Virgin Mary Church

One of the oldest churches in Anatolia, the Virgin Mary Church (Meryem Ana Kilisesi) is also known as the Red Church (Kızıl Kilise) and the Yakubi Church. Dating back to 179CE, the church is thought to have been used as an idolatry first before Christianity and later converted into a church by the Assyrians. It is one of the oldest and most important ancient churches of Anatolia and Christianity and is still used as a place of worship by the Assyrian Ancient Virgin Mary Foundation. The church appears to be buried within the rocks of the castle, as it is located on a high rock adjacent to the southeast corner of the Harput Castle and the rocks form the western wall of the church, offering a magnificent view to its visitors.