An ancient Albanian church is located in the village of Kish, Sheki region of Azerbaijan. According to one of the legends, it was built in the 1st century AD and is the first Christian temple in the world. Archaeological research did not confirm this version but to this day, it remains very popular.
Officially, Azerbaijan identifies the temple as an ancient Albanian church – a similar explanation can be found on the plate at the church entrance. they found something much older there. However, according to several experts, this could also be an ancient Georgian church built back in the 12 century.
JAMnews correspondents visited this church to learn more about its mysterious past.
Legend has it that this church was built in the 1st century AD. NS. Saint Elisha, a disciple of the Apostle Thaddeus. Photo: JAMnewsIt is said that Saint Elisha arrived in a place called Gis, where he built a church and preached Christianity. Photo: JAMnewsIn 2000-2003, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry financed a joint project with Azerbaijani scientists to study this church. Photo: JAMnewIn September 2000, Thor Heyerdahl visited the archaeological site of the church. Photo: JAMnewsRadiocarbon dating has shown that the site of worship found under the altar of the church dates back to around 3000 BC. Photo: JAMnewsThe same analysis clarified that the church building itself was erected around the 12th century. Photo: JAMnews