Kurmukhi church, Georgian Orthodox church in Qakh District, Azerbaijan
Kurmukhi is a stone church with a central dome structure and traditional Georgian ecclesiastical architecture, marked by detailed masonry and religious decorations. The interior contains religious artifacts and displays the craftsmanship of the architectural elements.
The building suffered destruction in the 17th century but underwent major reconstruction in 1894 under Archimandrite Leonid, who later became Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. This restoration preserved the Georgian Orthodox structure for future generations.
The church is closely tied to Kurmukhoba, a celebration honoring Saint George that brings together Christian and Muslim residents, particularly the Ingiloy people of the region. This festival shows how the site plays a role in the daily life and traditions of the local community.
The site welcomes visitors wishing to explore its architecture and religious objects, though it is not used for regular worship services. It is helpful to ask the local community beforehand to learn about the best access and timing for your visit.
The first written reference comes from a Georgian Gospel dating to 1310, indicating its early significance in the region. This early documentation shows the church has been an important site in Georgian Orthodox tradition for centuries.
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