Reg.Nr. HA-2015/TR/01

The Armenian Church of St. Giragos, Diyarbakir

This project is about conservation of an Armenian church by renovating it taking place in Diyarbakýr in southeastern of Turkey. The church was not used for long time after Armenians emigrated from Diyarbakýr. Repairing the occurred destructions, strengthening the building and ...
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Project details

Title:The Armenian Church of St. Giragos, Diyarbakir
Entr. year: 2015
Result:Grand Prix
Country: Turkey
Town: Diyarbakir
Category type: building conservation
Building type/ Project type: Religious building/memorial
Former use:Church, army headquarters, military depot, fabric store, church
Actual use:Church
Built: 17th century
Architect / Proj.leader: Fatma Meral Halifeoglu, Civil Engineer / Contractor
The Jury's citation: "It was this demonstration of local support which particularly impressed the Jury. The efforts to restore the main church of the Armenians in this place, after the exile of its people, is an outstanding act of reconciliation for the city and its citizens. The project developed as a result of extensive research into old documents for the re-erection of the lost elements, mainly the roof, the bell tower and interior furnishings.The involvement of the Armenian community themselves in the restoration of the monument has contributed immensely to the improvement of peace and social integration of its people, attracting also visiting Armenians from all over the world."
GPS:37°54'39.1" N; 40°14'19.2" E

Description:
This project is about conservation of an Armenian church by renovating it taking place in Diyarbakýr in southeastern of Turkey. The church was not used for long time after Armenians emigrated from Diyarbakýr. Repairing the occurred destructions, strengthening the building and reviving traditional construction features are basic characteristic of this conservation work. In this work, not only the architecture was conserved but also social texture was conserved to be regained.