1,600-Year-Old monastery restored

The ancient Mor Kiryakus Monastery, a significant cultural and historical landmark in Batman and the wider region, has been restored and officially opened to visitors as part of efforts to boost faith tourism in south-eastern Turkey.

Nestled at the foothills of Mount Kira in Batman’s Besiri district, the monastery was originally built in the 5th century and is believed to be over 1,600 years old. It once served as a vital spiritual and educational centre for the Syrian Christian community.

Covering an area of 2,500 square meters, the two-story structure had fallen into ruin over the centuries. Now, thanks to restoration efforts supported by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism along with local contributions, the monastery has been carefully brought back to life.