The Ottoman symbol in Van is reopening for worship

The Süleyman Han Mosque, an Ottoman symbol at the summit of the magnificent 2,700-year-old Van Fortress, is reopening for worship following restoration work.

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The Ottoman symbol in Van is reopening for worship

The Süleyman Han Mosque, located at the summit of Van Fortress—a symbolic structure representing the Ottoman Empire's dominance in the region—is being restored. Van Fortress, one of the few ancient structures in the world, still stands in all its glory today, despite the 2,700 years that have passed.

The mosque is situated at the summit of the fortress, which was built on the shores of Lake Van by Urartian King Sarduri I between 840 and 825 BC. The mosque, which is one of the significant ruins that define the silhouette of Van Fortress, is being reconstructed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Van Governorship, and the Metropolitan Municipality.

Speaking to an İHA reporter, Van Governor and Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality Ozan Balcı stated that new projects have been initiated for both Van Fortress and the old city of Van.

'IT WILL ADD RICHNESS TO VAN'S LIFE'

Stating that the area covers 800 decares, Governor Balcı said, “We have begun efforts to restore the area we call the Old City of Van—which was the original settlement of our Van 100 years ago—to its historical splendor and identity. Our Ministry of Culture and Tourism, our Van Governorship, and our Metropolitan Municipality have joined hands to launch the project.

This area will become a cultural tourism center. We believe it will add richness to Van's life and vitality. We have already started our initial work. We are currently restoring the Süleyman Han Mosque and are close to finishing it. We have also put the restoration of the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) and the Red Minaret Mosque (Kızıl Minareli Cami) out to tender. The restorations will begin within this month. We will also bring the Old City of Van back to life,” he said.

Expressing that they will complete the restoration work of the Süleyman Han Mosque within this year, Balcı added, “Our people visit Van Fortress. People who visit the fortress will be able to worship and pray there. Hopefully, we are also bringing the Grand Mosque and the Red Minaret Mosque back to life,” he said.

News Source: İHA