Permission given to the head of Turkish “Nationalist Movement Party” Devlet Bahceli and his counterparts to pray in Cathedral of Ani reveals the complexes of Turkey’s political elite, Turkish studies expert Vahram Ter-Matevosyan told NEWS.am. “There is an impression that Bahceli is returning to his Armenian roots and wants to pray in Ani Cathedral as an Armenian,” he said, adding that it is a part of a political show staged by the Turkish government.

Ter-Matevosyan noted that the permission will not affect the Armenian-Turkish relations. While establishing a dialogue with Turkey, Armenia should just demand permission for the Armenians to pray as well, he said.  

Prayer in Ani Cathedral will be uttered on October 1.

The Cathedral of Ani is an original pearl of Caucasian architecture. Ani was once the capital of a medieval Armenian kingdom that covered much of present day Armenia and eastern Turkey.

The Cathedral was founded by the order of King Smbat II and was completed under the patronage of the wife of King Gagik I, Queen Katranide. The cathedral was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. The talented architect Trdat completed the building of the Catholicosal palace and the Mother Cathedral of Ani.