HISTORICAL CHURCH DAMAGED BY TREASURE HUNTERS AWAITS RESTORATION
The Gesi Surp Stepanos Church, built in the 17th century in Kayseri, was damaged by treasure hunters. The church, which was used by Armenians until the 1900s, is waiting to be restored. Abbas Yağcı, President of Gesi Vineyards Culture and Solidarity Association, said, "It is a historical value that must be protected. We demand that the building be restored in order to be preserved."
The Gesi Surp Stepanos Church, located in Gesi Neighborhood of Melikgazi district, which is the subject of folk songs, was built in the 17th century. With the Armenians living in the neighborhood leaving the region during the Exchange period, the historical church became the target of treasure hunters. Pits were dug by treasure hunters in the rooms of the church. Writings were written on the walls of the church with spray paints and damaged. The destroyed church is waiting to be brought to tourism.
Abbas Yağcı, President of Gesi Vineyards Culture and Solidarity Association, gave information about the church and said, "The structure in front of us was built in the 17th century and is made of local stones. Until 1915, it was used as a place of worship by Armenian citizens living in the region. It had a magnificent bell tower. This tower was demolished and its dome was opened and made unusable."
'WRITINGS WRITTEN WITH SPRAY PAINTS'
Expressing that the historical church should be restored, Yağcı said, "It is a historical value that must be protected. Until recently, it was used by an individual. After the citizens migrated from here, it was destroyed by treasure hunters. A lot of damage was done to it. In recent years, it has been taken under protection by the neighbors nearby. We want our state to intervene here as soon as possible and save it from being destroyed. We demand that the building be restored in order to be preserved. We want our Ministry of Culture and our municipalities to take care of such cultural heritages. We think it will be beneficial for the promotion of Gesi. Writings have been written with spray paints. We also demand that these be erased."
