Tur Abdin

A limestone plateau region dotted with ancient Syriac monasteries and churches, considered one of Christianity's earliest religious centers with monasticism dating back to the fourth century. The landscape combines natural beauty with extraordinary cultural and religious heritage, making it essential for those interested in early Christian history.

Things to do

• Visit Deyrulzafaran Monastery — Explore one of the oldest continuously inhabited monasteries in the world, with golden-hued stone walls and a chapel believed to house relics of Saint Thomas.
• Tour Mor Yakup (Jacob) Monastery — Discover this fourth-century Syriac Orthodox monastery featuring intricate stone carvings and underground chambers carved into the limestone plateau.
• Hike through the Limestone Plateau Landscape — Walk across the distinctive tableland terrain dotted with cave dwellings, rock formations, and views of scattered monasteries across the horizon.
• Visit Mor Gabriel Monastery Complex — Experience the largest active Syriac Orthodox monastery in the region with stunning stonework, ancient inscriptions, and a functioning community of monks.
• Explore the Rock-Cut Churches — Examine carved churches and chapels built directly into the limestone cliffs, many featuring Byzantine-era frescoes and Syriac inscriptions.
• Visit Midyat Old Town — Wander through narrow stone-paved streets lined with traditional honey-colored stone houses and local artisan workshops.

Food to try

• Kubbeh — A local specialty of bulgur and minced meat formed into oval shapes, either fried or served in broth with chickpeas and herbs.
• Lahmacun — Thin flatbread topped with minced lamb, onions, and herbs, baked in wood-fired ovens and folded with lemon and parsley for eating.
• Mujadara — A traditional Middle Eastern dish of lentils and bulgur wheat layered with caramelized onions, commonly served as a side or light main course.
• Fresh Pomegranate Molasses Drinks — Refreshing beverages made from tart pomegranate concentrate mixed with water, served cold during warmer months.
• Syriac-Style Herb Bread — Locally baked bread infused with wild herbs native to the plateau, particularly thyme and oregano from the surrounding region.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Spaces and Prayer Times — Many monasteries are active religious communities; dress modestly, remove shoes when entering chapels, and be quiet during prayer times, especially early morning and evening services.
• Learn Basic Syriac Phrases — Older residents and monks may speak Syriac Aramaic; learning simple greetings like 'Shlama' (peace) shows respect for the region's deep linguistic heritage.
• Visit During Quieter Seasons — Spring and fall offer the best experience with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds; summer heat can be intense and many visitors come during July-August.
• Hire a Local Guide — Local guides from Midyat provide essential context about monastic history, Syriac Christian traditions, and access to less-visited sites while supporting the community.