History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Mor Evgin Monastery (Deyr-i Mor Evgin), founded around 340 AD by the Egyptian priest Mor Evgin (Saint Eugenios) and his 70 disciples, on the steep rocky slopes of the Tur Abdin (Mount Izlo) range, is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, known as the "Sumela of Mesopotamia". Mor Evgin is the founding saint who carried the monkhood tradition and monastic life in Egypt to Mesopotamia and Anatolia; Hundreds of monks who grew up in the monastery spread throughout the Eastern world and established monasteries. The monastery, carved into the steep rocks of the mountain like an eagle's nest, is a mystical temple suspended between the sky and the plain with its ancient water cisterns, rock tombs, monk cells and church. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
The monastery is located on a steep rock terrace at an altitude of approximately 900 meters above sea level, on the southern slopes of the Bagok Mountains, within the borders of Nusaybin district. From here, the plains of Syria and Mesopotamia, stretching as far as the eye can see, spread out like a sea underfoot. Its surroundings are covered with wild juniper, almond and mountain thyme vegetation. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the historical monastery is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to visitors 7 days a week between 09:00 - 17:00.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: The final section up to the mountainside monastery features stone stairs and rocky paths; Walking shoes with solid soles should be worn. Steep ground is not suitable for baby strollers and wheelchairs. Sacred place etiquette and silence must be observed.•Facilities and Facilities:There is a monastery courtyard, historical church, monk rooms, observation terraces and a fountain. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Dağiçi Mahallesi, Tuz İzlo Region, 47300 Nusaybin/Mardin.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is approximately 25 km from Nusaybin district center and 80 km from Mardin center. You can take the Girmeli turnoff from the İpekyolu (D-400) and exit the mountain asphalt and stabilized pavement road with passenger vehicles and drive carefully.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): There is no public transportation directly to the mountain monastery; It is recommended to take the Girmeli town minibus from Nusaybin bus terminal and take a taxi from there.•Parking Availability:There is free parking in the open area under the monastery gate. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:Photographs of the rock-carved bell tower, with its angle framing the monastery cloisters clinging to the steep rock wall and the endless Mesopotamian Plain below, offer unparalleled depth.•Light and Shooting Hours:The monastery silhouette floating above the fog clouds settling on the plain in the early morning hours and the golden light moments at sunset are fascinating.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:On the way back from Nusaybin and Midyat, local şamborek, stuffed dried eggplants, Assyrian buns and pomegranate syrup salads should be tasted.