Surp Garabet Church, once used by Armenians, put up for sale

The historic Tuzhisar Church, also known as Surp Garabet, which is estimated to have been built in the 19th century in the village of Göydün, 18 kilometers from the district, and was used by Christians who migrated to various countries, primarily the USA and Russia, during World War I, has been put up for sale by its owner, Hatice Akay.

The church, which appears as a barn in the land registry records and was used as such, now remains completely idle and was registered as a 1st Group Immovable Cultural Property Requiring Protection in 2012.

Inside and on the outer surface of the church, which was built with cut stones, there are stones engraved with 'cross' symbols.

The church was given to real estate consultant Vahap Yıldız and put up for sale for 16 million TL. A 'for sale' sign has been hung at the entrance of the church.

'WE ARE ASKING FOR 16 MILLION TL'

Providing information about the sale process of the church, real estate consultant Vahap Yıldız stated, "We estimate that our church was built in the 19th century. Nearly 3 thousand Armenians used to live here. After World War I, the Armenians here migrated to various countries, primarily the USA. The church has remained idle from that day to this. We have put this place up for sale. The owner of the church reached out to us and asked for it to be sold. It has a deed and there appears to be no obstacle to its sale. The church has been registered as a 1st Group Immovable Cultural Property Requiring Protection. As of today, we have put it up for sale and we are asking for 16 million TL. Hopefully, we will now give this place to someone worthy of it."

News Source: 12punto