The aim of our petition is to bring the alarming state of conservation of the tenth-century Georgian church of Oshki, located in the village of Camliyamac in northeastern Turkey, to the attention of the responsible Turkish authorities.
Oshki is one of the most important medieval architectural monuments of Turkey, and everything possible should be done to secure this building for future generations.
We, the undersigned,
appeal to His Excellency, the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, that immediate steps are taken in order to secure the medieval church of Oshki (Osk Vank) in the village of Camliyamac (Uzundere District, Erzurum Province), northeastern Turkey.
The tenth-century church of Oshki, which is officially recognised by the Turkish State as a protected architectural monument, has suffered great damage during the last decade where several of its unique relief sculptures have been illegally removed or deliberately destroyed. In September 2009, a large relief sculpture was dislocated from its original position on the south facade of the east cross arm.
Moreover, after the partial collapse of the northwestern pendentive of the under-dome structure, the dome of the building is highly endangered in its existence.
Taking into consideration the great historical, as well as artistic and cultural significance of Oshki, we kindly ask His Excellency to initiate immediate measurements in order to save this important architectural monument.
Without Oshki, northeastern Turkey would be much poorer.
