Following its abandonment in the nineteenth century, the church steadily deteriorated. Periodic seismic activity continually weakened the structure and water penetration damaged the interior. These problems were exacerbated by inadequate maintenance as well as unsuccessful conservation efforts. (...)
Following its abandonment in the nineteenth century, the church steadily deteriorated. Periodic seismic activity continually weakened the structure and water penetration damaged the interior. These problems were exacerbated by inadequate maintenance as well as unsuccessful conservation efforts. The 1991 earthquake destroyed most of the drum of the dome, including many of the ancient murals that lined its interior, and compromising other parts of the building and leaving the entire structure in a precarious state.
In 1999, preliminary research, recording, and conservation planning began at Ikorta, following years of delays. The following year, the church was listed on the 2000 World Monuments Watch, an action that contributed greatly to the recognition of the site on an international level, helping attract funding for preservation efforts. The increased funding allowed for work to begin on reinforcing the main body of the church in. WMF supported a comprehensive project for the restoration and reinforcement of the church dome and drum, which was the final stage of conservation work at Ikorta, completed in 2003.
