The excavations were conducted in the Kızıl Church, also known as the Virgin Mary Church, in Elazığ, East Turkey. The inscription is in Armenian script and dates back 165 years.
The inscription was found during surveying and restoration works within the 19-th century Kızıl Church. The find measures 80 by 53 centimetres and is said to date to 1851 AD. So far the excavation works have also unearthed pillars, column bases, entrance gates, vaults and a number of decorative elements. The inscription is scheduled for deciphering.
(after Hurriyet Daily News & AA photo)