101-year-old Armenian Church reopened in Zakho, Iraq
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – An Armenian church in Zakho was reopened after extensive restoration efforts supported by the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Republic of Hungary, and the Armenian Archbishopric in Iraq.
The reopening ceremony was attended by notable figures including the KRG’s Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Pshtiwan Sadiq, the Supervisor of the Autonomous Administration of Zakho, Gohdar Shekho, as well as various party and government officials, and members of the Armenian community.
Yervant Aminyan, a former Armenian representative in the Kurdistan Regional Parliament, highlighted the historical significance of Zakho for the Armenian community.
“Zakho opened its doors to the Armenians who survived the genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire more than 100 years ago. In 1923, the Armenians built this church, and thanks to the Kurdistan Regional Government, Hungary, and the Armenian Archbishopric in Iraq, it has been renovated again,” Aminyan stated.
In an interview with Kurdistan24, Aminyan noted the presence of five Armenian churches in the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing the region’s commitment to coexistence and religious diversity. “Coexistence in the Kurdistan Region is a matter of pride,” he said.
The reopening of the church symbolizes the ongoing support and recognition of the Armenian community’s cultural and historical heritage in the Kurdistan Region.
This event underscores the collaborative efforts of the KRG, Hungary, and religious leaders to preserve and celebrate the diverse cultural tapestry of the region.
