12.10.2026 11:01
A content creator who went to Van captured the latest state of the historic 10th-century Varagavank Monastery (Yedi Kilise). The fact that the monastery, which has been neglected for years, is located on land inherited from journalist Fatih Altaylı's family has come to the agenda again.
Images shared on social media by a content creator who visited Van have brought the historic Varagavank Monastery (Seven Churches) back onto Turkey's agenda. It is known that the historic structure with 7 churches, founded on the slopes of Mount Erek and struggling to survive since the 10th century, is located on a property belonging to the family of journalist Fatih Altaylı.
"WE ARE NOT CHURCH LOVERS, TAKE IT OVER FREE OF CHARGE"
Journalist Fatih Altaylı, who had previously made statements on the matter, had stated that the land did not belong to him, but to his grandfather Hüsamettin Altaylı, and that he was only one of many heirs.
Calling on the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Altaylı stated that they were open to transferring ownership in order to protect the historic structure, and said the following:
"The land on which the church or complex of churches is located does not belong to me; it is still a property registered in my grandfather's name. If the Ministry of Culture wants to take a step, let it come, and I will also speak with the other members of the family. Let them take it, use it, or expropriate it free of charge (gratis); we are not church lovers. As long as this historical heritage is protected."
LEFT TO ROT
The Varagavank Monastery complex, considered one of the most important symbols of Armenian architecture in the region, was heavily damaged in the 2011 Van earthquake and was left to rot because no protective measures were taken over the years.