Demolition begins in Turkey's sole Armenian village after earthquakes

The historic Armenian village of Vakıfkoy in southern Turkey's Antakya district has begun demolishing heavily damaged buildings nearly six months after devastating earthquakes struck the region.

According to reporting by Agos newspaper, 15 houses in Vakıfkoy will be demolished, altering the village's skyline. The demolition includes older stone houses and more modern concrete structures crippled by the February 6 and 20 earthquakes.

Vakıfkoy, in the Hatay province, is Turkey's only remaining Armenian village and was severely affected by the quakes. As demolition got underway last week, Turkish Armenian Patriarch Sahak Mashalyan visited the town and announced in a sermon that the Armenian Patriarchate would cover costs to repair the damaged Vakıfköy Church.

Beyond church repairs, the Patriarchate and Vakıfkoy Church have raised donations to aid villagers who lost homes or suffered damage. According to Patriarch Mashalyan, financial assistance will be distributed based on need.

Earthquake victim families who were renting homes will receive 20,000 Turkish lira each. Those with slightly damaged houses will be granted 35,000 lira, while moderately and severely damaged homes warrant 60,000 and 75,000 lira, respectively.

Ten families whose homes were destroyed have also been provided temporary container housing. More temporary shelters are expected as demolition clears debris and makes way for rebuilding.

While promising support, the demolition underscores the immense loss and reconstruction challenge facing Vakıfkoy in the disaster's wake. The centuries-old village will require substantial resources to restore its unique cultural heritage.

But through charity and perseverance, the Armenians of Vakıfkoy continue working to rebuild their historic community for future generations. The village remains a living testament to Armenian roots in Anatolia.