Residents of Aliaga village in Van’s Bahcesaray region have taken the local Armenian church under protection, Akunq.net reports, quoting Mezopotamya Agency.

According to the source, the locals have also turned a vacant house into a “village hotel,” where visitors can stay free of charge.

Residents of the 7-household village have undertaken the maintenance of the “hotel” and are all cleaning it together. The hotel has two bedrooms, one living room,a kitchen and a bathroom.

The village imam Mehmet Vefa, who has been visiting the church for many years, has demanded that the authorities start a restoration work as soon as possible, stating that the church has come to the brink of destruction.

“We want Armenians to come to visit places of worship. We have a hotel where they will stay free if they come,” he said.

Aliaga is the highest village in the region, which makes it difficult to reach the church. Transportation is available on Mondays and Fridays. A walk to the village from Van city center will take two hours.

Source: http://www.armradio.am/en/2017/10/31/locals-take-armenian-church-in-vans-aliaga-village-under-protection/