Dayro d'Mor Gurgis

Dayro d'Mor Gurgis

Mar Gurgis Monastery, also known as, the Monastery of St. Jirjis (George) the Martyr, was located in the valley of the village of Sha’ba, south of Mardin in the Valley of Beth Asya. This monastery, which is now in ruins, has a rich history that spans several centuries. 

The monastery's history is marked by several significant renovations. In the 12th century, it was renovated by two key figures: John, metropolitan of Mardin, and a chief physician and deacon named Abu ‘Ali. In a further act of support, Metropolitan Yuhanna later donated half the ownership of a water mill to this monastery and the Monastery of Mar Demit. The monastery remained active until 1332 AD and is known to have produced at least one bishop.

A copy of the Gospels, transcribed in elegant Estrangelo script, was created in 1169 AD by a monk from the Za'faran Monastery named 'AbdulMassih, in honor of this monastery. In 1176 AD, the metropolitan of Amid was appointed from this monastery. However, the monastery was also involved in the schism created by Ibn Wahbun in 1180 AD, a conflict that was supported by Ibrahim IV. These events highlight the monastery's involvement in both the cultural and political life of the Syriac Orthodox Church. 

Status: Abandoned in ruin