches in the Middle East, had reopened as a functioning church and was reconsecrated in October 2011.
The church was renovated with the co-funding by Diyarbakır Armenians throughout the world and Diyarbakır City Hall.
