Deyrulzafaran (Mor Hananyo) Monastery

Its story

The monastery was founded in the 5th century on top of a group of buildings once used as a sun temple and then as a Roman fortress, and through additions reached its present form in the 18th century. With the major repair by Metropolitan Hananyo at the end of the 8th century it took the name Mor Hananyo, and because of the saffron (zafaran) grown around it, it came to be known as Deyrulzafaran. In the building, which was the seat of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate between 1166 and 1932, you can see the domed Church of Mor Hananyo, the Church of the Virgin Mary, the House of Saints where the patriarchs are buried, and the old underground temple space. Today it is the residence of the Metropolitan of Mardin. In 2021 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List together with the churches and monasteries of Tur Abdin. Visits are made in groups accompanied by a guide.

Period

5th century (additions until the 18th century)

Admission

Paid (Müzekart not valid)

Getting there

About 4 km east of Mardin; no public transport, by private car or taxi

Visit duration

1 hour

Trip purpose

• Photography

Location

37.29944, 40.79262

Where to eat nearby

No food & drink venues listed nearby.

Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors; Overture Maps

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