Armenian Church near Urfa on verge of collapse

(Horizon Weekly) – The historic Armenian Sourp Asdvadzadzin church of Germush is now officially a “center of touristic development, at least according to the Turkish Council of Ministers, though steps towards preserving the building structure are found wanting. The church, a frequent target of nearby treasure-hunters, is now on the verge of destruction, reports Akunq.net.

This church, located in the Germush village 10km northeast of Urfa’s center, is said to have been built in the 19th century. Today, it is left to the whims of fate.

In 2013, it was reported that the Sourp Asdvadzadzin church of Germush was being used as a makeshift barn, and that with each passing year the structure of the building deteriorates further. The treasure-hunters, in the hopes of unearthing riches, have been digging holes within and beneath the church.

The several holes now found in the church’s surroundings have done considerable damage to this historic structure, and the opening of 2 meters-deep holes under the internal columns in the past month has now placed the church firmly on the verge of ruin.

Prior to 1915, Germush, encompassing 800 homes, was the biggest village in Urfa. A school near the Germush church was attended by nearly 100 students. Several old monasteries were located near the village, including Sourp Hovhannes, Sourp Tatteos, Sourp Hagop and Sourp Minas.

It is well established that Mustafa Kemal Ataturk had offered the village to one of the commanders of the Hamidiye cavalry, Sumer Pasha, Germush is now in the hands of his descendants.