On March 29, the Government of Turkey hosted a ceremony marking the completion of the restoration of the 10th century Armenian church on Akdamar Island in Lake Van, Turkey. 

This landmark achievement was celebrated by over three thousand participants, including Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Atilla Koc, Armenian Deputy Minister of Culture Gagik Gyurgian, Turkish Armenian Patriarch Mesrob II, senior government officials, high level representatives of international organizations, key contributors and tourists from Turkey and around the world.