The historic Karasun Manuk Armenian Church in the İskenderun district of Turkey’s southern Hatay province is undergoing restoration after sustaining significant damage in the devastating earthquake of February 6, 2023, Ermenihaber.am reported.

Built in 1876, the church has a history spanning nearly 150 years. The earthquake caused extensive damage to the church, including the destruction of part of the altar.

According to Yusuf Tabash, chairman of the board of the Karasun Manuk Armenian Church Foundation, the restoration works will be carried out with 5 million Turkish liras ($105,000) in state funding.

Tabash said the church will be completely closed for religious services by the end of this week as restoration work gets underway.

The project will include repairs to the roof and floor, as well as drainage improvements. The altars will be reconstructed, while necessary work will be carried out to restore the appearance of damaged sections of the walls.

The buildings adjacent to the church, including shops that provide a source of income for the church, will also be restored.

—