Yerevan /Mediamax/. The Armenian community in Istanbul managed to prevent the demolition of "Camp Armen,” a historic Armenian orphanage in Istanbul.
“Camp Armen” owner Fatih Ulusoy announced he would donate it to the Armenian community, Turkish Sabah Daily writes.
The site, which has remained in ruins for years in Istanbul's Tuzla district was planned to be demolished by its current owner before activists, mostly from the Armenian community, protested and staged the sit-in strike blocking bulldozers.
Alexis Kalk, Member of Nor Zartonk (New Renaissance) NGO struggling for the preservation of the building, applauded the owner’s decision and added they would continue their “struggle” until the formal process for the donation of the title deed to the foundation is completed.
“Camp Armen” was confiscated from Armenians in Istanbul by the decision of the Turkish Supreme Court of Appeals in 1974. It served as an orphanage for more than 1,500 Armenians. According to the Turkish newspaper, among the orphans raised in the historic building was late Hrant Dink, editor-in-chief of the Agos Daily, who was assassinated in 2007 by a Turkish nationalist.
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