SHOTLIST:

AQABA, JORDAN (DEC. 15, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL)

1. RESTORED AQABA CHURCH, PARTICIPANTS AT SITE

2. VARIOUS OF ARCHEOLOGICAL FINDINGS AT SITE

3. VARIOUS OF GROUP OF PEOPLE SINGING BYZANTINE HYMN IN CHURCH

4. VARIOUS OF AUDIENCE LISTENING TO HYMN

5. HEAD OF AQABA FOUNDATION DR. FARRIS JAVAZNA SPEAKING TO REPORTER (Arabic)

6. PRIEST SAMEEH MARJEE SPEAKING TO REPORTER (Arabic)

7. RESTORED AQABA CHURCH, PARTICIPANTS AT SITE AQABA, JORDAN - DECEMBER 15: One of the world’s oldest Christian sites, the Aqaba Church, has reopened in Jordan following a major restoration project aimed at preserving the early Byzantine-era landmark.

Clergy, government officials, and residents attended the reopening event on Monday, Dec. 15, marking the site’s return to public religious and cultural life.

During the ceremony, a religious music group performed Byzantine hymns, adding a sacred atmosphere to the official proceedings.

Participants said the gathering reflected Jordan’s long-standing religious diversity and a tradition of coexistence that has shaped the country across different historical periods.

Researchers describe the Aqaba Church as the oldest known purpose-built Christian church, with studies estimating its construction was completed between 293 and 303 AD.