St. Mary Church, Diyarbakır 🇹🇷

Welcome to St. Mary Church, known locally as Meryemana kilisesi and in Syriac as Idto d-Yoldat Aloho. Located in Diyarbakır, Turkey, this Syriac Orthodox church offers you a profound encounter with living history. Originally constructed as a pagan temple in the 1st century BC, the current church building dates back to the 3rd century.

Although it has been restored many times over the centuries, it remains an active place of worship today under the jurisdiction of the Syriac Archdiocese of Mardin, led by Metropolitan Mor Filüksinos Saliba Özmen. You should visit to explore a location deeply tied to the city's ancient identity as Amid, an original Assyrian and Syriac stronghold that produced many renowned theologians and Patriarchs. Inside, your visit reveals extraordinary sacred treasures. You can see revered historical relics, including the bones of the apostle Thomas and St.

Jacob of Sarug. Additionally, the church houses a large and exceptionally significant collection of ancient manuscripts. By visiting this enduring sanctuary, you step directly into a historic spiritual refuge that continues its sacred traditions to this day. Plan your journey to experience its sacred relics, remarkable manuscript archive, and thousands of years of layered architectural heritage.

What to see at St. Mary Church, Diyarbakır

• 3rd-century construction originally built as a 1st-century BC pagan temple
• Active Syriac Orthodox house of worship restored throughout history
• Sacred relics including the bones of the apostle Thomas and St. Jacob of Sarug
• A large and highly significant collection of ancient manuscripts
• Historical connection to Amid as an Assyrian and Syriac stronghold

Visiting tips

Be sure to bring a 5 lira entrance fee when you visit this historic house of worship.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: During open hours

How to get there & what’s nearby

St. Mary Church, Diyarbakır is easy to reach on Diyarbakır’s public transport, and pairs naturally with St. Giragos Armenian Church and Şeyh Muhtar Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Diyarbakır travel guide.