Holy Mary Church of Qaris

The Holy Mary Church of Qaris, also known as the Church of Qaris and the Holy Spirit Church, stands in the village of Qaris in Khoy County, West Azerbaijan Province. The church lies on the northern edge of the village, about 30 kilometres from the city of Khoy, and the building is attributed to the Qajar period. According to some sources, the church dates back to the 16th century, and between 1255 and 1298 (Solar Hijri) a group of Armenians carried out a major restoration of the building. The Holy Mary Church of Qaris was added to Iran's National Heritage list on 25 Esfand 1379 under registration number 3381, and it is regarded as one of the region's important historic and religious buildings.

The church is a single rectangular chapel measuring 16.30 metres long and 9.70 metres wide, with its main axis running east to west. The interior floor lies below the level of the surrounding ground, and the space follows the basilica plan, with three aisles and columns. Four hexagonal stone columns, set in two parallel rows, define the main nave, and their capitals are built in the Doric style. Functionally, the interior includes an area for the congregation, an area for the choir, and the sanctuary. The building is made of stone slabs, rubble stone and mortar, with dressed stone used in parts of the interior walls, and its architectural decoration is fairly modest. One of the church's notable features is the two-storey rooms on either side of the sanctuary, a structure that differs from that of many churches in the Azerbaijan region.

To visit the Holy Mary Church of Qaris, travel from the city of Khoy towards the village of Qaris and, once you arrive, head to its northern part. The church's setting in the rural, mountainous surroundings of Qaris lets you see a historic building while also getting to know the nature and village life of the area. Spring and summer, when the weather and scenery are at their best, are the more favourable seasons for this trip. While visiting, avoid damaging the stones and architectural elements, writing graffiti on the walls, or moving parts of the building, and help preserve the peace and historic value of the site.