800 year old Greek church in SW Turkey falling into disrepair


An 800-year-old Orthodox church in Turkey’s Muğla province is poised to fall into ruin due to its delayed restoration and neglect.

800 year old Greek church in SW Turkey falling into disrepair

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued the necessary permits for restoration of a small, dilapidated monastery and church situated in on Kameriye Island in Marmaris in 2013. The proposed project for the restoration was approved, but restoration has yet to begin.

800 year old Greek church in SW Turkey falling into disrepair

Mehmet Baysal, chairman of the Marmaris Chamber of Commerce, said there were adequate resources when the project was approved but that they did not have the authority to use them since the funds belonged to the Union of Municipalities.

800 year old Greek church in SW Turkey falling into disrepair

According to Baysal, due to problems in allocation of funds between different municipalities, the issue was taken to court and is still awaiting a decision.
800 year old Greek church in SW Turkey falling into disrepair

According to Turkish media, the Marmaris Trade Center (MTO) launched a project in 2010 to open the church for faith and marriage tourism after restoration. The project to convert Kameriye Island was approved by the Muğla Cultural and Heritage Preservation Board.

Photos by Sevil Okay-Mithat Okay

Source: Turkish Minute [July 18, 2017]

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