A town in Western Turkey is planning to build a huge statue of the Virgin Mary to rival the Statue of Liberty in grandeur.
On the outskirts of Bulbul Mountain, in the town of Selcuk, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days, the town's mayor has announced a "splendid statue" of the mother of Jesus will be built.
"This will be a magnificent statue like the Statue of Liberty in the US and the Cristo Redentor [Christ the Redeemer] statue in Rio de Janerio," said the Mayor of Selcuk, Zeynuel Bakici.
The hope is that the town, which is home to the Virgin Mary House – a house apparently built by the aposltle John for Mary – and has been popular for pilgrimages since the 19<sup>th century, will attract even more tourists.
It is believed by some to be where the Assumption took place. Although this has not been acknowledged by the Vatican, three Popes during the 20<sup>th Century having visited the house. Most recently Pope Benedict visited in 2006.
"Virgin Mary House receives 2.5 million visitors every year," the Mayor said, however Portugal's Fatima house – a town where Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to three children in 1917 – is attracting 5 million.
"We have to market our town better," he said on Saturday.
Work towards the statue has been fast tracked since the neighbouring ancient city of Ephesus was included in the UNESCO World Heritage site in July 2015.
