Churches of Bakhdida

 There are many churches in Bakhdida that belong to Syriac Catholic and Syriac Orthodox

Syriac Catholic Churches

Church of Virgin Mary

This church was mentioned by Mapheryan Denosyos Mosa (1112-1142) who visited the church in 1129. It was also mentioned also by Mapheryan Egnateyos La'azer (1143-1164). In this church is the remain of Mapheryan Deosqoros Behnam II who was buried there in 1417, and that of Mapheryan Baselos Aziz who was buried there in 1487.

Several attempts were made to reconstruct it. The first was in 1745 to rebuild what was destroyed by Nader Shah in 1743. It was rebuilt again 1847. The last reconstruction for this church was conducted in 1964.

The New Church of Immaculate

This is the largest church in Bakhdeda and Iraq. Building of this church started in 1932. Phase one was completed in 1939, and final phase was completed by 1948.

Church of John the Baptist

This church was built prior to 1748 when its name was mentioned by the priest Habash bin Joma’a.

Church of Mar Jacob

Historically this church was called Church of Mar Andrawes. It was overtaken by the Catholic at the order of Hassan Pasha Al-Jalely in 1770 and renamed Mar Jacob. It was reinvigorated in 1970.

Church of Martyr Mar Gewargis

This church was standing prior to 1269 when in it was mentioned in an inscription written by Joseph bin Khames Al-Senjari.                                                         

Church of Mar Zina

This church was first mentioned in 1589 by the priest Jacob bin Eliya bin Hirmis who was referring to the reconstruction being done on it, which indicates that this church was built many years before that. It was also reconstructed in 1744 and recently in 1964.

Syriac Orthodox Churches

Church of Sarkis and Bakos

This is the oldest church in Bakhdida. Possibly this church was built in the sixth or the seventh century. It was burned by Nader Shah in 1743 and reconstructed in 1744.

Church of Mart Shmony

This church was built prior to the eight century, since its records indicate that it was reinvigorated in 791. It is a famous among syriac from other parts of the region. Once a year, thousands of believers from around Bakhdeda come to visit the church and celebrate Mart Shmony's and her children's martyrdom.

Church of Mar Korkis

This is an old church in Bakhdida. More information is not available now.