The walls of the Armenian church St. Stepanos located in Turkey's Van province have been destroyed because of treasure hunters.

Deep holes are dug inside the church, Akunq.net reported.

Local resident Ebubukir Ciftcun, who once settled near the 400-year-old church, says that before 1970 it was in a good condition. He also stressed that, despite the destruction, the church continues to attract the attention of both local and foreign tourists.