Syriac Orthodox Church Guesthouse in İdil Demolished Despite Court Proceedings

The Syriac Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary in İdil, Şırnak province, faces the threat of demolition as part of ongoing actions by the AKP-run municipal administration. The administration has issued demolition orders against homes and commercial premises belonging to Syriac community members, with four Syriac citizens already initiating legal challenges. Despite these legal proceedings, their properties were demolished before a court ruling was issued. The guesthouse of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary is also among the affected properties.

Lawyer Melke Karagöl, whose family is impacted by the demolition orders, criticized the municipal administration’s actions. The demolished buildings belonged to four Syriac residents and were between 20 and 25 years old. Karagöl stated that legal objections were filed three days before the demolition, yet the administration proceeded without awaiting a court decision. The ongoing court proceedings remain unresolved, and the administration has created a fait accompli, according to Karagöl.

In addition to the demolition orders, the municipal administration has sealed residential and commercial buildings belonging to Syriacs and imposed administrative fines. Karagöl expressed particular concern over the measures targeting the guesthouse of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary. The administration has approved its demolition, which Karagöl views as part of a deliberate policy aimed at weakening the Syriac community’s ties to the region. A significant portion of the Syriac population resides in Europe, and Karagöl believes the administration seeks to sever those connections.

Those affected by the demolitions have vowed to continue challenging the measures through legal and democratic means. They have stated that they will not accept practices intended to pressure or intimidate Syriac citizens. Their commitment to defending their rights through legal channels reflects a determination to resist what they perceive as an unjust and oppressive policy.

The situation has drawn attention to the Turkish parliament, where DEM Party MPs have submitted written parliamentary questions to relevant ministries. The MPs are seeking information on the legal basis for the sealing orders, fines, and demolition orders targeting Syriac properties. They have also raised concerns about the actions of the AKP-run municipal administration, which proceeded with demolitions despite ongoing judicial review. The parliamentary inquiries highlight the growing political and legal scrutiny surrounding these developments.

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