A historic Armenian church located in Altinsac village of Gevaş (historically Vostan-EH) district in Van, Turkey, is currently serving as a cattle barn, Ermenihaber reported.
Constructed in the 10th or 11th century at a 400-meter peak not far from the shore of Lake Van, St. Thomas Armenian Church held the relics of Thomas the Apostle. After undergoing reconstruction in 1671, the Armenian church turned into a monastic complex. As a result of the holes opened on the walls by treasure hunters and the damages caused to the structure, the dilapidated church is today facing major risk of collapse.
Investigative journalist of Gazetekarınca.com, Ikram İşler, who paid a visit to St. Thomas Armenian Church, shared his impressions noting the following: “Once there was a faith here. The Apostles of Christ were here. Spiritual music could be heard, and liturgies were served. However, the day has come when the church is being used as a cattle-shed.”
Several years ago, the Tourism Department of Van declared the church a tourism zone, calling for visits to the site. Opposing the inconsistency of the relevant bodies, Ikram İşler wrote that tourists visiting the church will see a cattle barn and be disappointed.
In the reporter’s words, Van’s Department of Culture has built a road leading to the church, but it does not meet its purpose, since the road is muddy due to the lack of asphalt, making it impassable for vehicles.
