Armenian church in Turkey under treasure hunters’ target

An Armenian church in Turkey’s northeast has been reduced to ruins because of a hole dug by treasure hunters.
Left to the mercy of fate, the St Astvatsatsin church of Erzincan (historical Armenian Yerznka) is now under treasure hunters’ target, the Turkish-Armenian publication Agos reports.
Efforts have now been undertaken towards protecting the historical site.
A resident of the village, Tolga Gurun, has called attention to the problem, saying that the church has been under spotlight since the robbery of its icons five years ago.
The local authorities had earlier issued an instruction for rebuilding the church, but no steps were taken after the regional governor’s replacement.
Recent studies revealed signs of collapse on the building’s second floor. Earlier reports suggested that the church would resume its original image after the renovation.