Lake Van (Google Map)
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Lakes
Did You Know That…?
The area surrounding Lake Van alone has over 300 Armenian churches and monasteries, most of them ruined or partially destroyed.
In September 2010, the SurbKhach (Holy Cross) Church on Aghtamar Island in Lake Van was opened after restoration. It was marked by a holy mass ceremony held by representatives from the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul.
However, today the church serves as a museum and belongs to the Ministry of Culture of Turkey.
LINK:http://www.armenianweekly.com/2010/09/30/detailed-report-the-mass-in-akhtamar-and-what’s-next/