Deyrulzafaran (Mor Hananyo) Monastery The Deyrülzafaran Monastery, also known as Mor Hananyo Monastery, is a significant site for Assyrian belief located approximately 5 km from Mardin. The monastery is situated on a hillside, providing a stunning view over Upper Mesopotamia. The monastery's history dates back to ancient times when it was constructed on the site of a temple in honor of the Mesopotamian sun god Shamash, which was later converted into a citadel by the Romans. After the Romans departed, Mor Shlemon transformed the site back into a church, and it underwent several periods of renovation and decline before being renamed by Bishop Mor Hananyo. In 793 AD, the bishop brought the site back to life after it had briefly vanished during its westward expansion. Later on, the monastery was abandoned, but it was later re-established by the bishop of Mardin, John. He conducted significant renovations and relocated the sequestered to this monastery before passing away on July 12th, 1165. From 1160 to 1932, the Monastery served as the official seat of the Syriac Orthodox Church's Patriarchs. However, after 1932, the Patriarchate was moved to Homs city and later to Damascus in 1959. Despite the move, the Patriarchal throne and many relics remain in the original location, which also houses tombs of various Patriarchs who lived there during that time period. Petrus IV, who passed away in 1895, was responsible for introducing printing to the monastery. He brought a printing machine with him from England in 1874, and the monks used it to print books in various languages, including Assyrian, Arabic, and Ottoman Turk. Some of these books are now on display in museums and libraries across Turkey, while others can still be found in nearby churches such as Kırklar Church. The Deyrülzafaran Monastery is distinguished by its impressive domes, belted pillars, and intricate stone engravings, both inside and out. Church services are still conducted in Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus. Visitors can explore various parts of the monastery, such as the prayer room, which was once a temple dating back to 2000 B.C., and an old mausoleum that was used as a medical school. The main chapel boasts a 300-year-old Bible, a 1000-year-old baptismal font, and a 1600-year-old mosaic floor, which all add to the monastery's historical and cultural significance.