Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay warned the head of Turkish “Nationalist Movement Party” Devlet Bahceli that his intention to pray in Cathedral of Ani contradicts Turkey’s constitution.

Ertugrul Gunay recalled that Turkey’s constitution forbids political parties to hold religious events, Star reported.  Each person is allowed to pray in any institution. However, it will contradict with constitution and law on political parties if the prayer is public, Gunay stressed.

The Chairman of the “Nationalist Movement Party” Devlet Bahceli has decided to start parliamentary election campaign by uttering a prayer in Cathedral of Ani on October 1.