18th Century Armenian Church in Kayseri, Turkey Vandalized, Says Garo Paylan

The 18th-century St. Toros Armenian church located in Kayseri (Caesarea), Turkey, has been damaged by treasure hunters in historical Armenian settlements within the country. The incident was reported by Garo Paylan, an Armenian Member of Parliament from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party.

In response to the emergence of a two-meter deep pit inside the church, Paylan directed a question to Turkey's Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy in the parliament.

In his inquiry, Paylan pointed out that the ancient Armenian church, despite being one of the region's historically and culturally significant structures, has been left to the whims of fate due to decades of neglect, and has now become a target for vandals and treasure seekers.

In this context, Paylan questioned the minister about why the church is not placed under protection, and why no investigation has been initiated against those damaging it. The MP also expressed concern over the government's silence in the face of treasure hunters' actions against cultural heritage belonging to Christians and asked what measures are being taken to protect them. Furthermore, Paylan inquired whether the ministry plans to restore the St. Toros Armenian Church in Kayseri.