1600-year-old Mor Quryaqos Monastery in Batman, Turkey, reopens after restoration, Syriac community hopes for cultural revival

BATMAN, Turkey — After centuries of neglect, the historic Mor Quryaqos (St. Cyriacus) Monastery in the Bishiri Quarter of Batman, Turkey, reopened to the public on 15 June following a five-year restoration funded by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The reopening was marked by a dedication service led by Governor of Batman Province Akram Canalb and attended by local officials and residents.

“The reopening of Mor Quryaqos is more than an architectural triumph,” Governor Canalb stated. “It is a living testament to the city’s multicultural heritage and the resilience of a people whose traditions have shaped this land for centuries.”

Mor Quryaqos Monastery in 2020 before restoration:

Dating back to the 5th century, the 2,500-square-meter monastery had suffered significant damage due to earthquakes and neglect. Restoration efforts began in 2020, with artisans meticulously repairing walls, reconstructing vaulted ceilings, and recovering fragments of medieval frescoes. Contributions from local Syriac families enriched the process, providing oral histories and materials for new exhibits displayed within the cloistered halls.

Mor Quryaqos Monastery in 2020 before restoration:

With its doors now open, Mor Quryaqos will serve as a venue for regular liturgies, cultural festivals, and academic symposia on Syriac language and history. “We want Mor Quryaqos to be a bridge between Batman’s past and its future,” said Nebil Karaman, the city’s cultural affairs director. “Our hope is that this site will foster dialogue and understanding among all the region’s communities.”

The monastery’s revival complements broader community initiatives in Batman. Days before its reopening, Ahmet Başaran, president of the Yedi Hilal Association, visited the offices of the Batman Chronicle to discuss the organization’s youth-focused projects, including film workshops, language classes, and job-training seminars. He emphasized the critical role of independent journalism in supporting civic engagement and preserving cultural heritage.

Reopening of the Mor Quryaqos Monastery on 15 June 2025:

“Fair and thorough journalism helps shape our city’s memory and identity,” Başaran told Chronicle editors, presenting a commemorative plaque. “By empowering young people and giving them platforms to express themselves, we ensure that traditions — like those preserved in Mor Quryaqos — will endure for generations.”

The editors echoed this sentiment, noting the synergy between historical preservation and youth empowerment. “Preserving history and empowering youth are two sides of the same coin,” said Chronicle editor-in-chief Ebru Demir. “Both nurture civic pride and resilience.”

As the day’s golden light illuminated the monastery’s newly restored stones, the blend of past and present was palpable. In Batman, the rebirth of Mor Quryaqos and the city’s vibrant grassroots efforts symbolize a commitment to honoring southeastern Anatolia’s diverse heritage while building a promising future.

Reopening of the Mor Quryaqos Monastery on 15 June 2025: