Kırklar Kilisesi, Syriac Orthodox church in Artuklu, Turkey.
Kırklar Kilisesi is a Syriac Orthodox church in Artuklu with a rectangular layout and twelve thick columns supporting arches. Natural light enters through narrow windows that illuminate the interior worship space in a subdued way.
The church was founded in 569 and dedicated to Saint Behnam and his sister Saro. In 1170 it received the relics of forty martyrs, an event that marked an important moment in its spiritual history.
The church serves as a gathering place for the Syriac Orthodox community and displays handcrafted elements like naturally dyed textiles. These objects reflect spiritual traditions that have remained part of daily worship for centuries.
The church welcomes visitors during daylight hours and has accessible entrances that are clearly marked. Keep in mind that religious services take place regularly, so it is best to plan visits around these times.
Stone crosses are carved into the wall above the main entrance, marking an ancient spiritual tradition. The church also preserves a handwritten copy of the Book of Psalms in Syriac script, a rare example of Aramaic language use.
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