Monasteries in Mardin

Mardin hosts various monasteries. Each monastery has unique structures. Thanks to these structures, it attracts the attention of foreign tourists

Deyrulzafaran  Monastery

It is estimated that the monastery was built in 400s. The monastery which is important center for Assyrian churches and fascinated by its magnificent architecture has an important place for Mardin. The monastery was built on the Sun Temple belonging to the Sun worshippers. The sun located in the Deyrulzafaran Monastery should definitely be seen at the door. It  has been used as a residance for he Syriac patriarchs for 6 centuries. It has 3 storeys structure. Various additions were done  in many different periods. It is estimated that the construction of the monestry took place in the Roman period.  The monastery was later named Saffron Monastery (Deyrulzafaran) due to the saffron plant grown in its vicinity. It is open everyday of week for visitors.

Mor Gabriel Monastery

The sacred center of the region is the Mor Gabriel Monastery in the village of Yayvantepe, 22 kilometers from Midyat. It was built 397 AD. It is one of the oldest monasteries. The monastery is one of the biggest and most famous structures of the Syriac Ancient Orthodox community. The tessellations in which main church are the magnificent samples of Byzantine art in the eastern regions. Also, there are three churches in the complex, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Forty Martyrs, and the founder of the monastery, Mor Simeon. 

Mor Dimet Monastery

It is believed that this monaster heals rheumatism patients. Therefore , people call it as “Rheumatism Monastery.”

Mor Evgin Monastery

It is one of the oldest monasteries. It was built in 4th century. According to rumor Mor Evgin who gave his name to monastery was a pearl diver on the Red Sea coast of Egypt. You can reach to the monastery by short walking after driving to a certain point. 

Mor Circis Monastery

The high-ceilinged monastery located in the Derik district center has a beautiful architecture. The choir balcony, which cannot be seen from inside the "U" shaped church overlooking the altar, is interesting.