In Kayseri, the Gesi Surp Stepanos Church, built in the 17th century, was vandalized 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 request that the building be restored to protect it."

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 Population 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 paint, causing damage. The destroyed church is waiting to be brought into 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 destroyed and its dome was opened, making it unusable."

'WRITING WAS WRITTEN WITH SPRAY PAINTS'

Yağcı stated that the historical church should be restored and said, "It is a historical value that must be protected. It was used by a person until recently. After the citizens migrated from here, it was destroyed by treasure hunters. A lot of damage was done inside. In recent years, it has been protected by neighbors nearby. We want our state to intervene as soon as possible and save it from being destroyed. We request that the building be restored to protect it. 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 request that these be erased."