This 600-year-old Turkish church is still looking for an owner after it was put up for sale for USD 1 million in 2015.
The ruined 15th-century Church of Saint John in the district of Mudanya in the north-western Turkish city of Bursa was put up for sale for USD 1 million (GBP 719,295) by its owner in 2015.
The unnamed Istanbul-based businessman decided to sell it as he was unable to obtain permission to build an apart-hotel on the site. However, he is still without a prospective buyer six years later.
Local tour guide Kadri Uyanik told local media: “This situation makes us all very sad. There are interested parties. Meetings continue with association officials in Istanbul representing Greeks. They want to buy this place. I hope it will be evaluated as soon as possible.
“After the 2000s, tourism changed. These types of historical places started to be in demand. In my opinion, reconstructing this place as a church in accordance with the original will contribute to urban tourism.”
Old churches in Turkey have seen a mixed fate. While some have been restored, others have been destroyed, damaged or converted, such as the historical Armenian Gregorian Church in Izmir that was turned into stables.
Despite its dilapidated condition, the ruined monument is currently offered some protections by the Bursa Cultural Assets Regional Conservation Board. However, the search for its saviour continues.
Saint John Church, located in Mudanya district of Bursa in Turkey, which is 600-years old, was put up for sale for $ 1 million in 2015 and still doesn’t have buyers. 
Saint John Church, located in Mudanya district of Bursa in Turkey, which is 600-years old, was put up for sale for $ 1 million in 2015 and still doesn’t have buyers.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: William McGee, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
The Ananova page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.
