Church of the Virgin Mary

Mary Main Church, located in the Lalebey neighborhood of the Suriçi district in Diyarbakır, on place land, is a historically and architecturally significant structure that continues to serve its original function to this day. Ownership belongs to the Syriac Mar Maryam Church Community Foundation. Although the exact construction date is unknown, various theories have been proposed. Archaeological inventory sheets prepared by the Diyarbakır Archaeology Museum Directorate date it to the 3rd century. Some researchers indicate that the building was originally a temple used by the Shemites and converted into a church in 280 AD; however, Guyer (1933), Kleinbauer (1973), and Keser-Kayaalp (2013), expert scholars, argue that the structure was likely built during the Early Byzantine period between the 3rd and 7th centuries. Existing remains support these views.

Mar Maryam Church (Diyarbakır Governorship)

Architectural Features and Plan

Mar Maryam Church forms a complex structure composed of additions and modifications made in different periods, all interconnected. The complex includes Mar Maryam Church, the Purple Jacob sacred area, four courtyard, classrooms, and residences. The plan consists of four courtyards, a divanhane, and areas inhabited by clergy. The church is recognized for its craftsmanship, columns, column capitals, railings, pulpits, and icons.

Guyer (1933) noted that the church’s plan combines a nave with a trikonch; Kleinbauer (1973) stated that it follows a corridor-type tetrakonch layout and that the acanthus leaf capitals reflect 6th-century stylistic elements. Keser-Kayaalp (2013) emphasized that the acanthus leaf capitals in the apsis section, the arch remains, and the pillars in the naos area are characteristic of the 6th-century style, suggesting that the building was originally constructed as an monumental tetrakonch church during its initial phase. Gertrude Bell (1909) observed that during its original construction, the outer boundaries formed a circular hat and that a circular open area to the west contained graves.

The Early Byzantine tetrakonch plan type of the structure has evolved into its current form through successive destructions, fires, and alterations. Today, the apse section and some exterior wall elements from the 6th-century tetrakonch plan remain standing. The structure was later transformed into a church comprising a narthex and naos, to which the connected Mor Yakup Church was subsequently added. Excavations in the surrounding area have revealed an additional wall fragment supporting the tetrakonch plan type.

Mar Maryam Church (Diyarbakır Governorship)

Historical Changes and Restorations

Throughout history, the church has undergone various transformations, repairs, and additions. The structure contains a total of 14 inscriptions, the oldest of which dates to 1533 and documents a renovation. The church suffered fires in 1297 and 1648 AD, and was modified and restored in 1533, 1689, 1693, 1850, 1881, and 1914. Its current form dates from a comprehensive restoration carried out between 2004 and 2005. In 2005, through an initiative by Diyarbakır Syriacs living both within and outside Türkiye, the church was restored to reflect its historical identity.

Mar Maryam Church (Diyarbakır Governorate)

Construction Techniques and Materials

The construction of Mar Maryam Church employed the Early Byzantine cut-stone wall technique. According to the classification of Mango, this technical technique is widespread in the region and its border areas. Marble was extensively used for columns, column capitals, window jambs, floor pavements, and wall claddings. Materials and techniques varied in later additions, although their precise dates remain unknown.

Mar Maryam Church (Diyarbakır Governorship)

Cultural and Historical Significance

Mar Maryam Church is the only active Syriac Orthodox church in Diyarbakır. It draws attention through its gate dating to the Late Roman period and surviving architectural ornamentation above the mihrab. As a structure of notable historical and architectural value, it continues to serve as the spiritual and cultural center of the Syriac community. It is also rumored that the church, situated on a rock face overlooking the Tigris River from the summit of Zülküf Mountain, was once part of a large monastery in Ergani and contained a complex of 360 rooms.

It is reported that during the 1960s, Armenians visited and worshipped in the church for their festivals. In addition to the church, the monastery-style complex included dormitories, a water storage room, oven, a dining hall, and stables. Although currently in ruined condition, its walls remain structurally sound. Mar Maryam Church is one of Diyarbakır’s important cultural heritage sites, both for its architectural features and its historical history.

Mar Maryam Church (Diyarbakır Provincial Governorship)