Architect leads effort to rebuild Antakya church and restore the city's multicultural past.

Architect Buse Ceren Gul has uncovered the ruins of St. Paul's Church in Antakya and is working with the World Monuments Fund on reconstruction planning, but on-site rebuilding is paused pending additional funding.

Architect Buse Ceren Gul is leading a project to rebuild the 166-year-old St. Paul's Church in Antakya after the Feb. 6, 2023 earthquakes damaged much of the city's historic centre. She and her team recovered intact stones from the site and saved architectural drawings prepared before the quake. The World Monuments Fund is providing technical and financial support for planning and assessments. Actual reconstruction work at the church is currently paused because the project needs more funding and broader urban planning for the area remains unresolved. Key facts: - The Feb. 6, 2023 earthquakes heavily damaged Antakya's historic district, including St. Paul's Church. - Architect Buse Ceren Gul uncovered the church's remains, set aside recovered stones, and preserved earlier rebuilding plans. - The World Monuments Fund is assisting with technical and financial contributions to the project. - On-site reconstruction is stalled until additional funding is secured and wider redevelopment plans for the surrounding shops and properties proceed. Summary: Restoring St. Paul's Church is intended to help preserve Antakya's long-established multicultural fabric and support displaced community members' connection to the city. Reconstruction planning continues with outside support, but on-site rebuilding is paused until more funding and coordinated urban planning are in place.