Efforts underway to restore Armenian Church property in North and East Syria

RAQQA, North and East Syria — As part of ongoing efforts to restore and safeguard the properties of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) and Armenian communities in North and East Syria, the High Property Committee of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) is actively addressing violations and reclaiming properties belonging to local churches.

The High Property Committee plays a pivotal role in managing and preserving the properties of absentees from the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) and Armenian communities.

The Committee reported that it is currently investigating property violations in Raqqa, specifically concerning lands and shops belonging to the Armenian Orthodox Church. A tour of Raqqa, conducted with representatives of the Armenian Church, revealed several cases of property infringement, which the department is working to rectify in accordance with the law.

In a statement to Suroyo TV, head of the Committee Armin Mardo explained that after the Armenian Orthodox Church’s assets were looted by terrorist organizations, the Committee carried out an evaluation of the violations and submitted a report to the executive body of the archbishopric.

Mardo further noted that a delegation from the Armenian Orthodox Diocese, led by Bishop Makar Ashkaryan, visited the department’s headquarters in Raqqa to coordinate efforts to monitor and prevent further violations of church and community properties.

Both sides agreed to intensify visits, formalize contracts for investors in church-owned properties, and take action to remove those unlawfully controlling the assets. The meeting concluded with a pledge to collaborate on all fronts to restore and protect the church’s real estate.