Armenian Ambassador: An Armenian Church Building is Preserved in Turkmenistan

The preserved building of the Armenian church in the city of Turkmenbashy is a testament to Turkmenistan's careful approach to religious and cultural diversity. This was stated by the Ambassador of Armenia to Turkmenistan, Arsen Avagyan, in an interview with the "News Central Asia" agency.

"An Armenian church building has been preserved in the city of Turkmenbashy — it is an important spiritual and cultural center, a living testament to the long history of the Armenian community and the state's careful approach to religious and cultural diversity," the diplomat noted.

According to Avagyan, relations between the two countries are not only political and economic but also have a deep historical and cultural character. In particular, the mausoleum of Turkmen emirs is located in the Armenian village of Argavand. This monument reflects the multi-layered shared history of the region.

"The preservation of this monument as part of Armenia's historical and cultural landscape is a testament to our respect for the heritage of the Turkmen people," the Ambassador emphasized.

Avagyan also expressed hope for the opening of a direct flight on the Yerevan — Ashgabat route, calling it an important step for strengthening business, tourism, and cultural ties.

According to the Armenian Embassy, the Armenian community in Turkmenistan was formed at the end of the 19th century during the construction of the Central Asian Railway. Craftsmen, carpenters, and blacksmiths from Armenia and Armenian-populated regions of Transcaucasia participated in the construction of bridges on the Krasnovodsk (now Turkmenbashy) — Tashkent line and settled in major cities of the region: Ashgabat, Mary, Krasnovodsk, Charjew (now Turkmenabat), and Gyzylarbat.

The church in Turkmenbashy is currently inactive and in need of major renovation.