Rather than cement, "old mortars and basalt stone of the region were used and everything was done perfectly," Ayık said, adding that he was glad the churches will reopen soon.
Built in the 16th century, Surp Giragos is the largest Armenian church in the Middle East and is spread over 3,000 square meters.
Mar Petyun Chaldean church was built in the 17th century, and was used by the local Chaldean community.
In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK-listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU-has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.
