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The first Christian temple in the world? Photo report from the Azerbaijani village of Kish

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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.

ancient Albanian church
Legend has it that this church was built in the 1st century AD. NS. Saint Elisha, a disciple of the Apostle Thaddeus. Photo: JAMnews
ancient Albanian church
It is said that Saint Elisha arrived in a place called Gis, where he built a church and preached Christianity. Photo: JAMnews
ancient Albanian church
In 2000-2003, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry financed a joint project with Azerbaijani scientists to study this church. Photo: JAMnew
ancient Albanian church
In September 2000, Thor Heyerdahl visited the archaeological site of the church. Photo: JAMnews
ancient Albanian church
Radiocarbon dating has shown that the site of worship found under the altar of the church dates back to around 3000 BC. Photo: JAMnews
ancient Albanian church
The same analysis clarified that the church building itself was erected around the 12th century. Photo: JAMnews

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