Mar Sargis Church

Mar Sargis Church, also known as Sir Church, is located 12 kilometres southwest of Urmia, on the slopes of Sir Dagh Mountain. It is regarded as one of the oldest and most revered religious sites in West Azerbaijan Province, and is a place of pilgrimage for Assyrian and Armenian Christians. According to historians, the church was built during the Sasanian period, probably in the reign of Khosrow Parviz. According to some accounts, Khosrow Parviz's Christian wife, Shirin, ordered the church to be built after the Iranian victory over the Romans. The church was added to Iran's National Heritage list on 19 Aban 1354 (Solar Hijri) under registration number 1122.

Mar Sargis Church stands in a mountain landscape. Its distinctive architecture, which dates to the Sasanian period and the 3rd century CE, recalls the religious and cultural splendour of ancient Iran. The church is skilfully built from irregular stones. It consists of two halls connected by a crypt. One hall is used for preaching and the other for prayer and worship. Inside the church you will see captivating, soul-soothing motifs of Eastern spirituality, which add to the beauty and authenticity of the place. The presence of Kurmanji Kurds and Christian brethren in the village has also created a setting of coexistence and cultural exchange, which adds to its historical and social significance.

To reach Mar Sargis Church, you need to hike about 2 kilometres up the slopes of Sir Dagh Mountain. This route is not suitable for the elderly or for children. The best time to visit the church is on Sundays, when it is usually open. When visiting this religious site, you are advised to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, including not harming the environment and keeping the peace and showing respect for religious places.