As part of the scientific activities of the Department of Antiquities and Manuscripts Preservation for the academic year 2025-2026, a seminar entitled “Planning and Architectural Characteristics of Churches – An Analytical Study” was held on Monday, February 23, 2026. The seminar, presented by Assistant Lecturer Simaa Muhammad Jawad, addressed the fact that architectural characteristics are among the features that distinguish any building during its planning and design, regardless of whether it is a religious, administrative, or commercial building. Churches are among the most important religious buildings in the Christian world, representing a blend of faith in art and architecture. Their planning and architectural characteristics have evolved throughout the ages to reflect the religious, symbolic, and aesthetic needs of the Christian community, which are followed in the design and construction of churches. These characteristics vary according to the architectural style, including the basilica, Byzantine, and Coptic styles, as well as common features such as the cruciform plan, the altar, the three naves, columns and capitals, and decorations and symbols. Which adorn the churches