Thousands, including senior officials and artists, attended the funeral in Istanbul for renowned Turkish writer Yasar Kemal.

Archbishop Aram Atesyan, who is General Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, also was on hand at Kemal’s interment, reported Sirinnar website of Turkey.

It was thanks to Yasar Kemal’s efforts that the Turkish authorities’ plans to destroy the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross on the island of Aghtamar in Lake Van was prevented back in 1951.

To note, the Ministry of Culture of Armenia had awarded Yasar Kemal with the Gregory of Narek Medal, and in recognition of his deep respect towards the cultural heritage of the Armenian nation, civic endeavor, devotion to justice, liberty and human dignity, and his literary accomplishments.

Yasar Kemal had died on February 28 in Istanbul, at the age of 91.