Churches and Monasteries of Midyat Midyat lies at the center of the historic region known as Tur ʿAbdin, which means the 'Mountain of God’s Servants' in the Syriac language. This area is a limestone plateau in southeastern Turkey, bordered by the Tigris River to the north and east, the vast lands of Mesopotamia to the south, and the city of Mardin to the west. The countryside of Tur 'Abdin is characterized by numerous Syriac Orthodox settlements, with around 80 villages hosting approximately 100 churches and 70 monasteries. These religious buildings showcase architectural styles dating to the Byzantine period, a time when Christianity was dominant, even though the area has been governed by Muslim powers since the 7th century AD. Over the centuries, Midyat has been deeply influenced by a variety of cultures, a heritage that can still be seen today in the continued use of the Aramaic language in certain areas and the distinctive architecture found in Syrian Orthodox communities. Among the most prominent religious landmarks in the region are the Church of Mor Sobo, Yoldath Aloho (Meryem Ana), the Monastery of Mor Abai, the Monastery of Mor Loozor, the Monastery of Mor Yakup in Ṣālaḥ (Barıştepe), the Church of Mor Quryaqos in ʿUrdnus (Bağlarbaşı), the Church of Mor ʿAzozoʾel in Kfarze (Altıntaş), the Monastery of Mor Gabriel, and the Monastery of Deyrul Zafaran, all of which contribute to the spiritual and historical richness of the area. Tur ʿAbdin stands as a powerful testament to the enduring heritage of the Syriac Orthodox community, showcasing both ancient and living cultural traditions. The region features outstanding examples of early Christian monastic architecture, dating from the 6th to 8th centuries, and is framed by terraced vineyards, olive groves, and the breathtaking scenery of southeastern Turkey. In recognition of its historical and spiritual importance, the Churches and Monasteries of Midyat (Tur ʿAbdin) and its surrounding areas were included in the UNESCO Tentative List in 2021. If you have any questions or need further information about the Churches and Monasteries of Midyat, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or send us a message on WhatsApp — we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.