Christian communities in Turkey protesting against expropriation of churches
The indignation of Christian communities grows in Diyarbakir, Turkey connected with expropriation of churches by the Government, reports sedmitza.ru citing FIDES agency.
The Christian community protests against seizure of a large territory on the bank of Tigris River by the authorities, which use the pretext of paramilitary operations against Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK).
Along with all the Apostolic, Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches, the Turkish authorities have also captured 6 thousand private houses mainly situated in the Old Town.
By the time of expropriation, all the churches have been closed by the order of the authorities.
Representatives of the Syrian Fund filed a complaint against the actions of the authorities submitting to Diyarbakir court in mid-April. The Armenian Apostolic Church Fund also appealed to the State Council to revoke the order on expropriation.
According to the lawyer of the Armenian Fund, the reasons for expropriation haven’t been properly identified which is against the current legislation.
According to the Government decision, the territory has been expropriated to preserve the historic image of Diyarbakir during the military conflict.
In the last few years, parishioners haven’t been able to attend the churches regularly because of the clashes between the Turkish Armed Forces and the PKK. Regardless of this, the Government's decision on expropriation has caused a storm of indignation among Christians. The Government claims having no religious motives as several mosques have also been expropriated. However, in Turkey mosques funded by the state. While the Christian churches belong to the Christian communities, and continue to exist thanks to private donations.
According to a local pastor, the purpose of expropriation is rather ownership than protection and restoration. He is ready to turn to the European Court of Human Rights.
As a sign of protest, many parishioners began conducting Sunday services in churches, despite the high risk of military operations.