St Giragos Armenian Church

One of the largest Armenian churches in the Middle East, partially restored

Built in the 16th century and expanded over subsequent centuries, St Giragos was one of the largest Armenian churches in the Middle East before the Armenian population of Diyarbakır was decimated in 1915. The church fell into ruin and was heavily damaged during fighting in 2015–16. A major restoration completed in 2011 had returned it to active use, and partial reconstruction is ongoing following the later damage. The complex — five naves, a large courtyard, and a separate bell tower — gives a clear sense of the scale of Diyarbakır's Armenian community before the twentieth century. Visitors are welcome; the church sometimes hosts cultural events.

things to do sight architecture

Other places in Things to Do