Owner puts historical church in central Turkey up for sale online

KAYSERİ – Anadolu Agency

Ömer Sicimoğlu, who works in real estate, bought the abandoned church building in 2013 for personal use. AA Photo

An 18th century Greek church in the Central Anatolian province of Kayseri has been put up for sale online by its owner, with an asking price of 450,000 euros.

Ömer Sicimoğlu, who works in the real estate business, bought the abandoned church building in 2013 for personal use.

“The church, which is an important cultural asset, can be restored. We want it to be bought by those who will renovate it," Sicimoğlu told Anadolu Agency.

He put an advertisement for the property on one of the largest online shopping sites in Turkey with a price tag of 450,000 euros.

“We will consider proposals,” he said.

Sicimoğlu said the Kayseri Municipality had wanted to buy the property and he was ready to hand it over, but the municipality later went back on its decision.

He added that he had decided to sell the property, which is located on some 2,000 square meters of land, after the sale to the municipality was canceled.

Though the construction date of the Greek church is unknown, it is assumed to be from the 18th century, as the church underwent renovation in 1819, according to the registry.