Deyrulzafaran Kaya Kiliseleri

Deyrulzafaran Monastery Rock Churches have been used as spiritual retreats of priests in the main monastery for a long time. There are also many small caves in the region that are used as warehouses and shelters.

The Deyrulzafaran Monastery is 4 kilometers east of Mardin, overlooking the Mardin Plain. The monastery, which consists of three floors, has reached its present state in the 18th century with additions made at different times starting from the 5th century. The monastery was built on a complex that was used as a fortress by the Sun Temple, and later by the Romans. When the Romans withdrew from the region, Saint Şleymun brought the bones of some saints here and turned the castle into a monastery. For this reason, the monastery was formerly known as the Mor Şleymun Monastery. Mardin and Kefertüth Metropolitan Mor Hananyo with the Saints after making major renovations starting from the monastery 793 years his name has been known as the Monastery of Mor Mor Hananyo. After the 15th century, the monastery was called Deyrulzafaran (Safran Monastery) because of the zafaran (saffron) plant that grew around the monastery.

The building, built with original red Mardin stones on a hill overlooking the entire Artuk landscape, is one of the most beautiful examples of Mardin stone art. Currently, when the building is used actively, it is opened to visitors when no worship is done. If you fall to Mardin, you must stop by. Don't forget to drink in the Zafaran meadow. Prices are affordable.