Citizens of Gevash district, Van support the decision on opening of Armenian church on Akdamar Island which currently serves as a museum. Citizens consider that opening of the church will contribute to the district and region.
Commenting on the issue of opening of Armenian church on Akdamar Island, citizens of Gevash district stated that opening of church will attract tourists to the region. Calling government to make necessary steps, one of the tradesmen in the district, Oktay Orhun said that the issue should be well analysed. “But of cource we are towards opening of the church for public worship,” said he.
A taxi driver working in the district, Mehmet Celebi said, “Everybody should be free to practice his/her own religion. Other than that, opening of the church will contribute the tourism in the region.”
Commenting on the issue, Chairman of Chamber of Merchants and Craftsmen in Gevash, Fahrettin Ceylan said, “Opening of church would bring a vitalization in the commerce. Of cource such a result would not be seen immediately, but itwould contribute economy in long term. We are telling that Gevash is a touristic town but there is not even one hotel. Opening of the church may change that. Other than that, such decision will also show the tolerative approach of our democracy.”
