Deyrulzafaran Monastery

Deyrulzafaran Monastery is a historical monastery belonging to the Syriac Orthodox Church, located in Mardin, Türkiye. Situated 4 kilometers east of Mardin, overlooking the Mardin Plain, the structure took its present form in the 18th century through various additions made since the 5th century. The monastery was built on top of a structure previously used as a fortress by the Romans.

History

The area where Deyrulzafaran Monastery stands has been home to various civilizations throughout history. Before the monastery's construction, it was used as a Temple of the Sun by the Shamsi community, who were sun worshippers. Later, the Romans repurposed the structure as a fortress. After the Romans withdrew from the region, Saint Shleymun brought the relics of several saints here and converted the building into a monastery, which was initially known as Mor Shleymun Monastery.

In 793, Metropolitan Saint Hananyo of Mardin and Kefertüth carried out an extensive renovation, after which the monastery became known as Mor Hananyo Monastery. From the 15th century onwards, due to the saffron plant growing in the region, the monastery was renamed Deyrulzafaran (Monastery of Saffron). Between 1293 and 1932, the monastery served as the residence of Syriac Orthodox patriarchs for 640 years and functioned as an important religious education center.

Architectural Features

Deyrulzafaran Monastery is a three-story complex that, despite additions made in different periods, maintains a cohesive architectural style. It is notable for its stone craftsmanship, arched columns, wooden carvings, and domes. The complex includes three places of worship and the tombs of 52 Syriac patriarchs. Key structures within the monastery include:

• Temple of the Sun (Şemsi Tapınağı): One of the oldest parts of the monastery, originally used as a sun temple.
• Mor Hananyo Church: The main place of worship, built after the 793 restoration.
• Church of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Kilisesi): One of the religious buildings within the complex.
• Church of Mor Petrus: Another church within the monastery complex.
• Cemetery of the Saints: The burial site of Syriac patriarchs and prominent religious figures.

Printing Press and Publishing

In addition to being a religious center, Deyrulzafaran Monastery is known for housing the first printing press in the region. Patriarch Peter IV, who served in the 19th century, purchased a printing press from England in 1874 and brought it to the monastery in 1876. This press remained active until 1969, printing works in Syriac, Arabic, Ottoman Turkish, and Turkish. Additionally, the monthly journal "Öz Hikmet" was published until 1953. Today, remnants of the printing press are displayed both at the monastery and at Kırklar Church in Mardin.

Current Status and Visitor Information

Today, Deyrulzafaran Monastery continues to be one of the religious centers of the Syriac Church. It serves as the residence of the Metropolitan of Mardin and remains an important site for the Syriac community. The monastery is also a tourist destination, open for visitors seven days a week, with guided tours available every hour.