The Armenian Forty Martyrs Church in Turkey’s Hatay province, which has a history spanning nearly 150 years, is being restored after suffering significant damage in the devastating 2023 earthquake.
The church was significantly damaged in the 7.6-7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey on Feb. 6, 2023. It was built in 1876, Ermenihaber reported.
Yusuf Tabash, chairman of the board of directors of the Armenian Forty Martyrs Church Foundation, said the restoration work would be carried out with 5 million Turkish liras, about $105,000, in state funding. The church’s altar area was damaged and destroyed as a result of the earthquake.
Tabash also stressed that the church would be completely closed for liturgical services starting at the end of this week.
The restoration work will include repairing the church roof, restoring the floor and addressing the existing drainage problem. The altars will be rebuilt, while necessary work will also be carried out to restore the exterior appearance of walls requiring repairs.
In addition, structures and shops adjacent to the church that provide a source of income for it are also expected to be restored.
