Greek Orthodox Church of St. Georgios, Altınözü / Hatay province, TÜRKIYE

The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Georgios, situated in the Sarılar neighbourhood of Altınözü, holds profound heritage value that transcends local pride, making it an asset in Europe’s cultural heritage. The origins of the church are believed to be marked by a date inscribed on a tray, indicating construction around 1364. However, its architectural roots delve deeper, reflecting influences from both the Crusader and Byzantine periods. The church’s Byzantine architecture is evident through the use of large cut stones and small stone keystones, traits attributed to the Crusader period.

The historical narrative of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Georgios is also embedded in inscriptions on its stones. A restoration was undertaken in 1881 following damages incurred during the great Antioch earthquake of 1872, further elevating the historical significance of the church. Beyond being a mere structure, the church stands as a monument embodying the history and architectural evolution of the region.

The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Georgios is a treasure for the local community and a reflection of Europe’s diverse beliefs and historical identity. Serving as a gathering point and cultural centre for over a thousand years, its inclusion in the 7 Most Endangered Programme is not merely a plea to protect a local gem but a call to preserve Europe’s rich cultural diversity and heritage.

The earthquake of 6 February 2023 has led to the collapse of parts of the building, damage to the dome, and the formation of cracks in the walls. Negligence can further exacerbate structural issues. Without corrective measures, further damage to the church’s roof and dome could increase the risk of the entire building collapsing

The walls of the church should be repaired and restored using the fallen and collapsed materials. Analogous process should be followed in the vaults, sealing cracks and fissures. The estimated costs of reconstruction of this important historic monument amount to up to 600,000 euros.

The inclusion of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Georgios in the 7 Most Endangered Programme would boost international awareness and support, attracting more financial resources and expertise. Additionally, it would provide access to European cultural heritage funds and enable larger-scale restoration.

The nomination to the 7 Most Endangered Programme 2024 was made by the Sarılar Neighbourhood Association and Europa Nostra Türkiye with the support of Hatay Brunch of Human Rights Associations.