Saint Joseph Church, Chaldean Catholic cathedral in Ankawa, Iraq

Saint Joseph Church is a Chaldean Catholic cathedral in central Ankawa, on the east side of Kani Street and the south side of Brayati Street. It has a rectangular plan in modern Babylonian style, faced with limestone blocks, and a four-tiered ziggurat rising 18 m from the centre of the building. Ledges on each tier recall the architecture of Babylon, Ur, Nineveh and Aqarquf, and the main gate is modelled on the Ishtar Gate.

Construction began in 1978 under Archbishop Stephan Babaka and was completed in 1981, funded through government support and community donations. The project took place during a period when local residents were actively developing their religious institutions.

The cathedral is the seat of the Chaldean Catholic Archeparchy of Erbil, which had about 30,000 faithful in 7 parishes with 15 priests in 2017. Its name honours Saint Joseph, and the East Syriac Rite is used here. Archbishop Bashar Warda, born in Baghdad in 1969, has led the archeparchy since 24 May 2010.

The site is positioned at the entrance of Ankawa, making it easy for visitors to locate and access. Those wishing to explore the architecture or attend services should check local conditions before visiting.

During the 2014 crisis, the building transformed into a shelter where displaced people from surrounding areas found refuge and protection. This chapter demonstrates how places of worship can serve communities far beyond their religious purpose.