Turkey’s Directorate General of Foundations had reached a decision to return to Istanbul’s Armenian “Surp Pirgic [Holy Savior] Church Foundation” a 42,000 square-meter area, formerly belonging to Armenians, in the Zeytinburnu District. 

The Zeytinburnu sports complex, football stadium, and a large parking lot also are included in this area, Ermenihaber.am reported.   

The Zeytinburnu Municipality, however, had opposed the decision, and filed a lawsuit.  

But the court ruled against the municipality’s complaint, reported Vatan daily of Turkey.

“Surp Pirgic Church Foundation” President Bedros Sirinoglu noted that the returned area is estimated to be worth about 338 million liras (approx. $180 million), and the proceeds will be used to take care of the needs of the Surp Pirgic Hospital and the Armenian community.