The Saint Mother of God Armenian Church, located in the Sivas (Sebastia) Province of Turkey, has been put up for sale, reports Ermenihaber, citing Agos.
This historic church was abandoned during the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Subsequently, it became the property of Hatice Akay, a local resident who has decided to sell it through a real estate agency.
Speaking to Turkey’s “DHA” news agency, the real estate agent said the sale faces no legal obstacles, with the owner having a certificate of ownership, stating, “The church is a protected area of the first degree and is under protection. We have put it up for sale since today and want 16 million liras [around $500,000] for it.”
The Saint Mother of God Armenian Church, constructed in the 19th century, stands in Göydün village, Sivas Province. In 2012, it was designated a Group 1 cultural immovable property requiring protection. The architecture features consecrated stones, with crosses carved on both the interior and exterior walls.
This situation is not unique; many churches abandoned during the 1915 Armenian Genocide have fallen into private hands, often being put up for sale.
Vahap Yıldız, a real estate consultant involved in the sale, said: “We estimate that our church was built in the 19th century. Nearly 3 thousand Armenians lived here before. After the First World War, the Armenians immigrated to various countries, especially the USA. The church has remained idle since then. This place was used as a church for a long time. Then, it was used as a haystack. After our announcement, we wish the new owner good luck. Sivas is the city of civilizations. Hopefully, we will give this place to someone who suits it.”
