Jason Church, Ordu. Photo: Kerem Koç, CEO@Revolvia
Situated at Cape Jason (Tr: Yason Burnu) along one of the most picturesque locations on the Black Sea coastline between Fatsa and Ordu is the Greek Orthodox Jason Church (Tr: Yason Kilisesi). The location is named after Jason who moored his vessel (the Argo) here, together with his Argonauts on their voyage to find the Golden Fleece. The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and was built in 1869. It's believed to be built on the ruins of an older temple.
Jason church. Source
The church was in ruins only a few years ago without a roof and in general disrepair. Today it stands restored thanks to the efforts of Enis Ayar, a local of Ordu who many in the region consider a local legend due to his efforts to beautify his home city. One day, Enis noticed busloads of people - the majority of them priests - disembarking and entering the church, lighting candles and praying inside. As a local, he felt embarrassed that local authorities had allowed the church to fall into disrepair. So much so, that he approached the local governor who agreed that the church had to be repaired.
Within days, the area around the church was cleared of rubbish and rocks were brought in from Kayseri. Within six months, the church was restored and ready to accept guests as a museum. For Enis, restoring the church was not about what religion the building belonged to. It was about respecting that the building was a place of worship and a natural treasure.
A documentary titled 'An Argonaut in Ordu' (Tr: Ordu'da Bir Argonot) was released a few years ago about the life of Enis Ayar and describes his work in restoring the church.
