Story By: Feza Uzay, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency:  Newsflash

This is the moment two Turkish men disrespectfully dance on the wall of an Armenian church while onlookers cheer.

The incident, which outraged many online, took place in front of the Surp Takavor Church in the district of Kadikoy in the north-western Turkish province of Istanbul on 11th July.

The Armenian Apostolic Church is the national religion of the Armenian people which is regarded as one of the most ancient forms of Christianity.

The first state to adopt Christianity as its official religion was reportedly the Kingdom of Armenia in the 4th century.

It came out of the missionary work of the Apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus of Edessa in the 1st century.

The video shows two people standing above the Armenian church entrance and dancing to the music playing.

Following an angry online reaction, a statement was issued by the Istanbul Governor’s Office today (12th July) that said: “It was determined that some people who came to Surp Takavor Church on Khalkedon Square in the neighbourhood of Caferaga at around 00.55 on Sunday, (11th July) displayed inappropriate behaviour by climbing on the entrance wall.

“The suspects, identified as Y. E. U., O. F. A., and the owner of the vehicle they drove to the church in, O. Y., were detained at their residence on 12th July.

“A judicial and administrative investigation has been initiated regarding the incident.

“We condemn the improper behaviour towards this place of worship.”

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu also commented on the matter on social media, saying: “I met with the President of the Church Foundation Board of Directors, Arman Bukucuyan, and expressed my regret about the disrespect towards the Armenian Church in Kadikoy. The suspects who disrespected the church were detained by the Istanbul Police at 5.30am, the legal process continues.”