Mor Gabriel Monastery, also known as Deyrulumur Monastery or Kartmin Monastery, is located on a high hill surrounded by oak forests near Üçköy (Yayvantepe) village in Midyat district of Mardin province in southeastern Turkiye. Located about 23 kilometers from the Midyat district center, it is one of the oldest and largest monastic buildings belonging to the Assyrian Kadim community.

^{Mor Gabriel Monastery (Turkiye Culture Portal)}

History

The foundation of Mor Gabriel Monastery dates back to 397. It was built by two clergymen, Mor Shmuel of Savur and Mor Shemoun of Kartmin. After its construction, its architectural integrity was expanded with various additions in different periods.

In the 6th and 11th centuries, the monastery served as a metropolitan center and was expanded and enriched with religious buildings during the Byzantine Emperors. During the reign of King Arcadius (395-408), accommodation and worship sections were added to the monastery under the leadership of Mor Shemun. During the reign of King Theodosius (408-450), a monument house was built to house the sarcophagi. The Church of the Virgin Mary , the Church of the Apostles, the Church of the Forty Martyrs, the Sanctuary of Mor Shmuel, the Dome of Theodora (in reference to the healing of Theodora) and the Sanctuary of Mor Shlemun were also built during this period.

The monastery has been known by different names throughout history. Known as Mor Şmuel and Mor Şemun Monastery in honor of its founders, it was also known as Deyr-el Umur or Deyrulumur, derived from the Syriac expression "Dayro d'Umro", which means "Abode of the Priests". It was also known as "Kartmin Monastery" due to its proximity to the village of Kartmin (today Yayvantepe). The current name was given in honor of Mor Gabriel (634-668), Metropolitan of Turabdin, who lived in the 7th century.

^{Mor Gabriel Monastery (Turkiye Culture Portal)}

Architectural Features

The monastery was planned as a large complex with numerous worship structures and sarcophagi. Local stone material was used in the construction of the buildings. The main parts of the monastery include churches, domes, shrines and funerary monuments built in different periods. Structures such as the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Church of the Apostles and the Church of the Forty Martyrs offer architectural diversity. Theodora Dome is one of the important elements reflecting the Byzantine influence. The monastery complex also includes inner courtyards, prayer rooms and residential areas.

^{Mor Gabriel Monastery (Turkiye Culture Portal)}

Historical Significance

Mor Gabriel Monastery is recognized as one of the earliest monastic settlements in the history of Christianity. It is about 400 years older than the monasteries on Mount Athos in Greece, about 80 years older than the Mor Saba Monastery in Palestine, and about 150 years older than the St. Catherine Monastery in Mount Sinai, making it unique.

In addition to being an important spiritual center for Assyrian Christians, it has been the focus of education, worship and cultural production in the region for centuries. During the periods when he served as Metropolitan, he was directly connected with the Assyrian communities in a wide geography.

Current Situation

Mor Gabriel Monastery is still in active use as a religious building. Leaders of the Syriac Kadim community occasionally reside and worship services are held here. The monastery is also an important cultural and historical center for tourists visiting the region. The monastery can be visited with a guide.