Despite being officially closed to visitors, evidence of trespassing and damage was discovered at a historic 11th-century monastery located on Cilvarda Cape in Alanya, Turkey. According to Halk TV, remnants of broken stones and makeshift barbecue areas were found within the ruins of the church, indicating that individuals illegally accessed the area and caused harm to the ancient structure.
The secluded location of Cilvarda Cape, characterized by its steep cliffs and difficult terrain, did not deter visitors. Litter such as broken bottles, glass and plastic containers, food scraps, bags, and cigarette butts were observed scattered among the bushes along the route. On the rocks lining the path, some individuals defaced the natural landscape by painting names and heart symbols.
Alanya Castle, a symbol of the city situated on a peninsula rising approximately 250 meters above sea level, is renowned for its 6.5-kilometer-long walls and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. At the tip of the peninsula lies Cilvarda Cape, featuring cliffs up to 400 meters in length. The historical structures perched atop these cliffs, including the church and monastery constructed with cut stones in the 11th century—locally referred to as the darphane or mint—enhance the city's skyline.
Access to the ruins at Cilvarda Cape involves a strenuous journey. Visitors must embark on an hour-long walk along a precarious path from the steep cliff, bypassing the iron railings that enclose the cemetery at the castle. Despite the area's restricted status, the presence of an upright church and dome nestled within the ancient walls continues to lure adventurers.
Inside the historic church, situated about 35 meters above the sea on a sheer cliff, alarming signs of vandalism were documented. Individuals removed stones from the building to make a barbecue.
Visitors who legitimately toured the vicinity of Cilvarda Cape expressed shock upon witnessing the state of neglect and abuse inflicted upon the church. The deliberate defacement and careless treatment of the heritage site stand in stark contrast to efforts made to preserve Alanya's rich historical legacy.
Dirilis Postai also covered the news.
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