The Bursa Governor's Office has ordered that the only church in the city be vacated by February 26, the Radikal daily reported, according to Today's Zaman.

The report says, in particular, that four Christian communities restored the church between 2002 and 2004, which opened for worship after a protocol with the municipality was signed.

The pastor of the Protestant community, İsmail Kulaçoğlu, told Radikal that the protocol expired in 2015, with the municipality asking the communities to re-apply. Kulaçoğlu said they received an order to vacate the premises on February 18 after the re-application.

The General Directorate for Foundations did not warn the communities beforehand, giving them eight days to leave the church, according to Kulaçoğlu.

The church is the only Christian house of worship in the city.