Virgin Mary History
Virgin Mary’s Early Life & Family
Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana) Christianity and Islam alike recognize her as a woman of purity and devotion. According to Christian tradition, she was born in Nazareth to Joachim and Anne, a devout Jewish couple who long prayed for a child. Apocryphal writings such as the Protoevangelium of James describe her birth as special and emphasize her dedication to God from childhood.
In Islam, the Qur’an highlights her chosen status among women: God chose and purified Mary (Qur’an, Surah Al-Imran 3:42), underlining her place in divine history even before the birth of Jesus (Isa).
The Annunciation (Virgin Mary’s Müjdeleme)
Christian Gospels narrate that the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, announcing that she would conceive Jesus through the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:26-38). Though startled, Mary responded with humility: “Let it be done to me according to your word.”
In the Qur’an (Surah Maryam 19:16-21), Gabriel appears while Mary is in seclusion, bringing the message that she will bear a pure son though no man has touched her. Both traditions emphasize her obedience and faith.
Motherhood & the Birth of Jesus by Virgin Mary
The Gospels of Matthew and Luke recount the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Mary, accompanied by Joseph, gave birth in humble surroundings and laid the child in a manger (Luke 2:1-7). Shepherds and later the Magi honored the newborn.
The Qur’an (Surah Maryam 19:22-26) describes Mary retreating to a palm tree during labor, sustained by dates and a stream provided by God. The newborn Jesus speaks from the cradle to defend his mother’s honor, affirming his prophetic mission.
Flight into Egypt & Life in Nazareth
Christian tradition tells that King Herod sought the child’s life, so Mary, Joseph, and Jesus fled to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15). After Herod’s death, they returned to Nazareth, where Mary raised Jesus in modest surroundings. Islamic tradition likewise affirms Mary’s devotion in nurturing Jesus with faith and purity.
Virgin Mary in Ephesus (Meryem Ana Evi)
After the crucifixion, Mary was entrusted to the care of St. John the Apostle (John 19:26-27). Ancient accounts and later visions—especially those attributed to Anne Catherine Emmerich in the 19th century—suggest Mary spent her final years near Ephesus, in present-day Turkey. The small stone house revered today as the House of Virgin Mary is visited by pilgrims of many faiths. Nearby flows the holy spring from which, by tradition, Mary drank, cooked, and washed.
Death & Assumption
Catholic tradition: the Assumption of Mary—taken body and soul into heaven.
Orthodox tradition: the Dormition—Mary “fell asleep in the Lord” before being taken into glory.
Islamic view: the Qur’an does not detail her death but honors her among the righteous (Al-Imran 3:42-43; Maryam 19:30-32).
Virgin Mary in the Three Faiths
Christianity: Theotokos (Mother of God), central to salvation history.
Islam: The only woman named in the Qur’an; a model of piety and devotion.
Jewish/Apocryphal Sources: Early Jewish-Christian writings record her ancestry and purity within Second Temple Judaic context.
Legacy
Across centuries, Mary has remained a unifying figure. From Nazareth to Bethlehem, from Egypt to Ephesus, her story blends history and faith. Pilgrims continue to light candles, drink from the holy spring, and leave prayers on the Wishing Wall at her house in Turkey—living traditions that keep her memory present today.
Virgin Mary’s Legacy at Ephesus
The House of Virgin Mary in Ephesus is not only a religious landmark but also a cultural heritage site that unites Christians, Muslims, and people of goodwill from around the world. Visitors reflect on her life, light candles for prayers, drink from the holy spring, and write their wishes on the wall—rituals that continue to attract thousands of pilgrims each year. This living devotion makes Virgin Mary’s history in Ephesus one of the most powerful spiritual traditions in Turkey.