The main church
Byzantine mosaics, still in use.
KediÇobanı — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ben Bender — CC BY-SA 3.0 · KediÇobanı — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nevit Dilmen (talk) — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Nevit Dilmen (talk) — CC BY-SA 3.0
Mor Gabriel is a Syriac Orthodox monastery in Tur Abdin near Midyat, founded in AD 397 and counted among the oldest continuously active Christian monasteries in the world. It is the seat of the Metropolitan of Tur Abdin and home today to monks and students of Syriac, surrounded by hills dotted with olive groves, and draws pilgrims and tourists alike. It was founded by the ascetics Mor Shmuel and Mor Shem'un and was long known as the Monastery of Qartmin. It grew in stature in the 6th century, when its community is said to have passed 1,000 monks, and received gifts from Byzantine emperors. Emperor Anastasius funded the main church, which is still in use. It takes its name from St Gabriel of Beth Qustan, who is buried here; the sand beside his tomb is said to cure illness. Visitors usually go round with a resident guide, seeing the main church and its Byzantine mosaics, the octagonal Dome of Theodora, first built as a baptistery, and a crypt holding the remains of saints and monks. You may hear Syriac spoken and see it carved on the walls. Wear modest clothes covering shoulders and knees, keep your voice down, respect prayer times and ask before taking photos. The monastery lies about 18 km east of Midyat and pairs well with it in half a day. There is little regular public transport, so a car or taxi from Midyat works best. Published hours vary and visits may pause at midday, so call ahead if you can.
Byzantine mosaics, still in use.
An octagon built as a baptistery.
Remains of saints and monks.
East of Midyat, Tur Abdin, Mardin Province
Yes. It is the seat of the Metropolitan of Tur Abdin, home to monks and students of Syriac, so please respect its daily religious life.
Visitors are usually shown round by a resident guide, often in Turkish. If you need another language, ask in advance or bring a guide from Midyat or Mardin.