Turkey’s Prosecutor’s Office started an investigation into the destruction of a part of the Armenian Holy Mary (Supreme Holy Mary) Church located atop Mount Marout (Maratuk) in Turkey’s Sassoon city.

Sassoon’s Provincial District Governor Bahadir Yoruk informed that the Gendarmerie and the Provincial Cultural Department Commission conducted studies on location and in connection with the destruction of the Church.   

“We are waiting for the conclusions of the studies, and [subsequently] we will do what’s necessary,” Yoruk said, and stressed that the Prosecutor’s Office already has launched an inquiry into this case, Haberler news agency of Turkey reports.  

To note, a part of the Church’s rooftop and entrance was destroyed by unidentified evildoers.  

As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, Armenians from Armenia, the Diaspora, and different parts of Turkey had conducted a pilgrimage to this Armenian church on July 28. 

Armenian News-NEWS.am’s reporter likewise took part in this pilgrimage, and informed that all pilgrims were able to climb the mountain and conduct their pilgrimage to the Church without difficulties.

To note, however, that the Turkish media had informed earlier that the annual pilgrimage was restricted this year by Sassoon’s Mayor and Provincial District Governor, on the grounds that it was the Ramadan season in Turkey at the time, and Sassoon’s authorities had stated that the mountain climb was rescheduled for September.

Around 100 Armenians, who had arrived in Sassoon, climbed to Mount Marout’s slopes on the evening of July 28 and with special transportation vehicles. And around two hours later, the pilgrims arrived at the Church, which is located at an elevation of 2,973 meters above sea level. The pilgrims lit candles, prayed, and chanted spiritual songs at the Church.