Architect and renovation expert Zakaria Mildanoglu, who participated in the renovation of the historical Holy Cross Church on Akhtamar Island, says parties from both Turkey and Armenia have overly politicized recent activity over the erection of a cross on the edifice. Still, the fact that the service is going ahead is a big breakthrough, he says.

“I have constantly stated that the cross should not be used for politics. The cross would be placed on the dome after the renovation but it has been politicized by both sides so much that it ended up causing disputes,” architect and renovation expert Zakaria Mildanoğlu, who participated in the renovation and followed the developments throughout the process, recently told the Hurriyet Daily News & Economic Review.

Mildanoglu said the Istanbul Patriarchate made some mistakes during the renovation, adding that legal Armenian Istanbul Patriarch Mesrop Mutafyan did not want to attend the church when he heard it would open as a museum.

“The renovations were the first step, it was obvious even in those days that service in church would be allowed. He did not accept when I told him we should make preparations,” Mildanoglu said.

“The [Istanbul] Patriarchate could have made an important mission, it could have provided steady information sharing with the Jerusalem Armenian Patriarchate. This type of mediation could have eliminated misunderstandings and tension,” he said.

If everything had been done calmly, with the Istanbul Patriarchate presenting its demands to the Turkish government formally, even Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan could have been invited to the service.

Mildanoglu said Turkey took an important step by allowing the service to go ahead.

“It was forbidden to even mention the existence of Armenians in Anatolia back then, but today Armenian historical artifacts are being renovated. We cannot ignore this,” he said.