A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS....

AKHTAMAR ISLAND (March 29, 2007): In a sign of mutual understanding and cultural goodwill, Turkish security forces are posted around the Holy Cross Church to safeguard Turkey's US$2 million investment.
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HOLY CROSS CHURCH, AKHTAMAR ISLAND: This is the Turkish tourism sign that welcomed guests to the island for years. Note the reference to Islamic-influenced bas-reliefs.
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CATHEDRAL OF KARS (Holy Apostles Church): Photo of the church after being converted to a mosque. Note the Islamic crescent where the cross should be.
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CHURCH OF ST. GREGORY - ANI: A government approved sign that fails to mention the Armenian origins of the church.
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(Bottom three photos: Suren Markosian - Land of Crying Stones)

(For more info & pics on Armenian religious and cultural sites in eastern Anatolia in varied states of disrepair and abuse please see the website: Western Armenia