Armenian church spotted by treasure hunters in Turkey’s Van

An ancient Armenian church in Turkey’s Van province (Bahçesaray district) is being ravaged by treasure hunters searching for “fabulous gold”.

Historically known as the White Church, the sacred place, built inside a rock, is now often used as a stable on rainy and snowy days.

Also, foul words are seen on the walls inside and outside, the Turkish newspaper Evrensel reports.

The locals often refer to the church as Dera Geri (which is its Kurdish name).