VAN. – A contest has been announced for the renovation rights of the chapel and monastery near the Armenian Holy Cross Church on Aghtamar Island in Lake Van in the east of Turkey.

According to Turkish Posta, for the renovation of Armenian monastery and chapel a project of 1 million 200 thousand lire ($650 thousand) is going to be implemented. The renovations will begin in April 2013 and will last for 6 months.

It is noted, that the renovations will be implemented by a group of 50 specialists and builders. The building will be restored intact in the original form. Limestone delivered from Italy on ships will be used in the reconstruction of the chapel and the monastery.

In addition, during the reconstruction, surveillance cameras will be installed on the island.