Virgin Mary Syriac Orthodox Church
Meryem Ana Süryani Kadim Kilisesi
A Syriac Orthodox church still in use in the city. Its history reaches back to the early Christian era, and its quiet courtyard holds ancient Aramaic scriptures and icons.
The Church of the Virgin Mary is the center of Diyarbakır's Syriac (Assyrian) Christian community. Tradition holds that the earliest church dates to the 3rd century. The present building has been rebuilt many times and is mainly in styles from the 16th century onward, and it was repaired again after 2015. The church is cared for by a few Syriac families who still live in the city, along with a priest, and services are still conducted in Aramaic. Visitors usually need to knock and ask the caretaker to open up, and a donation is appreciated. Located in the western part of the old town, not far from the Melik Ahmed Pasha Mosque. Please dress modestly.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00 (opened by a caretaker)
Nearby sights
- Cemil Paşa Mansion (City Museum)
- Behram Pasha Mosque
- Dengbêj House
- Diyarbakır City Walls
- Deliller Han
- Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum
- Great Mosque of Diyarbakır
- Four-Legged Minaret