CHURCH OF THE VIRGIN MARY (MERYEM ANA KILISESI)

The Syriac Orthodox Church is located in Lalebey Sokak, near the Gate of Urfa. Built in the 6th century, the church is said to have survived numerous fires and attempts at destruction. It was restored to house the Patriarchate of Antioch in 1304. The church was thus the centre of the episcopate from Diyarbakır until 1933. On the site are the shrine of Patriarch Jacob II, a Byzantine altar, four courtyards, a religion classroom and rest rooms.