Tashoron Church is an 18th-century Armenian church located in the Çavuşoğlu neighborhood of Yeşilyurt, Malatya. It is one of the most important single-domed churches in Eastern Anatolia, with winged saint and male figures holding hands, painted in red and black on a beige background in its dome.
Tashoron Church stands on Boztepe Street in the Çavuşoğlu neighborhood, part of Malatya's Yeşilyurt district. It was built on a rectangular plan measuring 15.90 x 26.40 meters, using cut stone. The original structure was wooden, believed to have been established between 1741-1764, and opened for worship around 1760. It is considered one of the most important examples of single-domed churches in Eastern Anatolia.
Entry is provided through the marble-decorated door on the west facade. To the east, there is a large apse, with four smaller apses to its right and left, accessed by stairs. The dome covering the nave is made of brick and rests on four elephant feet; its pressure is supported by four barrel vaults that intersect perpendicularly on the east-west, north-south axes. The dome's decoration is surrounded by a spiral motif starting from the center, followed by winged saint figures holding hands, and below them, male figures also holding hands. The motifs are rendered in red and black paint on a beige background. The church's inscription is too damaged to be read.
The structure underwent a restoration that began in 2013 and was completed in 2021; during this process, 19th-century features were added to the historic church. After the restoration, the building was opened for use as a culture and art center, and it also occasionally hosts services for Christian citizens.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Malatya historical places, Gündüzbey.
Guide's Note
What is Tashoron Church?
Tashoron Church (also referred to as Tashoran or Üç Horan in some sources) is one of the Armenian churches in Malatya that has survived to the present day. The original structure was made of wood, built between 1741-1764 and opened for worship around 1760. In a later period, it took its current form as a single-domed, rectangular-plan structure made of cut stone. It is cited as one of the most important examples of single-domed churches in Eastern Anatolia.
Dome Decoration and Figures
The most striking part of the church is the decoration inside the dome. Eight bundles are arranged around a spiral motif starting from the center, followed by winged, long-haired, pleated-dressed saint figures depicted frontally, holding hands. A row below, male figures are placed in the same arrangement. All motifs are rendered in red and black paint on a beige background. The church's inscription is too damaged to be read.
How to Get There?
The church is located in Malatya's Yeşilyurt district, in the Çavuşoğlu neighborhood, on Boztepe Street at the intersection of İplikçi Street and Okul Street. It can be reached quickly from the city center by private car or taxi. If using public transport, you can choose lines going towards Yeşilyurt.
Best Time to Visit
Since the structure is indoors, it can be visited year-round, regardless of weather conditions. For those who want to clearly see the figures and colors in the dome, midday hours, when sunlight properly enters through the windows, are more advantageous.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated?
Visiting the church and its surroundings usually takes 30-45 minutes. It can be combined with other historical structures in Malatya city center, such as Yeni Camii, Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mosque, and Malatya Archaeology Museum, to form a half-day cultural itinerary.
Things to Know Before Visiting
The church was restored between 2013-2021, and 19th-century features were added during this process. Today, it is used as both a culture and art center and occasionally as a place of worship. Before visiting, it is recommended to obtain information about entrance fees and opening hours from an official source or the relevant page of the Malatya Governorship.
Other Places Nearby
Tashoron Church is close to other historical sites in Malatya city center. On the same day, Malatya Archaeology Museum, Yeni Camii, and Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mosque can also be added to the itinerary.
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