Church of the Virgin Mary of Chala

Çala Church (Çala Kilisesi) - a medieval Georgian church in the village of Jala (Georgian: Çala; present-day Doğruyol) located east of Lake Shderi. According to the Turkish partition, it is located in the Arpaçay district of the Kars province, and according to the Georgian partition, it belongs to the Akhaltsikhe and Tao-Klarjeti diocese.

The temple is a single-nave hall church. It ends in the east with a semicircular apse and pastophorium. The arch in front of the apse is slightly rounded, as is the conch. In front of the apse are icon niches, crowned with triangular heads. On the right niche is an inscription in Asomtavruli, which informs us that the church is dedicated to the Mother of God. Above the side rooms are secret rooms. The central nave is divided into 3 parts by massive pilasters and arches.

The facades are also decorated with arches, with 5 arches on the side facades. The southern facade is particularly decorated, with capitals decorated with plant ornaments. The eastern facade has three arches and includes triangular niches. The niches are decorated with shell-like shells.

All facades and interior walls are built of well-polished stones. The construction techniques and stylistic features indicate the construction period to be the 10th century.

The Georgian inscription in the temple reads as follows - Q. Q(ovla)dts(mida)o Gh(mr)t(i)smsh(o)b(e)lo, sheitsk(a)le m(i)rt(a)d.