The reconstruction project of Varagavank monastery in Yukaribakracli village, near Van city in Turkey is ready, imam of the village Mehmed Choban told Armenian News-NEWS.am correspondent. The imam stressed the mosque near the monastery should be destroyed. “A new mosque is being constructed. As soon as construction works are over, this mosque will be dismantled and Varagavank will be constructed,” he said.

The imam said the staff of the regional department of tourism and culture came to Varagavank, bringing a reconstruction project, which provides for full restoration of the temple complex.  Choban emphasized he has been preserving the remaining pieces of the church complex for years.

Following the opening of Surb Khach (Holy Cross) Church on Akhtamar Island in Van, Yukaribakracli villagers appealed to the regional administration and management of tourism and culture and demanded to renovate the temple complex in their village.

“Varagavank” was built on the particle cross of Christ, hidden by St. Hripsime. Initially, “Surb Nshan” church was built, later the number of churches reached 7.