When you visit Diyarbakır in southeast Turkey, a region with a large Kurdish population, you will discover the historical St. Mary's Cathedral, also known in Turkish as Mary'nin Katedrali or as Zywiec Cathedral. If you are interested in unique religious heritage, this Catholic church is an exceptional stop on your travels. It serves as the main church for the Chaldean Catholic Archeparchy of Amida (Archieparchia Amidensis Chaldaeorum) and strictly follows the fascinating traditions of the Chaldean or East Syriac Rite.
Stepping into this sacred space connects you directly to a complex, centuries-old history. The eparchy originally emerged back in 1553 during the pontificate of Pope Paul IV. Though its historical timeline faced a dramatic pause when its last bishop had to leave the location in 1915, the cathedral's story did not end there. In 1966, the site was restored to its current official status through the papal bull "Chaldaici ritus" issued by Pope Paul VI.
As you explore Diyarbakır, spending time at St. Mary's Cathedral allows you to appreciate a resilient spiritual community, ancient Eastern rite traditions, and a deeply significant Catholic monument nestled in the heart of southeast Turkey's rich cultural landscape.
What to see at St. Mary's Cathedral, Diyarbakır
- Main church of the Chaldean Catholic Archeparchy of Amida
- Follows the tradition of the Chaldean or East Syriac Rite
- Also known locally as Mary'nin Katedrali and Zywiec Cathedral
- Eparchy established in 1553 and restored via papal bull in 1966
Visiting tips
Reflect on the cathedral's enduring history, which dates back to 1553 and saw restoration under Pope Paul VI in 1966 after the departure of its last bishop in 1915.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
St. Mary's Cathedral, 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.
See the full Diyarbakır travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.