The large flow of tourists, attending the liturgy in Surb Khach (Holy Cross) Church on Akhtamar Island incited the Turkish society to get a permission to hold a liturgy in Arakelots Church in Kars as well.

A tourism representative told NEWS.am correspondent that the local residents are for the opening of Arakelots Church for religious services once a year to develop tourism in the city.  The church is located near the fortress of Kars and was turned into a mosque.

The Arakelots Church in Kars was built during the Armenian dynasty Bagratunies in the thirteenth century and was turned into a mosque in the course of history. After the building was restored, there were rumors that it may become a church or a museum. However, it was again turned into a mosque despite there are crosses and images of apostles on the walls.