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This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.

Article

Ergen Church

Quote
Location
Geçimli (Ergen) VillageHozat DistrictTunceli
Building Type
Historical Church
Period
It is not known for certain
Current Condition
The ceiling has collapsedthe walls remain partially standing
Construction Technique
Rubble construction technique using cut stone blocks
Estimated Date
Approximately 1300 years ago

Ergen Church is a church located in the village of Geçimli, within the Hozat district of Tunceli province. The exact period of its construction is not definitively known. It is described as a larger structure compared to other churches in the region and is considered one of the largest churches in Tunceli.

Ergen Church (Culture Portal)

History

The exact date of construction of Ergen Church in Geçimli Village is not definitively known. It is stated that the structure was built approximately 1300 years ago by Armenians. The church is associated with the Byzantine and Medieval periods and is regarded as an example of the cultural and religious interactions that took place in the region during those eras. In this regard, it is considered part of the religious architectural heritage reflecting historical processes in which different belief communities coexisted.

Architectural and Physical Features

The roof of the structure has collapsed over time, and the surviving remains consist mostly of fragments of exterior and interior walls. It is estimated that the building originally had three separate entrances on the north, south and west facades; only the entrance on the north facade has survived to the present day. The area surrounding the intact north entrance is decorated with geometric ornamentation. Cross motifs are prominently featured on both the interior and exterior walls of the church. The structure was built using the rubble technique with cut stone blocks.

Current Condition

The roof of the structure has collapsed. Parts of the walls remain standing. The north entrance has retained its structural integrity.

Bibliographies

School Outside Learning Environments. "Ergen Kilisesi." *okuldisiogrenme.eba.gov.tr.* Accessed March 24, 2026. https://okuldisiogrenme.eba.gov.tr/place-detail/ergen-kilisesi-9020

T.C.Hozat Kaymakamlığı Governorship. "Hozat Ergen Church." hozat.gov.tr. Accessed March 5, 2026. https://www.hozat.gov.tr/hozat-ergen-kilisesi

Tunceli İl Directorate of Culture and Tourism. "Kiliseler." T.C. Kültür veTurizm Bakanlığı. Accessed March 5, 2026. https://tunceli.ktb.gov.tr/TR-57329/kiliseler.html

Türkiye Kültür Portalı. “Ergen Kilisesi - Tunceli.” T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı. Accessed March 5, 2026. https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/tunceli/gezilecekyer/kilise402317

Author Information

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AuthorÖzlem ÇetinMarch 24, 2026 at 6:16 AM

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Contents

  • History

  • Architectural and Physical Features

  • Current Condition

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