“Church of the Rock” in Turkey severly damaged

Another historical church in Turkey was severely damaged. The church is located in the district of Melikgazi in Kayseri, and is party destroyed because of illegal excavations that were being done there.

The excavations took place inside the church in search of treasure. The result is a severely damaged building that is partly destroyed and cannot be used for church services anymore.

According to the local mayor, the government and the people responsible should renew the church, so that tourists would come and visit. The church would stay in use and the region would profit from the tourists.

It is not the first time that churches in Turkey stay unprotected and become prey for thieves. Preservation of Christian heritage does not have a high priority for the Turkish government.

The Mother of God Church in colloquial speech is called the “Church of the Annunciation of the Rock”.