The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has rejected initial overtures by Didim Council to take on a falling down abandoned house next to the Apollo Temple and turn it into a museum.

Details of the knockback were revealed by Didim Mayor Deniz Atabay at a regular meeting with the local press, in the presence Deputy Mayors Öznur Gündoğdu and Zeynel Şener.

Due to recent heavy rains, part of a wall in one of the historical two-storey buildings, sitting opposite the temple, partially collapsed. The building was originally habited by Greeks and used a local hospital before the 1924 population-exchange with Turkey took place.

In recent times, the building has been used as a ‘warehouse’ of items from archaeological excavations conducted by the German excavation team in and around the temple.

The building was transferred to the Milet Museum Directorate but Hisar Mahallesi Muhtar Bahri Aşık warned the building could collapse unless restored.

Today, Mr Atabay revealed the council had applied to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for allocation of the house, but had received a negative response.

Noting they will apply for a second time, Mr Atabay said: “After this process, we will apply for the reallocation of the building. We have the idea to work on the memory of the city and to promote the Temple of Apollo by restoring this building like a museum.”

He added: “We’ve also had oral meetings for the replacement of the iron railings surrounding the temple and the lighting. We are planning to get necessary permissions for them as well. This time, we expect a positive step from the Ministry on this issue.”

Mayor Deniz Atabay

Stating they want to turn the building into something like the Exchange House, Mr Atabay said: “We want to bring this building into Didim’s hands.”