Revitalizing Tur Abdin: New Syriac Assyria Hotel opens in Medyad

MEDYAD, Tur Abdin — Will Syriacdom revive in Tur Abdin? That is a question that Semir Sumer asked himself. He decided to make an economic contribution and opened the Assyria Hotel in the center of the Old City of Medyad (Midyat). The construction of the hotel lasted 2 years, Semir Sumer told Mzizah News. It has a beautiful view from its roof terrace over the Old City and of the Syriac churches. It is within walking distance of attractions such as the Medyad Caves and the Saint Hobel monastery. 

Assyria Hotel is one of the recent economic projects of Syriacs in Tur Abdin. Earlier, resident Syriacs and diaspora repatriates had already opened Syriac hotels, wineries, restaurants, and cafes in Meydad itself and in the surrounding villages. 

Revitalizing the Syriac heritage of Tur Abdin is essential for Syriacs to have a future in Tur Abdin and for diaspora Syriacs to return to their homeland. 

The vitality displayed by Syriacs in recent years is of immense importance after decades of hardship and demographic pressure. The climate of (the threat of) violence, negligence, corruption, and insecurity had prevented many diaspora Syriacs from returning to their home cities of Midyat and Merde (Mardin) and surrounding villages. 

The recent surge in tourism in recent years, particularly to the Syriac monasteries, churches, and archaeological sites in Tur Abdin, is a wave Syriacs can ride, a wave they can use to perpetuate their ancient heritage on their own soil. The Assyria Hotel is an example of this, of how Syriacs can strengthen their economic position in the blooming tourism sector.