On the same year that millions around the world commemorated the centennial of the Armenian Genocide—or, more fundamentally, the Christian Genocide—Turkish authorities have started the demolition of Kamp Armen, an Armenian orphanage. Armenian sources reported in early May that bulldozers have begun to demolish the building located in the metropolitan district of Tuzla, despite attempts by some political representatives of the opposition parties to intervene.
The orphanage was built in 1962 on the initiative of the Armenian Protestant community. Reports Agenzia Fides:
Thanks to its activities, the institution has helped 1,500 children to grow up in an environment based on the spirituality and culture of Armenian Christianity. There was also Hrant Dink among its students, the Armenian Turkish journalist, founder of the bilingual magazine Agos, killed in 2007 after being repeatedly threatened with death for his positions on the Armenian Genocide. The Turkish State had expropriated the orphanage in 1987, and all legal attempt by the Armenian Protestant communities to regain control of the building fell on deaf ears.
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