There was an attack against Camp Armen Armenian orphanage in Istanbul, Turkey.

Six people armed with clubs approached the orphanage building on Monday night, and attempted to open its gates, informed the website of the Nor Zartonk movement of Istanbul Armenians, and which keeps watch in the area and against the demolition of Camp Armen. Those keeping watch, however, were able to force back the attackers.

Nonetheless, those keeping watch at the orphanage forewarn that such attacks may repeat, and therefore they ask for support and solidarity.

Camp Armen Armenian orphanage was confiscated by the Turkish authorities back in 1987. Subsequently, it was sold to a Turkish businessman who, in turn, decided to demolish the orphanage and build luxury homes in the premises. As a result of public pressure, however, the demolition of the orphanage has been temporarily halted.

The camp was once home to around 1,500 Armenian children, including the late Hrant Dink—the founder and chief editor of Agos Armenian bilingual weekly of Istanbul, and who was shot dead on January 19, 2007 outside the office of his weekly—, and his wife Rakel.

The orphanage sought to help underprivileged Armenian children and orphans, who had moved to Istanbul from other parts of Turkey, get an education.