ISTANBUL. – The Armenian Protestant Church in Downtown Elazig (Kharberd, in Armenian), Turkey, is used as a parking lot and public toilet. Just like numerous other Armenian churches in Turkey, this 19th century church was used for other purposes for many years, Agos Armenian weekly of Istanbul reported.

Now, however, the church is left to its fate. After the genocide in 1915, the church was used as a flour mill, but it was abandoned sometime thereafter. In 1973, it was given the status of a “Historical Assyrian Church.” In 2007, it was announced that it will be turned into a hospital—but without changing its external architecture—, yet no respective action was taken. At present, both the courtyard and the interior of the Armenian church are used as a parking lot.

The treasure hunters and the numerous cars that park in the church have damaged it. What is more, the Armenian church is also used as a toilet for the passersby and those who park their vehicles in the church.