Ruins of a thousand year old Armenian church in Ani.

Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey, Omer Celik, has become the first senior Turkish official to pronounce the word “Armenian” in connection with the historical Armenian City of Ani.

Celik informed that they are making efforts to include Ani, the “City of 1001 Churches,” in the UNESCO World Heritage List by the year 2016, reported Haberler website of Turkey.

He noted that the Armenian people are among the several nations that have left a world heritage in these lands.

“The historical City of Ani is an important heritage that conveys the Armenian traces to us. The continuation of the traces of the Armenian culture in these lands is a proof of our cultural wealth. Professionals from Armenia will participate in the renovation of the Church of the Savior and the Cathedral of Mren [in Ani],”

the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism stated.

Source: Armenia News – NEWS.am