During the course of history Iran has witnessed numerous Armenian immigrate to its land, whether it was voluntary or forced. The long struggle of Armenia with the intolerant Ottoman dynasty, forced many to take refuge in the tolerant neighboring country, where if not overjoyed, they at least were not in fear of their lives. Little by little, the immigrants became part of the country and their influence in politics, economics and art of Iran is a witness to their prominent position. Naturally, Tabriz as the closest flourishing city to Armenia, became the residence of many Armenian, the number of churches made in the heart of the city easily proves that. There are at least 7 churches in Tabriz belonging to different denomination of Christianity.
But the most well-known churches of Tabriz, or better said, West Azerbaijan province, is an ensemble of three churches that has been registered by UNESCO in their World Heritage list, famous for showcasing Armenian architectural and decorative traditions and being a place of pilgrimage of the apostle St. Thaddaeus, a key figure in Armenian religious traditions.
