News: Assyrian Christians trek to ancient church in Duhok
Ishtartv.com - rudaw.net
Ayub Nasri, 28-7-2025
DUHOK, Kurdistan Region - Assyrian Christians in Duhok province trekked
around 1,500 meters up a remote mountain on Saturday to pray with joyous
spirits at the Mar Qayum Church, one of the oldest in the area.
The church, located near the Assyrian village of Dooreh in the region of
Barwari Bala, is built in front of a rock and a dam and has been destroyed and
rebuilt several times.
Last renovated in 1999, the story of the church’s building remains unknown, but
historians say it is at least 1,400 years old.
Scores of Assyrian Christians from the Kurdistan Region and countries such as
the United States, Canada, and several European countries flocked to partake in
the journey.
“Our main goal is to connect the new generation with this place and how to
allow them to see our places and villages. That’s why we greatly value that all
communities come here and see our village,” Nina Kako, a participant, told
Rudaw.
The participants said that while the challenging hike and scorching weather
made their journey difficult, it was ultimately worthwhile despite the
odds.
“The path was really challenging. We came all the way and didn’t feel it.
Although the road is very difficult with slopes and the weather is very hot,
the main goal was to arrive, and we arrived,” said Lina Nissan.
A 75-year-old Assyrian from Canada was among the visitors. Despite her old age,
she stressed that her fervent faith made her forget the fatigue.
“I don’t feel any fatigue. To go to any mountain, any important place, being
able to visit such ancient churches that are thousands of years old, is proudly
a sign of our civilization,” said Piobi Yaqo.
The church consists of two floors, and the ascent to the second floor requires
effort and guidance, for it would appear from the shape of the church that
those who built it and lived in it constantly thought of danger.
There is no vehicular access to the church, and a steep trek remains the only
means of access.
