Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (Reji Church)

The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is located in the Eyyübiye district of Şanlıurfa, northeast of Ellisekiz Square. The structure was rebuilt in 1861 on the remains of a 6th-century church and dedicated to the memory of St. Peter and St. Paul, two apostles of Jesus. Locally known as the Reji Church, it takes its name from the Reji Company, which operated the tobacco monopoly during the Ottoman period.

With the migration of the Syriacs to Aleppo, the church lost its congregation, and its use for worship ceased in 1924. Today, the standing structure serves as an important physical document of Şanlıurfa's Christian past.

Şanlıurfa has been at the crossroads of different faiths and cultures since ancient times. As an important center during the early spread of Christianity, Syriac Christians maintained their presence in the city for centuries. The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is a concrete reflection of this long history in the 19th century.

Built in 1861, the structure, when considered with the 6th-century ruins beneath it, points to the use of the same sacred area in different periods. With the migration of the Syriac community in the region to Aleppo, the church fell silent from 1924 onwards. Today, the structure is regarded as an important heritage site that tells the multi-layered and multicultural history of Şanlıurfa.

Şanlıurfa's summers are quite hot; temperatures can exceed 40 degrees in July and August. Therefore, March-May and September-November are much more comfortable months to visit the city. Since the church is located in the city center, you can add it to your itinerary on any day you are generally exploring Şanlıurfa. Preferring the morning hours is advantageous for both lighting conditions and avoiding crowds.

The church is located close to Şanlıurfa city center. You can reach it within a few minutes' walk from Ellisekiz Square. City minibuses pass through the Ellisekiz Square route; when taking a taxi, you can say 'Reji Kilisesi' or 'near Ellisekiz Square'. Şanlıurfa GAP Airport is approximately 35-40 kilometers from the city center; it is possible to reach the city from the airport by taxi or shuttle services.

The church's exterior facade, prominent with its stone craftsmanship, is the most fruitful area for photography. Taking shots from the opposite sidewalk yields good results for framing the general view of the structure. In the morning light, the texture of the stone and play of shadows become more distinct. Architectural details and original structural elements in the interior are also worth documenting. Framing the church together with the surrounding historical street texture creates powerful shots that reflect the general atmosphere of Şanlıurfa.

The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul can be easily combined with other important points in Şanlıurfa's historical center. Starting from Ellisekiz Square, after visiting the church, you can walk to Balıklıgöl and the cave where Prophet Abraham is believed to have been born. Afterwards, Şanlıurfa Castle and the Archaeology Museum complete the route. All these points are within walking distance of each other, so they can be comfortably seen in a single day.

Ellisekiz Square and its surroundings are among the most vibrant areas for Şanlıurfa cuisine. Liver kebab, çiğ köfte (raw meatball), lahmacun, and katmer are among the must-try delicacies in this region. In the small restaurants around the square, you can also find local tastes such as pişi (fried dough) and şıllık (a type of dessert). Places offering Urfa-style spread breakfast are also quite common.