Rupert Gunnis, ADC to Governor Ronald Storrs, was impressed by the beautiful things he saw in the Melikian mansion:
Mad day. In the evening Lady Storrs and I for a walk and to the Armenian church and then to a most charming house behind the church, an old Turkish house owned by a Mr Melikian, good things in it, Venetian glass, pictures, good red and gold curtains and chest etc. The owner showed us a vault below, now used as a timber room which he says was a Turkish strong room before. I am sure it was part of the convent. Anyway he says the boxes there are full of Turkish firmans which he will let me look through. I might find something of real interest. Walked home in the dark.