Dayro d'Mor Shem'un

Dayro d'Mor Shem'un

The Monastery of Mor Shemʿun, also known as Der Bazizke, is a Syriac Orthodox monastery in the Tur 'Abdin region that is now abandoned and in ruins. It's located southwest of the village of ʿArobon.

The monastery is one of several in the region dedicated to Mor Shemʿun. The most well-known, Mor Gabriel Monastery, is thought to have been co-founded by Mor Shemʿun and his disciple, Mor Shmuel. Due to the presence of other monasteries dedicated to Mor Shemʿun to the south, east, and west of Mor Gabriel, this particular monastery is believed to be one of them. While Gertrude Bell incorrectly placed it in the village of Ba Sebrina, it is actually closer to ʿArobon.

The monastery complex is described as containing a church that has a typical village church plan. Gertrude Bell referred to it as the "chapel of the monastery." Wiessner, who called the building "Der Baskis," provided a detailed description of the church, noting its architectural style. Although the building is only partially standing, its ruins offer clues about its original form and design.

Status: Abandoned in ruins