Mor Behnam Church is a mid-6th century Syriac Orthodox church located in Mardin's Çabuk neighborhood; despite its cut stone workmanship, carved divanhane details, and historical importance, there is an entrance fee of 70 TL per person.
Mor Behnam Church is a Syriac Orthodox structure in Mardin, built in the mid-6th century in the name of Mor Behnam and his sister Saro. The name Kırklar (Forty Martyrs) Church also comes from here: it is linked to the early Christian legend of forty Greek soldiers who rebelled against the emperor. In 1293, it became the center of the Mardin Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate, and patriarchs and metropolitans lived in the stone rooms in the church courtyard. The most striking part of the structure is the arched ceiling resting on 12 massive columns in an east-west direction. The cut stone workmanship is regular and plain, devoid of ostentation.
Inside the church, there was also a school opened in 1789 and active until 1928; Syriac expressions were used on the diplomas. Today, inside the structure, there is the old metropolitan center, the bell tower, and the divanhane built during the time of the 3rd Patriarch Elias. The lime-free stone walls of the divanhane are carved like lace, the mihrab doors are 400 years old, and the curtains are woven with 1500-year-old root dye. There is a divergence of opinion among visitors. Some praise the stone craftsmanship and historical texture, while others criticize the entrance fee and the restriction on taking photos inside. Since it is an active place of worship, there are officials inside who answer religious questions.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Mardin historical places, Deyrulzafaran Monastery.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
Mardin gets quite hot in the summer, so spring and autumn months are more comfortable for both a city tour and a church visit. The church is an active place of worship. Some visitors state that coinciding with the large mass held on Sunday afternoon offers a different experience. Going in the morning makes sense for those who want to avoid crowds and heat.
How to Get There
The church is located in Mardin's Çabuk neighborhood, approximately 100 meters from the city's bustling main street. You reach its door by descending a few stairs from the main street. Sources also state the distance to the city center as 6 km, so the distance may vary depending on where you walk from. It can be reached by walking along Yeni Yol Street and 1st Street or by a short taxi ride.
Location within the City
Mor Behnam Church is located in Mardin's Artuklu district, which is rich in Christian religious architecture. There are other churches and historic Mardin houses around it, making it a natural stop while walking through the old city fabric.
How Much Time to Allocate
The church is a small-scale structure, and a visit usually takes 20-40 minutes. This time is sufficient to examine the divanhane, the courtyard, and the details on the entrance gate. Other churches and Abbaras in Mardin can also be added to the same day's itinerary.
Suggested Itinerary
When walking in Mardin's old city center, it makes sense to include Mor Behnam Church, Kasımiye Madrasa, and Mardin Museum on the same day. Since it is also close to other Syriac churches in the Şar neighborhood, a short church tour can be created.
Things to Note
Visitor comments contain conflicting information regarding the entrance fee and photography: some state they entered for free, while others paid 70 TL per person. There are also comments that credit cards are not accepted, so having cash will make things easier. It is stated that some sections inside are private residences and their doors should not be knocked on; pay attention to such warnings.
Photo Spots
The wrought-iron and walnut wood entrance gate, the bell tower, and the courtyard are prominent spots for those who want to take photos from outside. Regarding photography inside, visitor experiences vary, so it is healthier to ask the officials at the entrance.
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