Restoration begins at historic church damaged in Türkiye’s Adiyaman earthquakes

Restoration work commenced at the 323-year-old Mor Petrus and Mor Pavlus (St. Paul) Church, which suffered significant damage during the Kahramanmaras-centered earthquakes on Feb. 6, 2023.

The restoration is being overseen by the General Directorate of Foundations under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Following the earthquakes, a laser documentation process was carried out to assess the church‘s condition. After the church was suspended using steel materials, the upper concrete cover was removed to draft a restoration project.

Metropolitan emphasizes importance of restoration after earthquakes

Metropolitan Mor Grigoriyos Melki Urek of Adiyaman and surrounding provinces reminded journalists of the extensive damage the church endured during the earthquakes.

Urek explained that the restoration efforts have included the careful removal of numbered wall stones as part of the church’s dismantling process. He stated, “After all removals and once the structure is made safe, we plan to rebuild the church using the same design as the original. We extend our gratitude to the General Directorate of Foundations and the Regional Directorate of Foundations for their support.”

The restoration of Mor Petrus and Mor Pavlus Church marks a significant step in preserving the cultural heritage of Adiyaman following the devastating earthquakes. This initiative not only aims to restore a vital historical site but also serves as a testament to the resilience of the community in the face of disaster. As the restoration progresses, it promises to revive the architectural beauty and historical significance of this cherished landmark.