Mardin, located in southeastern Türkiye, is renowned for the traces of ancient civilisations, deep-rooted societies, and rich cultural heritage that cover the city from top to bottom. Mardin’s unique and multicultural identity, which is shaped by various societies, makes it a shelter of inclusivity. The unique and old monasteries in Mardin nourish this rich social mosaic of the region. The monasteries carrying Syriac Orthodox architecture and tradition have a unique heritage that will attract history and architecture enthusiasts. 

The city preserves Christian culture and architecture, making the region particularly appealing during important Christian holidays such as Easter. In Mardin, you can taste Easter bread, see the beautiful colours of Easter eggs, and attend Easter masses at the oldest monasteries in the world. The harmony of diverse cultures and rich traditions awaits you in this magical city of southeastern Türkiye.

Mardin welcomes Christian communities and their deeply rooted traditions, which are embedded in the city’s historic fabric and multicultural social structure. This city is the perfect choice for staying in Türkiye to learn more about the Easter traditions in the country. Easter, one of the most important holidays and cultural festivals of Christianity, is celebrated by the city’s local communities. If you are in Mardin during Easter, you can attend the Great Easter masses are held at some of the oldest monasteries in the world. 

Reflecting various Easter traditions and harbouring ancient monasteries, Mardin is the most authentic and spiritual city for your holiday. Visit these monasteries in Mardin to feel the magic of the past centuries in the world’s oldest monasteries during Easter:

Mor Gabriel Monastery:

Mor Gabriel Monastery in Mardin, the world's oldest Syriac Orthodox monastery, reflects the city’s multicultural heritage and ancient historic structures. The monastery was founded in the 4th century CE and is a significant representative of the history of early Christianity in the region. It is the oldest functioning Syriac Orthodox monastery in the world and has held the long-standing traditions of this community for centuries. The monastery continues to fascinate visitors from Türkiye and abroad with its architectural details. Visit this spiritual and cultural centre during the Easter holiday to discover deep-rooted traditions of Christianity and see one of the most unique monasteries in the world. You can attend the Easter Mass to experience the Easter spirit that dates back to the past.

Mor Hananyo (Deyrulzafaran) Monastery:

Mor Hananyo Monastery (Deyrulzafaran) is also one of the oldest monasteries in Mardin, and dates back to the 5th century CE. It is named after Saint Mor Hananyo, who resurrected, revived, and restored the monastery to its former glory in the 8th century. It is an important Syriac Orthodox monastery located in Tur Abdin, the Syriac cultural region. The unique feature of Mor Hananyo (Deyrulzafaran) Monastery is that it was originally built as a temple dedicated to the Mesopotamian sun god Shamash. It has 365 rooms, symbolising a day in the Earth's full cycle around the Sun. This well-preserved temple belongs to Zoroastrianism and exists in a Christian monastery, demonstrating the inclusive social structure and multiculturalism of Mardin. The monastery still continues to welcome visitors and exhibits the long-standing historical legacy of the region with its well-preserved architectural structures. It carries the traditions of the Syriac Orthodox community, and it is one of the churches you should visit in Mardin during Easter.

Mor Yakup (St. Jacob) Monastery: 

Mor Yakup Monastery, founded in the 4th century CE, is one of the oldest and most unique monasteries in Mardin. The monastery holds a special place in the hearts of both local Christian communities and foreign visitors because the Nisibis School of Theology, a prominent theological institution of its time, was located here. The monastery has a key role in truly understanding the intellectual and religious history of the region, as well as the sociological structure of the local Syriac Orthodox Christian society. Although it is not open for worship today, you should visit the Nusaybin district to see the monastery’s well-preserved buildings and unique architecture.

Mor Behnam Monastery:

Founded in the 6th century CE, Mor Behnam Monastery is one of the oldest and most unique architectural wonders that reflect the traditions of Syriac Orthodox Christianity in Mardin. This Syriac Orthodox monastery is dedicated to St. Behnam and his sister St. Sarah, significant figures of Christianity. The monastery attracts history and architecture lovers with its exterior architecture, having stunning stone craftsmanship and remarkable details of the indoor. It is currently known as the Kırklar (Forty Martyrs) Monastery and is open to worship. You should attend the big Easter mass held at this historical and majestic monastery while in Mardin. 

These monasteries reflect the culture of Syriac Orthodox Christianity, the local community of Mardin, with its unique and authentic culture. You can discover the intricacies of this unique culture by visiting these monasteries, among the oldest in the world. Seeing these historic structures, especially during the grand masses held at Easter, is an unforgettable experience with their even more enchanting atmosphere.

If you want to learn more about Mardin, its cultural legacy, and its inclusive social structure, you can check out this page about the city: The Cradle Of Civilisations, The City Of Tolerance: Mardin.