The Mor Aho Monastery

The monastery of Mor Aho, It is the name of a structure thought to have been built by the Syrians during the reign of Hasankeyf in the First Age. This monastery is located in the Bani Mahar region, near the Hasankeyf district of Batman province. Among the locals, this monastery is referred to as the Mahar Church, also known as "Deir Mahar". Unfortunately, Mor Aho Monastery is in a rather dilapidated state nowadays, but it is registered and protected by the Ministry of Culture.

Also, in the village of Chatalcham (Dersalip) A church with the same name. It exists. It is important to be careful when visiting these areas.

Where is the Mor Aho Monastery?

The monastery of Mor Aho, It is located 2 km north of the village of Üç Yol, in the Bani Mahar district of Hasankeyf County, Batman Province.

Batman is a place to visit, One day in Hasankeyf Batman's one-day trip plan You can study the itineraries, if you like, on our Batman Places page. Plan your trip. You can create it.

How do you get to the Mor Aho Monastery?

How to get to Mor Aho Monastery If you say so, the first thing Batman needs to do is go to Hasankeyf County. Here are some commonly used ways to get to Hasankeyf:

• The public transport: Batman, they have to go to the county bus station to get the bus from downtown. You can get to Hasankeyf in 30 to 40 minutes by minibuses that leave from there.
• The plane: Guests arriving at Batman Airport by air travel may prefer buses to reach the county bus station to go downtown. Although there is no direct bus service from the airport, there is also a taxi option. However, it is important to remember to ask for the fare before taking a taxi, as it may be a long distance and the fares may be high.
• Special vehicle: If you are traveling in your own vehicle, it will be enough to follow the signs to find your way. To get to Hasankeyf, you can follow the Hasankeyf-Gercüş-Midyat road. If you're from Diyarbakir, Before entering the city center, continue on Siirt Road and turn right at the intersection known as the garbage intersection and follow the Hasankeyf signs. If you're from Siirt, After passing through the district of Beşiri and turning to the right, you can continue straight on to the Hasankeyf intersection. If you're coming from Mardin If you want, you can reach Hasankeyf via Midyat or Batman.

History of the Mor Aho Monastery

The history of the Mor Aho Monastery, It is known to be based on the Early Syriac. The monastery is a structure that is thought to have been built during the periods when the Syrians ruled in Hasankeyf. Hasankeyf Mor Aho Monastery, located in the countryside of Banı Mahar, 2 km north of the village of Üç Yol, which belongs to the Hasankeyf district of Batman province, among the local people. The "Mahar Church" It's called. It's another name that means the same thing. It's called Mahar.

The monastery is located on a slope overlooking the Dicle River, at an altitude of about 150 meters. On the banks of the Dicle River, there is also an orchard area with the remains of historical structures, and this area is believed to belong to the monastery. The natives, to this garden. The Gardens of Forgiveness It's called However, we do not have clear information about the exact date of construction of the Mor Aho Monastery.

Architectural features of the Mor Aho Monastery

Architectural features of Mor Aho Monastery:

• General characteristics of the church:
  - I know. The church is set in a rectangular area near the north-south square.
  - I know. Naos is made up of bema and pastoforion cells.
  - I know. The narthex is located in the west and is rectangular in shape. It is built high above the ground and surrounded by 4 rows of borders. There is a cross motif on the obverse.
• Naos and Apsis Section:
  - I know. The naos area of the church has a rectangular plan and is flat.
  - I know. To the east is the apse section and to the north and south are the pastoforion cells with cradle tonsils.
  - I know. The floor of the apse section is kept higher than the naost. The apse section has a plan close to the square, with niches with round arches on the walls. This section does not protrude outward, but has an illumination aperture. Immediately to the west of the apse is a square altar with an embossed cross motif on the front. The apse is crossed by a rectangular entrance with a stone lintel.
  - I know. The entrance is surrounded by five rows of borders.
• The bell tower:
  - I know. In the southwest corner of the church there is a bell tower that was added later.
  - I know. The bell tower is a domed structure and is supported by 4 columns that sit on the buttresses.
  - I know. There are ornaments with vegetal motifs in the tower.
• Building Materials and Restoration:
  - I know. In the construction of the church, cut stone, smooth cut stone and spice mortar were used.
  - I know. Traces of the original wall weaving can be seen on the eastern façade of the church.
  - I know. Since it was recently restored, it has lost its originality.
• The building:
  - I know. In the northern and upper part of the church there is a two-story accommodation that was added later.

After the Morho Monastery, what to do in Hasankeyf

After the Morho Monastery, there are various activities that can be done in Hasankeyf. You can participate in festivals, celebrations and events that are regularly held and have become traditional. Some of them are like this.

• Festivals and celebrations:
  - I know. The Tourism Week held in March is the Navruz Festival.
  - I know. The Meleto Plateau Helkis Festival, which takes place in May.
  - I know. Hasankeyf Culture and Arts Festival held in October.
  - I know. The Sason Honey and Nut Festival held in November.
• Activities of a Religious Nature:
  - I know. In May, it is Zilan Mausoleum Memorial Week.
  - I know. In June, it is the Week of Remembrance of Imam Abdullah.
  - I know. In September, it is Seyit Bilal Memorial Week.
• Sports activities:
  - I know. Water sports (rafting, fishing).
  - I know. The hunting.
  - I know. Trekking or hiking.
  - I know. It's called photography.
  - I know. The camping.
  - I know. The marathon.

Places to visit around Mor Aho Monastery

Places to visit around Mor Aho Monastery Between them, caves, bridges and mosques stand out. We've compiled these places for you like this.

• The Malabadi Bridge: Historically and architecturally important, this bridge is one of the major tourist attractions in the region.
• The Memikan Bridge: Memikan Bridge, a historic bridge, is also worth a visit along with the surrounding beauty.
• The Ten Arches Bridge: This bridge, which is also a historic structure, reflects the historical and cultural richness of the region.
• The Monastery of Cyriacus the Moor: This monastery, along with the Mor Aho Monastery, is a structure that reflects the religious and historical importance of the region.
• Hurry up, Mr. Mosque: The Hazir Bey Mosque, a historic mosque, offers visitors a cultural experience.
• It's called the Al-Hasankeyf Mosque. This mosque, which reflects the historical fabric of Hasankeyf, is of historical and architectural interest.
• This is Imam Abdullah Zawiyah: Imam Abdullah Zawiya, a religious structure, is important for history and culture enthusiasts.
• The Tomb of Syed Bilal: The Tomb of Syed Bilal, a historic shrine, offers visitors a historical and religious experience.
• The castles of Pertükan and Beksi: It's a good alternative for those who want to explore historical castles.
• The Hill of Grass: Hallan Çemi, an archaeologically important mound, is important for history enthusiasts.
• The Passing Inn: Yol Geçen Hanı, a historical accommodation point, is of interest to those who want to travel back in time.
• This is Zeynel Bey Kümbeti: This structure, which is historically and architecturally important, reflects the cultural heritage of Hasankeyf.
• It's ruined. Known for its natural beauty and scenery, Bozikan is a great choice for nature enthusiasts.
• The disadvantage: Known for its historical and cultural richness, Kozluk is ideal for those who want to get to know the region more closely.
• The Rabat: Rabat, notable for its historical ruins and ancient settlement, is an attractive option for history enthusiasts.
• Egypt / Picnic areas: There are opportunities for picnics in the natural beauty of the area.

These places are important tourist and cultural points to be discovered around Mor Aho Monastery.