Armenian St. Giragos church in Diyarbakir is preparing for a religious ceremony, “Nouvelles d’Arménie” reports referring to Hurriyet daily. The Istanbul Armenian Foundation began restoration of the church.

This church is the common heritage of mankind. We plan to attract tourists from around the world, chairman of the foundation Ergun Ayik said.

U.S. $3.5 m-restoration project of the church is carried out by Diyarbakir workers. Officials from Turkey, Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora are expected to attend the liturgy at the opening of the church, scheduled for late 2011.

Unlike “Surb Khach” church (Holy Cross) on Akhtamar Island, “St. Giragos” church will remain in the hands of the Armenian community after it is restored. It will be the first church in Anatolia, which is restored by the Armenians, Ayik noted.

According to some experts of art history, the church is the largest in the Middle East. The complex covers an area of more than 3.200 square meters and includes a vicarage, chapel and school.