After present process in depth restoration and conservation work led by the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry, a centuries-old Orthodox church in central Nevşehir province reopened its doorways to guests Thursday.
Built in 1849, the Virgin Mary Church was used as a spot of worship for Orthodox Greeks till 1924 and as a jail between 1950-1983. Finally, the historic constructing was launched to tourism after being idle for about 40 years.
Speaking on the opening ceremony for the church, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Nadir Alpaslan stated the harm the historic constructing suffered through the years has been repaired due to the restoration carried out.
Noting that critical steps are being taken to guard historic and cultural belongings all through the nation, Alpaslan stated: “As the ministry, we are working to provide services to future generations by approaching our cultural assets with great sensitivity and protecting them like our eyes and souls wherever they are in Türkiye.”
Highlighting the significance of Cappadocia as a preferred place when it comes to tradition and tourism, he stated: “Türkiye has big goals in tourism. We are taking firm steps towards becoming one of the most ambitious countries in the world in tourism by increasing our tourism income to $100 billion (TL 1.95 trillion) by 2028.”
For her half, Nevşehir Governor Inci Sezer Becel stated the area has a wealthy tourism potential due to the historic buildings inherited.
Nevşehir Mayor Mehmet Savran stated they have been blissful to convey the historic construction to the area’s tourism after the work began about three years in the past.
“The Virgin Mary Church was opened for worship during the Ottoman period and was used as a prison from 1950 to 1983. Therefore, it was a seriously damaged structure,” Savran stated.
“Our Ministry of Culture and Tourism brought this building to our city as a beautiful work after a meticulous restoration process,” he added.
Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated within the central province of Nevşehir, grew to become a preferred vacation spot worldwide in recent times due to its distinctive volcanic cones referred to as fairy chimneys, atmospheric underground cities, sizzling air balloon journeys, homes carved into rocks, and church buildings, chapels and shelters used within the early years of the Christian religion.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
