St George's Church, Qakh, Georgian Orthodox church in Qakh District, Azerbaijan
St George's Church is a stone structure in Qakh standing near the Kakistskali river, featuring Georgian architectural traits such as tall walls and arched windows. The building preserves its traditional layout with characteristic religious elements.
The church was founded before Shah Abbas I's invasions and underwent major reconstruction in the early 18th century under Ivan-Baba Belughashvili. This renovation phase shaped the building as it appears today.
The church serves as a spiritual center for the Ingiloy Georgian community, keeping Georgian religious traditions alive in the region. Visitors can see how this space remains central to the identity of the local Georgian population.
The site can be reached at coordinates 41.42565°N and 46.943497°E and remains the sole operating Georgian Orthodox religious building in Azerbaijan. Visitors should note that it is an active gathering place with ongoing religious functions.
Despite the expulsion of the Georgian population from Azerbaijan in the 20th century, this sanctuary was preserved and continues to function today. This makes it a notable example of religious continuity in a region with a complicated past.
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