The Mor Gabriel monastery, also known as Deyrulumur, Dayro d-Mor Gabriel or ܕܝܪܐ ܕܡܪܝ ܓܒܪܐܝܠ‎ in Syriac is the oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monastery in the world. It is located on the Tür Abdin plateau, 20km southeast of Midyat, not far from the border to Syria. The monastery was founded in 397 AD and quickly became a major religious centre. By the 6th century AD it had over 1000 local and Coptic monks. The Mor Gabriel monastery is still actively used; nowadays is the seat of the metropolitan bishop of Tür Abdin. It is within a large walled compound which also includes a substantial piece of land. The well preserved buildings are richly decorated and very artistic. Upon arrival to the Mor Gabriel monastery, visitors are assigned to a guide who will show them around.
How to get to the Mor Gabriel monastery
The Mor Gabriel monastery can be easily reached by car from Mardin.
Accommodation
There is no accomodation at the monastery. The closest hotels are in Midyat.
01 Gate 02 Mor Gabriel monastery 03 Mor Gabriel monastery
04 Monks rooms 05 Tower 06 Church towers 07 Staircase 08 Gate
09 Gate 10 Inner court 11 Inner court 12 Corridor 13 Chamber
14 Chamber 15 Window 16 Corridor 17 Door 18 Mor Gabriel monastery
19 Church 20 Church 21 Chapel 22 Stone walls 23 Corridor
24 Decorated building facade 25 Syriac cross 26 Mor Gabriel monastery 27 Mor Gabriel monastery 28 Monks rooms
Page viewed 2040 times since 18.03.20
©Copyright Alfred Molon