Historic monasteries and churches in Turkey face neglect and violations
TUR ABDIN — The sacred monasteries and churches of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in Turkey are facing increasing attacks, neglect, and a lack of proper care.
The Monastery of Mor Jacob in Nisibis in southeastern Turkey stands as one of the ancient and historical sites of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. Built in the 4th century AD, the monastery was named after Bishop Mor Jacob, who was canonized after the Synod held at the Church of the Virgin Mary in Omid (Diyarbakir) in 309 AD. The Church of Saint Jacob, constructed between 313 and 320, is one of the oldest churches north of Beth Nahrin and is currently under the jurisdiction of the Monastery of Mor Gabriel in Tur Abdin.
Recently, the Monastery of Mor Jacob was the site of an incident that outraged activist Kebro Beth Kathy. Photos published on the “Bein Midyat” page showed a group of young people recording a dance video within the monastery’s sacred grounds. Beth Kathy condemned the disrespectful act, prompting the page administrators to remove the video from their Facebook and Instagram accounts.
This incident highlights the urgent need to defend and preserve the heritage and history of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. Historical sites in Turkey are increasingly vulnerable to violations, including the sale of churches to individuals and companies who repurpose them into shops, warehouses, and animal stables.