Cesmeli Church (Surp Asvadzadzin Church)

Cesmeli Church (Surp Asvadzadzin Church)

The Çeşmeli Church, also known as the Surp Asvadzadzin Armenian Church, can be found in the Tapucak District, located in the center of Karaman. The district has a rich history, with Armenians, Greeks, and Turks living together before the First World War and the population exchange.

Cesmeli Church (Surp Asvadzadzin Church)

The district has many notable landmarks, including the Byzantine-style Çeşmeli Church, the Ottoman-style Yeni Hamam, the Karamanoğlu-style Araboğlu Mosque, and Turkish houses. Additionally, there are Armenian houses built in a European style and Greek houses in the area.

The Çeşmeli Church is an example of small basilicas found in the Binbir Church in the Karadag area. Although it is unclear exactly when it was built, it is believed to date back to the 17th or 18th century. The church is made of cut stone and consists of three longitudinal naves. Its original shape dates back to the Byzantine period, but it was used as a prison until the 1980s. Some modifications were made to the church in recent decades, preserving its exterior architecture.

The building was restored in 2007 and is now used by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The church is open to visitors and hosts various activities, such as exhibitions, meetings, and music concerts, after its restoration.