Turkologist Ruben Melkonyan said that the lack of a social structure is among basic problems of the Armenian community of Istanbul.

Turkey’s leadership communicates with the Armenian community through the Constantinople Patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Melkonyan told a press conference in Yerevan.

Due to this, the Patriarchate has to interfere in political matters from time to time and makes such statements, which contradict Armenia’s interests, acting contrary to its conscience.

Besides, the Armenian expert noted that around 43 churches, including 36 in Istanbul and 6 in various provinces, are subordinate to the Constantinople Patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Melkonyan added that there is a problem of mutual understanding between Armenians of Armenia and the Armenian community of Istanbul.