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Deyrulzafaran Monastery
A living Syriac Orthodox monastery east of Mardin, renowned for its saffron-toned stone courtyards, domed church, and subterranean ancient chamber.
Set on a hillside about 4 kilometers east of town, Deyrulzafaran (Mor Hananyo) Monastery served for centuries as the patriarchal seat of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Gathered around its terraced stone courtyard are the domed Church of Mor Hananyo, the House of Saints (Beth Qadishe), the Church of the Virgin Mary, and a subterranean chamber built of massive dry-laid stone blocks. Named after the saffron crocus that once grew on the surrounding slopes, the active complex welcomes visitors through guided courtyard walks.
Why visit
To witness the architectural continuity running from the dry-stone subterranean chamber up to the fifth-century domed church.
Interior rooms are shown in guided groups at regular intervals; check the next group departure time as soon as you enter the courtyard.
