Surb Vordvots Vorotman church is being reconstructed into a cultural center in Istanbul.

“Transformation of the church into a cultural center is a peace project within Istanbul 2010 cultural program,” project manager Kevork Ozkaragez said, quoted by Agos newspaper. “The reconstruction works started six months ago and the opening is expected on June 15,” he said.

Turkey has recently launched a number of projects to reconstruct Christian churches and make them a target for tourists. The restored churches under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Culture and Tourism function as museums. Divine services are not allowed in them.