Forty Martyrs Church (Mor Behnam)
Kırklar Kilisesi
A Syriac Orthodox church founded in the 6th century, with finely carved stone doorways and a bell tower. Services are still held in Aramaic.
The Forty Martyrs Church was originally called the Mor Behnam and Sara Church. It was founded in 569 and renamed in the 12th century, when the relics of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste were brought in. Its carved stone lintel, courtyard and bell tower are representative of Syriac Christian architecture in Mardin. Inside it preserves ancient icons and manuscripts. It is still used by the local Syriac Orthodox community, which holds services in Aramaic on Sundays. Visitors may enter when the caretaker is present; please dress modestly and keep quiet. It sits below the main street in the western part of the old town.
Opening hours
Daytime (depends on the caretaker)
Nearby sights
- Mardin Museum
- Latifiye Mosque
- Mardin Old Town
- Mardin Castle
- Great Mosque of Mardin
- Zinciriye Madrasa
- Mardin Old Bazaar
- Şehidiye Mosque