Mor Gabriel Monastery (Deyrulumur Monastery)

Mor Gabriel Monastery (Deyrulumur Monastery)

Mor Gabriel Monastery, also known as Deyrulumur Monastery, is situated 23 kilometers southeast of Midyat town in Mardin Province. Its establishment dates back to 397, when Mor Shmu'el (Samuel) and his disciple Mor Shem'un (Simon) founded it. According to tradition, Shem'un had a dream where an angel instructed him to construct a house of prayer using three stones. Upon waking up, he went to the designated spot and found one of the stones already placed there. This is where Mor Gabriel Monastery was built by the two.

Mor Gabriel Monastery (Deyrulumur Monastery)

Over time, the monastery became a significant center of influence, with more than 1000 monks by the 6th century. Donations from Roman emperors such as Arcadius, Honorius, Theodosius II, and Anastasius contributed to its growth. In the 7th century, the locals renamed the monastery to the Monastery of St. Gabriel, after a nearby cave where Gabriel had lived and was renowned for his ascetic lifestyle.

Unfortunately, the monastery also saw its share of tragedy. In the 14th century, 440 monks were killed by the Mongols. In 1991, the remains of monks who were killed by Timur (Tamerlane) were discovered in caves beneath the monastery, dating back to the year 1401.

Mor Gabriel Monastery is situated amidst stunning gardens and orchards. It was established to safeguard the Syriac Orthodox faith, while also providing education to the locals and ordaining new monks.