The closed doors of Turkish Armenian Patriarchate have been opened for two U.S. experts who published a book about 18th and 19th century textile treasures.

Professor Ronald Marchese and Textile professor Marlen Breu published a book after carrying out 10 years of research with special permission from Patriarch Mesrop II, Hurriyet Daily News& Economic Review reports.

The researchers studied a variety of materials from holy books with priceless stones to caftans worn by patriarchs, and from golden brocaded clothes devoted to churches by women, to icons and slippers worn by priests, the newspaper writes.

“The Armenian community was wealthy and many were very important in Ottoman circles. The working relationship between the Ottoman authorities and elite of the community benefited both parties. Many of these people were close friends with sultans and high government officials. Their prestige in the state offered opportunities for many Armenians, who displayed their wealth by becoming patrons. In this manner lavish use of gold and precious stones attached to objects of faith were donated to the church,” Marchese said.