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Deyrulumur Monastery is
situated to the south east of Midyat in the province of Mardin in
the south east of Turkey.
The Monastery sits on a hill surrounded by
oak trees. It is also called The Monastery of Saint Gabriel after
the 7th century bishop of the monastery who famously brought four
people back to life and performed many other miracles.
Founded by Mor Samuel and Mor Simon in 397AD it is the world’s oldest remaining
Syriac Orthodox monastery and was once home to a famous library
where Syrian scientists were educated. After construction it’s fame
reached the Roman Emperors in Istanbul and Rome.
The Emperors Arcadius, Honorius, Theodosios and later Anastasius all
contributed funds to the construction of buildings at the monastery,
some of which still remain standing today. |
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As well as these ancient buildings, the monastery boasts Byzantine mosaics and also beautiful
motives and ornaments carved into the limestone blocks.
The main
church was built in 512 AD and was restored in 1997 as part of the
celebrations commemorating the 16th centenary of the monastery’s
founding. Outside there are two buildings known as the Dome of the
Egyptians due to the legend of eight hundred monks from Egypt coming
to the monastery and later being buried here. There is also a baptistry, sanctuary, nave and walls that have been decorated with
scripture.
Syrians account for around one fifth of the 100,000 or so Christians
living in Turkey today with about 2000 living in the south east. At
Turabdin the ancient ways of the Syrian Orthodox tradition are still
practiced. Today it is the seat of the bishop of Turabdin and is a
working monastery with about fifteen nuns and and a handful of monks
living and working at the site.
Their job is to try to keep the
traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church alive through the schooling
and ordination of native born monks however the modern hostelry that
was built in the 1960’s and is used to house these workers and
guests, detracts from the beauty of the older buildings of the
monastery.
Turabdin was an important centre for the Syriac people,
in the Syriac language it means the Mountain of Hermits eg. mountain
(tur) hermits (abdin). The area contains many churches, monasteries
and hermitages that have been carved into the sides of the mountains
which historians believe confirms the importance of this area.
When to visit:
Visitors are welcome to come to Deyrulumur Monastery from 09:30
until 11:30 and also between 13:00-16:00, it is even possible to
stay if permission is obtained from the monks.
Can you attend Syriac Ceremony?
At midday you can go
to the underground church and attend a Syriac Orthodox ceremony.
However, when visiting it is important to wear clothes suitable for
a place of worship.
Transport:
To reach the monastery by car leave Midyat on
the Cizre road and after 20 km turn northeast onto the signed road
that takes you to the site.
A taxi could also be taken to the site
from Midyat. Dolmus’ are available from Midyat but drop visitors of
at the sign posted junction to the monastery leaving you to walk the
remaining two kilometers.
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