The Armenian cemetery located in the Şahinkaya neighborhood of Elazığ (Kharberd) has been registered as an “immovable cultural property requiring protection” by a decision of the Diyarbakır Regional Council for the Protection of Cultural Assets.

Under the decision dated August 26, 2026, the cemetery was granted first-degree protection status, while the Surp Nshan Chapel located on its grounds was also included within the scope of protection.

The registration process began following an application submitted on July 22 by Arman Yağcı, a representative of the Armenian community of Elazığ.

Under the decision, any construction or urban development work within the cemetery grounds will require the appropriate authorization of the protection council.

Following the decision, Sahak Archbishop Mashalian, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, called Arman Yağcı and congratulated him.