'Shops are being built on Armenian and Catholic cemetery in Ankara'

Photos: Chamber of Architects

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Construction of shops in an area in the historical district of Ulus in Ankara, the capital, is continuing despite the findings of human bones, the Chamber of Architects Ankara Branch said in a written statement today (March 10).

There had been an Armenian and Catholic cemetery in the area where the bones were found, the chamber said, citing "scientific sources."

The bones had been taken by the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations for examination, it said.

Moreover, the area was allocated for the reconstruction of the Provincial Bank, which was previously demolished, and because of that, the construction of shops is illegal, the chamber noted.

Tezcan Karakuş-Candan, the head of the chamber's Ankara branch, said, "The area is seen as an Armenian and Catholic Cemetery in scientific sources. Historical buildings, including a church and a bath, are seen in the title deed inquiries of the related parcel of land.

"The continuation of the construction in spite of this is a great disrespect to the multiculturalism in the Anatolian lands. It's a human rights violation and barbarism.

"Regardless of their religion and race, pouring concrete and building shops on the graves of the people who lived in the Anatolian region is inhumane. It's unacceptable to destroy history for 46 shops that will be built in that area."

The chamber made written applications regarding the ongoing excavation and construction works to the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, the Ministry of Culture, the General Directorate of Museums and the Housing Development Agency. (SO/VK)