"Visitors flock to closed church
Friday, January 19, 2007
More than 12,000 tourists poured into Van this past year with the hope of seeing the thousand-year-old Armenian church, situated on Akdamar Island on Lake Van, despite the fact that it was closed to visitors because of restoration work, reported the Anatolia news agency. The church is a museum and its richly decorated walls have Old Testament reliefs, representing one of the important works of Armenian architecture. Built in the shape of a crucifix, the church was built during 915-921 by Brother Manuel for Armenian King Gagik I."
More:Visitors flock to closed church - Turkish Daily News Jan 19, 2007
