Saint George Church, Armenian Apostolic church in New Julfa, Isfahan, Iran.
Saint George Church is an Armenian Christian church in the New Julfa neighborhood of Isfahan, Iran, and is listed as an Iranian National Heritage site. The rectangular building is about 85 feet (26 m) long and 38 feet (11.6 m) wide, built with adobe, brick, plaster, tile, and cob.
The church was built in the 17th century in the Safavid style after Shah Abbas I moved a large group of Armenian Christians from Julfa, in present-day Turkey, to Isfahan. The building was restored several times over the following centuries while remaining in active use.
The interior walls display Armenian icons and inscriptions alongside Persian plasterwork and tilework, reflecting the mixed heritage of this community. The Armenian population of New Julfa still gathers here for religious celebrations and weekly worship.
New Julfa is in the southwestern part of Isfahan and is easy to reach from the city center. Visiting during the day is best, and wearing modest clothing is recommended, especially if a service is taking place inside.
The church holds sacred relics brought from the original Julfa to keep the community's connection to its homeland alive. These relics drew pilgrims over several generations and made the site a place of devotion beyond the local congregation.
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