Visit Orumiyeh in Western Iran

If traveling through western Iran en route to southeastern turkey then Orumiyeh is a logical stop. Orumiyeh is a large and deeply historic city but it has to be said that there are no real 'gotta see sights' here.

Quick history

For centuries several different Christian groups lived here happily with local Azari Muslims and a thriving Jewish community. However, that all changed in the 19^th century when overzealous Catholic and Protestant missionary activities resulted in a harsh backlash against all non-Muslims.

In 1918 fearing a massacre from the invading Ottoman Turks most of the Christian population fled with some returning when the Turks retreated.

Today there are six different Christian faiths active in Orumiyeh.

Finding your way around Orumiyeh

There are two main commercial streets in Orumiyeh, Kashani Street and Imam Avenue. These come together to for a T at the attractive Enqelab Square.

Beheshti Street also known as Daneshkadeh Street goes west to Pol-e-Qoyum junction that is about 3km beyond the museum.

Ostadan Street doubles back north through Orumiyeh's most upmarket quarter.

Sights

St Mary's Church (Kalisa Neneh Mariyam, off Kalisa Lane, open 8am-4pm)

Local Assyrian Orthodox Christians believe that St Mary's was founded by St Thomas on the gravesite of one of the Biblical magi. Because of this they also claim that it is the world's oldest still standing church.

To be honest it does not feel that old but non-the less it is home to four antique tombstones including that of the supposed magus. But it is said that his mummified body was kidnapped during WWII by Soviet troops and relocated to Kiev.

Marsarjis Church

Marsarjis Church is an Assyrian orthodox church set in the tiny hillside hamlet of Sir. The church was renovated in 1987 but still feels genuinely ancient.

To visit the Marsarjis Church pop into the shop-teahouse (open 4-8pm Sun -Thurs & 8am-8pm Fri) next to the church and ask for the key-holder.

Orumiyeh Museum (Beheshti Street, 9am-1pm & 4pm-7pm Tue-Sun)

The Orumiyeh Museum may be small but is richly endowed with displays of ancient pottery and fine cuneiform inscription stones.

Its finest exhibit it a replica of the priceless golden chalice beautifully embossed with charioteers that was discovered at Hasanlu.

The front of the museum is decorated with two stone rams.

Sleeping

There are several hotels in Orumiyeh ranging from the fairly standard Guds Hotel to the Urumia Tourist Inn that emulates a typical midrange European hotel.

Food

The Flamingo Restaurant (noon-3pm & 7pm-10pm) is considered to be the best city-center restaurant serving a well-stocked salad bar and succulent kababs.

The Shemaran Restaurant (8am-11pm) is an atmospheric sonati style traditional restaurant and is extremely popular especially at lunch -time. The dinner menu here is pretty limited though.