ICOMOS ENVOY VISITS "QARE KELISA" IN IRAN
IranMania News, Iran
Sept 7 2007
LONDON, September 7 (IranMania) – A representative from ICOMOS
(International Council on Monuments and Sites) visited Qare
Kelisa (black church), Chaldoran, West Azarbaijan, to review its
qualifications for global registration.
According to CHN, the church is the ninth Iranian monument nominated
for inclusion on the global heritage list in 2007 but it was turned
down by World Heritage Committee due to technical shortcomings.
However, the edifice will once again be considered for global
registration in 2008.
Speaking to the same source, Shahriar Adl, an expert with Iran?s
Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization had earlier
said that the ICOMOS official will visit Saint Stepanous Church,
Zoorzoor Church and Qare Kelisa (St. Thaddaeus Church).
Qare Kelisa, which dates back to 1,700 years ago, is named so because
it was originally made of black stones.
According to the Armenians, Thaddaeus who had migrated to the region
to preach Christianity was martyred by the enemies of Christ (PBUH).
His burial site was transformed into a shrine and Armenians from
around the world observe the anniversary of his martyrdom each year.