Mehmet Ali Palalı, the Director of Foundations for the Şanlıurfa Region, told journalists that the church, built in 1701 and repaired in 1885 and 1905, suffered severe damage in the earthquakes on February 6.
Palalı mentioned that restoration efforts on historical structures began after the earthquakes. He detailed that documentation of the structure was completed using laser scanning, and the contracting firm has set up the construction site after taking necessary safety measures.
Palalı also stated that they have started removing the top reinforced concrete layer, which is thought to have damaged the structure, saying, ‘The structure was completely suspended using steel materials. After this process, material analysis began. Material analysis is ongoing. The architectural survey project of the structure has been drawn up. It is now awaiting approval from the Şanlıurfa Board for the Preservation of Cultural Properties. As with all our works, the General Directorate of Foundations is pursuing to reopen this structure for worship as soon as possible in its most robust form. Like all our works in Adıyaman, this structure will also be restored authentically by the General Directorate of Foundations in the shortest time possible.’
