A total of 600 families, members of which were born in Dersim (Tunceli province of Turkey), joined the newly formed Union of Dersim Armenians.

An 8-year-old Union was officially registered in the first half of November, Sabah daily reported. Union’s goal is to preserve the Armenian language, restore spiritual and cultural values. First the organization will be engaged in teaching Armenian and restoration of Armenian graves and churches in Tunceli province.

Eight months ago organization’s founder Selahattin Gultekin appealed to court to change his name and religious identity. Gultekin changed his name to Mihran Prkich. “I do not want Dersim Armenians to have Turkish or Kurdish names. We should live not hiding ourselves,” he said.

Mihran’s next step was baptism together with his son and relatives. He stressed that was very happy to read an official statement on registration of the union. “Living in other religion for 50 years today I feel calm being an owner of my identity,” he stated.