Ishan Church

Ishan Church is a 9th-century church that was built by priest Seba, the student of priest Khandzda. The construction began during the reign of David IV of the Bagrationi dynasty, also known as David the Builder, and was completed by King Magistros in 1027. The church was also an episcopal center until the Ottomans conquered the region in the 16th century. It was converted into a mosque during Ottoman rule until 1983. According to rumors, the church is also known as the "Bloody" church because young people who failed in the arrow-throwing competition to get married to Seljuklu commander’s daughter Elen were killed there. It is one of the most visited sites in Artvin.