Located just outside Mardin, Deyrulzafaran Monastery is one of the most important spiritual centers of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Originally a sun temple, it was later converted into a monastery in the 5th century and served as the Patriarchal seat for over 600 years.

The complex includes chapels, courtyards, monks’ quarters, and a crypt believed to have been used for astronomical observation in antiquity.

Built with the warm-hued local stone, its architecture reflects a deep sense of tranquility and sacred heritage.

Still an active monastery, Deyrulzafaran welcomes visitors into a living tradition that has survived for centuries amid the striking landscape of southeastern Anatolia.