Mor Basus Monastery Restores Its Crown: Dome and cross installed at historic monastery in Tur Abdin
HIDL, Turkey — In the heart of the historic Tur Abdin region, the village of Hidl (Kayı) celebrated a momentous occasion as the ancient Monastery of Mor Basus reclaimed its architectural splendor. On 31 December, a new dome and cross were installed atop the monastery, which dates back to 379 AD. This milestone marks a significant achievement in preserving the Christian heritage of southeastern Turkey.
A Gift of Remembrance
The restoration project was made possible through a generous donation by Elias Galiway Beth Shmuel, who funded the initiative in memory of his late parents. His support facilitated the fulfillment of a long-anticipated effort to enhance the monastery’s sacred structure.
“This restoration serves as a profound reminder of our shared responsibility to safeguard our faith and history,” remarked Deacon Fadi Kourkis, a key figure in the monastery’s preservation. Originally from Sweden, Kourkis returned to his ancestral homeland and has been instrumental in revitalizing the site over the years.
Bridging Past and Present
The installation of the dome and cross follows recent improvements to accessibility. Earlier in December, bilingual Syriac and Turkish signs were placed along the main Medyad (Midyat)–Beth Zabday (Azakh / İdil) road, offering clear directions to the site. The monastery, located 7 kilometers from this road, is 10 kilometers from Beth Zabday and 3 kilometers from the village of Midun (Öğündük).
A Testament to Faith and Resilience
The Monastery of Mor Basus is deeply significant to the local Christian community. According to tradition, a sacred tree within the monastery grounds is believed to have grown from the blood of Mor Basus, who was martyred on this land.
The restoration of the dome and cross stands as a powerful testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the community. It symbolizes their unwavering commitment to preserving their heritage and passing it on to future generations.