The Abandoned Armenian Monastery of St. Thomas in Van Has Turned into a Barn

The Armenian monastic complex of St. Thomas in Van is in a dilapidated, abandoned, and miserable state. Severely damaged due to treasure hunters and adverse climatic conditions, the complex today requires restoration and maintenance.

The church, built in the 11th century to house the relics of the Apostle Thomas, is located right next to Lake Van, on top of a hill at an altitude of 2,000 meters. The monastic complex is approximately 80 meters from Lake Van, 75 kilometers from the city of Van, and 40 kilometers from the Gevaş region.

Access to the site can be achieved both by land and by boat. Due to its semi-ruined condition, the historic structure is currently overlooked by tourists; however, with restoration and proper care, it could become an important center for tourism.

Despite numerous appeals to the Turkish authorities to improve and preserve the monastic complex, no measures have yet been taken. The area of the St. Thomas Armenian monastery is targeted by treasure hunters on one hand, while on the other hand, it turns into a makeshift barn for livestock during the summer, reports Ermenihaber.