Turkish Fitness Federation apologizes for yoga session held inside historic Church of Mor Youhanon
QELLETH, Turkey — Turkish news agencies and daily newspapers recently reported on a yoga session held in the historic Syriac Orthodox Church of Mor Youhanon in Qelleth (Dereiçi) village, Mardin, Turkey. The church, which holds over 1,700 years of history, is a significant site for the Syriac (Aramean-Chaldean-Assyrian) community.
Syriac Press recently highlighted the incident and Suroyo TV aired denunciations from Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) journalist Gabro Beth Cathe. Outrage over the event has been widespread, with condemnation from Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans) and various Turkish media outlets.
In response, the Turkish Fitness Federation issued a statement asserting it was unaware of the activity taking place in the Church. The Federation explained that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding related to the request to practice yoga and announced an investigation into the matter.
Seda Deliormanlı, the yoga instructor who organized the event, has since issued an apology to the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community, stating she acquired all necessary permission from officials to hold the yoga session. The Federation emphasized its commitment to addressing the situation and ensuring respect for sacred and historical sites in the region.
The Federation promised to take appropriate measures in response to public demands and protests regarding the desecration of the revered site.
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