St. Mary Church, Isfahan
Saint Mary Church of New Julfa (Armenian: Նոր Ջուղայի Սուրբ Աստվածածին Եկեղեցի, Persian: کلیسای مریم مقدس) is a historical Armenian church in Isfahan, Iran, completed in 1613.[2]
| St. Mary Church | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Armenian Apostolic Church |
| Province | Isfahan |
| Location | |
| Location | Julfa quarter, Isfahan, Iran |
| Municipality | Isfahan |
  Shown within Iran | |
| Geographic coordinates | 32.6358694°N 51.65805548°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Church |
| Style | Isfahani |
| Completed | 1613[1] |
History
In the 17th century the Armenian people of New Julfa built a small church named Surp Hakop Church. Surp Hakop Church is the oldest surviving church of New Julfa. It was built strictly for the religious needs of the people and did not have any kind of decorations. However, as the Armenian population in New Julfa increased, the church became insubstantial. Hence, Khoja Avedik, a wealthy silk merchant, went to the church and decided to expand the church when he could not attend a religious ceremony because the church was full. He decorated the church with lights, silver and gold chandeliers, and valuable canvases and paintings. He rebuilt the entire church using his own personal funds and named it St. Mary church. Khoja Avedik was then buried in the church after his death. Two large paintings painted by European artists have been bought by an Armenian businessman and have been donated to the church.[3]
References
- Newman, Andrew J. (2012). Safavid Iran: Rebirth of a Persian Empire. I.B.Tauris. p. 130. ISBN 978-0-85773-366-5.
- Newman, Andrew J. (2012). Safavid Iran: Rebirth of a Persian Empire. I.B.Tauris. p. 130. ISBN 978-0-85773-366-5.
- Yaghoubi, Hosseyn (2004). Arash, Beheshti (ed.). Rāhnamā ye Safar be Ostān e Esfāhān [Travel Guide for the Province Isfahan] (in Persian). Rouzane. p. 129. ISBN 964-334-218-2.
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