Keldani Kilisesi


The population of Diyarbakır once included many Christians, mainly Armenians and Chaldeans, but most of them were pushed out or perished during the troubles in the early 20th century or, more recently, with the Hezbollah.

Off Yenikapı Caddesi, this plain, brightly lit church is still used by a few Christian families of the Syrian rite (in communion with the Roman Catholic church). It is signposted from near the Şeyh Mutahhar Camii.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Şeyh Mutahhar Camii

0.04 MILES

The Şeyh Mutahhar Camii is famous for its minaret, but its engineering is even more interesting – the tower stands on four slender pillars about 2m high,…

2. Surp Giragos Kilisesi

0.09 MILES

This Armenian church has been reopened after a wonderful restoration. Highlights include a superb wooden ceiling, and the church's cloisters showcase…

3. Esma Ocak Evi

0.09 MILES

The beautiful grey-and-white-striped Esma Ocak Evi was built in 1899 by the Armenian Şakarer family and restored in 1996 by the female writer, Esma Ocak…

4. Ulu Cami

0.17 MILES

Diyarbakır's most impressive mosque is the Ulu Cami, built in 1091 by a Seljuk sultan. Incorporating elements from an earlier Byzantine church on the site…

5. Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Museum

0.23 MILES

The poet Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı (1910–56) was born in this two-storey black basalt house built in 1820 in a side street about 50m north of the Ulu Cami. It…

6. Dengbêj Evi

0.26 MILES

The Dengbêj Evi (House of Dengbêj) showcases the Kurdish tradition of Dengbêj, storytelling by song. Kurdish elders gather together in informal groups and…

7. Nebi Camii

0.3 MILES

At the main intersection of Gazi and İzzet Paşa/İnönü Caddesis, is Nebi Camii, featuring a detached minaret sporting a stunning combination of black-and…

8. Behram Paşa Camii

0.3 MILES

The Behram Paşa Camii, in a residential area deep in the maze of narrow streets, is Diyarbakır's largest mosque.