Due to excavations conducted by treasure hunters, the Saint Mary Church, which was built in Erzinka (Erzincan) in the 1800s, has turned into ruins.

After being left abandoned for years, the church recently became a place for treasure hunters to visit. No security measure has been taken to protect the severely damaged building, and the gendarmerie has placed a lock on the church door. There is no investigation into the excavations carried out by the treasure hunters. Resident of Deghirmenkyoy Tolga Gyurun contacted us and talked about the condition of the church.

“They robbed the icons five years ago”

The church became a topic five years ago when the icons of the church were robbed. Tolga Gyurun, who is in charge of protecting the church, reports that if security measures aren’t taken, this can happen again. Tolga reports that the gendarmerie has put a lock on the door of the church that has sparked the interest of treasure hunters, but that won’t intimidate or prohibit them.

Renovation was set to start in April 2016

Located 15 kilometers from the heart of the city, the Saint Mary Church was going to be renovated by the governor’s office of Erzinka. However, after the governor was replaced, nothing has been done. THe investigation showed that the second floor of the church has collapsed, but the renovation could help restore the church.

Miran Manukyan

agos.com.tr