Unique Armenian village in Türkiye celebrates Feast of Assumption

Vakifli, a neighborhood in the Samandag district of Hatay (formerly a village), remains Türkiye’s only Armenian village. This year, the Christian holy day of Feast of the Assumption was celebrated in the village with great enthusiasm.

The significant religious ceremony, held at the Vakifli Armenian Church, saw numerous Armenian citizens from Samandag, Antakya, Iskenderun and abroad in attendance.

During the ceremony, the community broke their grape fast and shared the traditional local dish “hirisi,” prepared in large cauldrons.

Participants gathered on this important day to fulfill their religious duties and uphold the village’s rich cultural heritage.

What are features of Vakifli Village?

Vakifli Village is nestled in the lush landscapes of Hatay, surrounded by the fragrant scent of orange blossoms.

To one side, the tip of Mount Kel extends toward the Mediterranean and Syria, while on the other, the broad slopes of Mount Musa spread out.

As Türkiye’s only Armenian village, Vakifli has been home to Armenians from the Ottoman period to the present day.

Misak Hergel, who returned from Istanbul to settle in the village 48 years ago, finds the designation “only Armenian village” unsettling.

He noted this term has gained media popularity and that the village is often showcased.

Hergel highlighted that the abandonment of villages began in 1915, and these memories remain vivid.

Additionally, the Armenian dialect of Vakifli is at risk of disappearing.