History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Mor Behnam and Saro (Forties) Church, built in the mid-6th century AD (in 569), is the most ancient and active metropolitan church of the Syriac Ancient Orthodox community in Mardin city center. The church takes its name from the Assyrian Prince Mor Behnam, who was martyred for Christianity, his sister Sarah, and the forty martyrs who froze to death in the lake in Sivas. When the holy relics of forty martyrs were brought to this church in 1170, the temple began to be known as the "Church of the Forties". It is a living museum of faith with its elegant stone-carved bell tower, 400-year-old painted walnut wood print curtains, 12-column nave and Syriac gold-leaf manuscripts. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located in the historical Old Mardin settlement, among the maze-like stone streets of Şar District, at an altitude of approximately 1,020 meters above sea level. The church has a spacious inner courtyard surrounded by high yellow limestone walls and shaded by centuries-old vines. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:The visit is completely free (donations of candles and literature to support the community are allowed).•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to visitors 7 days a week between 09:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 17:00 (after mass on Sundays).•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: The courtyard is level and wheelchair accessible. When entering the church, appropriate clothing that covers shoulders and knees must be worn; Silence must be maintained during the ritual.•Facilities and Facilities:Church courtyard, historical bell tower, gift Assyrian handicrafts and handmade wine/silver boutique, recreation area and WC. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Şar Mahallesi, 1. Cadde, No:416 (Erdes Sokak), 47100 Artuklu/Mardin.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: Located on Mardin 1st Street, 250 meters walking distance from Mardin Museum. It can only be entered on foot through the historical stone streets.•Real Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): Eski Mardin can be easily reached by public buses and minibuses departing from Yenişehir, getting off at Şar stop and walking for 2 minutes.•Parking Availability:Municipal parking areas on 1st Street can be used. Spiritual Visiting Etiquette and Commemoration Guidelines•Spiritual Visit and Prayer Etiquette: This 1,500-year-old sacred place should be treated with respect, candles should be placed on the candlesticks and prayers for peace and well-being should be made.•Documentary & Respectful Shooting:The wood-carved iconostasis and the stone-carved altar can be photographed in a dignified style; The praying congregation should not be framed and flash should not be used.•Important Commemoration Days:Magnificent Syriac liturgical services are performed in the historical church on December 10th, Mor Behnam and Sarah Feast, and Easter and Christmas holidays.•Local Spiritual Tradition:Visitors are offered traditional Assyrian buns (kiliche) and mahlep treats.