Church of the Holy Mother of God, Armenian church in Jolfa County, Iran.
The Church of the Holy Mother of God in Darresham is an Armenian house of worship located near the Aras river in Jolfa County, built from stone, brick, and mortar following Safavid architectural design. The building displays the characteristic features of this building style through its materials and structural layout.
The structure was built in 1518 and marks a period when Armenian Christians established themselves in West Azerbaijan Province, maintaining their faith within a predominantly Islamic region. This construction reflects the importance of the area for the Armenian community.
The church serves as a place where Armenian believers gather to practice and celebrate their religious traditions. Visitors can observe how the Armenian Apostolic faith is lived in daily life and see the customs that have been maintained over centuries.
The church is located in a rural area near the Aras river and can be reached by car, though road conditions should be considered when planning a visit. Visitors should wear respectful clothing and check in advance about times when the building may be in active use for services.
The building is part of a network of Armenian monastic ensembles scattered across Iran, showing how Christian architecture survived within an Islamic context. This continuity makes the church a rare example of the Armenian presence that has endured in this region.
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