Deyrulzafaran (Mor Hananyo) MonasteryPlaces to Visit in Mardin

Located just 5 kilometers from Mardin, the Deyrülzafaran Monastery—also known as the Mor Hananyo Monastery—holds great importance in the Assyrian Christian tradition. Perched on a hillside, the monastery offers breathtaking views of the Upper Mesopotamian plains.

This ancient structure was originally built atop a temple dedicated to the Mesopotamian sun god Shamash. During the Roman era, the site was converted into a fortified citadel. Later, under the guidance of Mor Shlemon, the location was reestablished as a church. Over the centuries, the complex experienced both decline and revival, until it was fully restored and renamed by Bishop Mor Hananyo in 793 AD, breathing new life into what had briefly faded during its spread westward.

In time, the monastery experienced a period of abandonment until it was revived by Bishop John of Mardin. He undertook major restoration efforts and transferred the secluded community to this sacred place before his passing on July 12, 1165. From 1160 to 1932, the monastery served as the official seat of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate. Following 1932, the Patriarchal seat was relocated—first to Homs, and later to Damascus in 1959. Despite the relocation, the original Patriarchal throne and numerous sacred relics still remain in the monastery, which also contains the graves of various Patriarchs who once resided there.

Petrus IV, who died in 1895, played a key role in introducing printing technology to the monastery. He brought a printing press from England in 1874, which the monks used to produce books in a range of languages, including Assyrian, Arabic, and Ottoman Turkish. Many of these historic books are now preserved in museums and libraries throughout Turkey, while others are still housed in nearby churches like the Kırklar Church.

The Deyrülzafaran Monastery captivates visitors with its striking domed architecture, distinctive belted columns, and detailed stone carvings that embellish both the interior and exterior. Religious ceremonies are still held in Aramaic, the sacred language believed to have been spoken by Jesus Christ. Among the many sections open to visitors are a former temple from 2000 B.C., now serving as a prayer hall, and a historic mausoleum once used as a medical school. The main sanctuary houses invaluable relics, including a Bible over 300 years old, a baptismal font that dates back a millennium, and an extraordinary mosaic floor that has survived for 1600 years, each contributing to the monastery’s deep spiritual and historical importance.

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