The historic Greek consulate building in the Aegean province of Asia Minor has begun with the Greek government funding the renovation. The late 19^th-century building’s renovation will be completed in over a year. Master architect Turgay Bakir expressed satisfaction over the Greek government’s decision to renovate historic building while also advocating similar action for the unused German Consulate adjoining the building.

“It is pleasing that Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has protected values and has funded the restoration of the building at a time of financial crisis,” said Bakir. “Action should also be taken to save the adjacent German Consulate and the historic building on the other side of the consulate.”

The historic Greek consulate had once been on a list of 30 properties considered for sale as a result of the Greek financial crisis in 2012.