The ruins of an Armenian church that has been neglected for years have been preserved in the Özerli neighborhood of the Dörtyol district of Alexandretta (Hatay), currently under Turkish occupation. They are believed to be the remains of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, built in 1877.

According to historical sources, at the end of the 19th century, Özerli was a settlement of approximately 300 households, inhabited by 250 Armenian and 50 Muslim families. The village had a church, a school, a market, and other structures.

Today, the church is in a deplorable condition: the old roof has collapsed, the windows have been sealed, and the historical inscription above the main entrance has been erased. For many years, the structure was also used as a stable and a shelter for goats.

One of the main problems concerning the preservation of the church is the uncertainty surrounding its ownership status. In official records, the structure is listed as a “ruined building and land plot,” rather than as a historical or religious monument, placing it at risk of permanent loss.