An Armenian foundation plans to demolish and rebuild an Armenian orphanage in Tulza district of Istanbul.

A controversial demolition plan was suspended and the owner promised he would donate Kamp Armen to the Armenian community, Hurriyet Daily News reported.

Pastor Krikor Agabaloglu of the Gedikpaşa Armenian Protestant Church said they plan to rebuild the orphanage that will open its doors to children from all nations.

Camp Armen Armenian orphanage was confiscated by the Turkish authorities back in 1987. Subsequently, it was sold to a Turkish businessman who, in turn, decided to demolish the orphanage and build luxury homes in the premises. As a result of public pressure, however, the demolition of the orphanage has been temporarily halted.

The camp was once home to around 1,500 children, including the late Hrant Dink—the founder and chief editor of Agos Armenian bilingual weekly of Istanbul, and who was shot dead on January 19, 2007 outside the office of his weekly—, and his wife Rakel.