The neighbourhood of Kalecik, in Tusba, province of Van and known as Lezk, was evacuated after the Armenian genocide in 1915.

While the church and school in the neighbourhood were destroyed over time, houses were built in the neighbourhood by TOKİ after the earthquake that occurred in the city. The Armenian cemetery in the neighbourhood was also destroyed with working machines by a person who is claimed to be the owner of the land. Some of the bones found in the cemetery were scattered around, while soil was poured on the gravestones that were removed from their places.

Van MP Murat Sarısaç brought the destruction of the cemetery to parliament and asked Vice President Fuat Oktay to answer the following questions:

“*What information is available about the destruction in the Armenian cemetery in Kalecik TOKİ location in Van?

*Has any investigation on the destruction of the Armenian cemetery in Kalecik TOKİ been launched?

*Why are the Armenian cemeteries, cultural and religious structures in Van not protected? If there is a protection measure, why do similar destructions occur frequently?

*Will you take any initiative to repair the destroyed cemeteries, cultural and belief structures in Van?

*Do you have any plans to protect the many Armenian cemeteries in ruins in Van?

*Is there an inventory of monasteries, churches and cultural structures built by Armenians in Van?