St Minas (Armenian: Սուրբ Մինաս) is a 13th-century Armenian Apostolic Christian church located in the village of Alakilise, Zara city, Sivas Province, Turkey.[1][2][3]
| Saint Minas church of Zara | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | Müslümabat, Zara, Sivas Province, Turkey |
| Country | Armenia |
| Religious institute | Armenian Apostolic church |
| History | |
| Founded | 13th-century |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | dilapidated |
The church is located on the rock of Kızılırmak (Alice). Saint Minas of Zara is also known as Ala (Ala Kilise), after which the village was named.
History
editAfter the Armenian Genocide, the church was used for many years as a mosque in the village of Alakilise, before the construction of a new mosque.
It was also used as a warehouse and a stable. Saint Minas was repeatedly destroyed by treasure hunters.[4]
The church is now registered as a cultural heritage object.[5]
Status
editThe church is abandoned and in a dilapidated state.
References
edit- ^ "Kültür Envanteri - Surp Minas Kilisesi, Zara". kulturenvanteri.com. 2020-02-27. Retrieved 2024-02-13.
- ^ "Zara". korumakurullari.ktb.gov.tr. Retrieved 2024-02-13.
- ^ "8 asırlık kilise turizme kazandırılmayı bekliyor - Dailymotion Video". Dailymotion. 2021-06-14. Retrieved 2024-02-13.
- ^ "8 asırlık kilise turizme kazandırılmayı bekliyor". Son Dakika (in Turkish). 2021-06-14. Retrieved 2024-02-13.
- ^ "Սիվասի վերաբերյալ հետազոտություն և դաշտային աշխատանք". Հրանտ Դինք հիմնադրամ (in Armenian). Retrieved 2024-02-13.