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ARTVIN AWAITS TOURISM SURGE AFTER RESTORATION OF CHURCH
Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey
Nov 4 2013
ARTVÄ°N - Anadolu Agency
Ä°Å~_han Church, which is 34 kilometers away from the city center and
draws tourists visiting the region, is believed to make contribution
to faith tourism in the region after its restoration ends at the end
of this year
The restoration of the historic Ä°Å~_han Church, which is located
in Ä°Å~_han village of Yusufeli district in the Black Sea province,
is set to be finished by the end of this year.
Artvin Governor Kemal Cirit said the restoration of the church, which
has been registered as a protected cultural object by the Culture
and Tourism Ministry, went out to tender for 817,945 Turkish Liras
and renovation started last September.
Ä°Å~_han Church, which is 34 kilometers away from the city center and
draws tourists visiting the region, is believed to make contribution
to faith tourism in the region.
"The church, which dates back 700 years ago, has undergone restoration
in the past and survived up until today. The first stage of restoration
has gone on for a year and will be completed next month.
The second and third stage should begin in the church. We will
have talks with the relevant ministry soon. Artvin might become an
alternative tourism center. When the restoration is done, we estimate
that many faith tourists will come here from close places like Russia,
Georgia and Armenia," the governor said.
Archaeology and and tourism to unite
Cirit said archaeology excavations have been continuing around the
church and the chapel for about a year and continued: "Most part
of the restoration works have been completed. All additional parts
were removed during the restoration. The inside and outside of the
chapel were renovated. The outer facade from the early period in the
northern part of the church was also restored. Also, water damage
to the structure was prevented. Approximately 75 percent of the
restoration efforts have been finished."
According to Cirit, the Ä°Å~_han Church is one of the most important
culture and faith tourism centers in Artvin.
"The church was already a destination that received many tourists in
its current situation. When opened to visits after the restoration,
it will raise awareness among tour operators and tourists. This will
cause an increase in the number of tourists in the region. Also,
economic opportunities such as souvenirs, food and accommodation
centers will be created in the Ä°Å~_han village as a result of this
tourist mobility."
November/04/2013
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/artvin-awaits-tourism-surge-after-restoration-of-church.aspx?pageID=238&nID=57273&NewsCatID=375
From: Baghdasarian
Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey
Nov 4 2013
ARTVÄ°N - Anadolu Agency
Ä°Å~_han Church, which is 34 kilometers away from the city center and
draws tourists visiting the region, is believed to make contribution
to faith tourism in the region after its restoration ends at the end
of this year
The restoration of the historic Ä°Å~_han Church, which is located
in Ä°Å~_han village of Yusufeli district in the Black Sea province,
is set to be finished by the end of this year.
Artvin Governor Kemal Cirit said the restoration of the church, which
has been registered as a protected cultural object by the Culture
and Tourism Ministry, went out to tender for 817,945 Turkish Liras
and renovation started last September.
Ä°Å~_han Church, which is 34 kilometers away from the city center and
draws tourists visiting the region, is believed to make contribution
to faith tourism in the region.
"The church, which dates back 700 years ago, has undergone restoration
in the past and survived up until today. The first stage of restoration
has gone on for a year and will be completed next month.
The second and third stage should begin in the church. We will
have talks with the relevant ministry soon. Artvin might become an
alternative tourism center. When the restoration is done, we estimate
that many faith tourists will come here from close places like Russia,
Georgia and Armenia," the governor said.
Archaeology and and tourism to unite
Cirit said archaeology excavations have been continuing around the
church and the chapel for about a year and continued: "Most part
of the restoration works have been completed. All additional parts
were removed during the restoration. The inside and outside of the
chapel were renovated. The outer facade from the early period in the
northern part of the church was also restored. Also, water damage
to the structure was prevented. Approximately 75 percent of the
restoration efforts have been finished."
According to Cirit, the Ä°Å~_han Church is one of the most important
culture and faith tourism centers in Artvin.
"The church was already a destination that received many tourists in
its current situation. When opened to visits after the restoration,
it will raise awareness among tour operators and tourists. This will
cause an increase in the number of tourists in the region. Also,
economic opportunities such as souvenirs, food and accommodation
centers will be created in the Ä°Å~_han village as a result of this
tourist mobility."
November/04/2013
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/artvin-awaits-tourism-surge-after-restoration-of-church.aspx?pageID=238&nID=57273&NewsCatID=375
From: Baghdasarian