Deyrulzafaran Monastery
Deyrulzafaran Manastırı / Mor Hananyo
A thousand-year-old Syriac Orthodox monastery that served as the patriarchal seat for nearly seven centuries. Its yellow stone walls glow saffron in the evening sun, and monks still live here.
Deyrulzafaran Monastery, also known as Mor Hananyo Monastery, was built in the 5th century on the site of an ancient temple to the sun god. From 1160 to 1932 it was the seat of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch. Its name, meaning 'Saffron Monastery', comes from the yellowish stone that glows in the sunlight. Guided tours take visitors through the underground sun temple, the tombs of past patriarchs, a church where Aramaic is still used in worship, and an ancient carved wooden throne. The monastery is still home to monks and boarding students. Admission costs several hundred Turkish lira, and visits require a guided tour of about 30 minutes. Dress modestly. The monastery lies about 5 km east of the Old Town, roughly 10 minutes by taxi.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:30–17:00 (brief midday break)
Nearby sights
- Sakıp Sabancı Mardin City Museum
- Şehidiye Mosque
- Mardin Old Bazaar
- Zinciriye Madrasa
- Great Mosque of Mardin
- Mardin Castle
- Mardin Old Town
- Latifiye Mosque