Dayro d'Mor Ya'koub d'Sarug

Dayro d'Mor Ya'koub d'Sarug

The Monastery of Mor Yaʿqup of Serugh, also known as Mar Jacob Monastery and Arour Cave, is the largest of five rock-cut monasteries on Mount Hazro, located north of the Dayr al-Zaʿfaran Monastery. It is situated on the steep slope known as the Arur Rocks, near the village of Benabil (Bülbül). This monastery is named after Mor Yaʿkoup of Sarug (d. 521), a prominent Syriac poet and teacher, and not after Jacob the hermit or Jacob who was martyred, as some have mistakenly believed. Another name that was used for this monastery is the Monastery of the Horn which came to it after a miracle happened during building the monastery

The first historical record of the monastery dates back to 1165, with a mention of the monk Yahya residing there. Over time, new sections were added, and it was continuously inhabited until the beginning of the 20th century. The monastery's history is closely tied to the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate. A few notable figures who lived or stayed in the monastery include:

• Jacob Bar Qinaya: A monk who usurped the dignity of the Maphrianate in 1360.

• ‘Abd Yeshu’ Marun: A Chaldean metropolitan of Jazira who composed an ode praising the monks.

• Maphryono Shim’un of Manim’im and Metropolitan Barsoum of Kafarze: Both sought ascetic living here.

The monastery also produced prominent leaders, including Gregorius Shim’un of Tur ‘Abdin, who became metropolitan of Jerusalem (1693–1719).

The monastery was supervised by a number of superiors, including three metropolitans, from the 17th century to the early 20th century. These include Metropolitan Iyawannis (1684–1687), Metropolitan Cyril Yuhanna Koul (1766–1771), and Metropolitan Athanasius Joseph Karrum (1847–1852).

Metropolitan Athanasius Joseph Karrum rebuilt the monastery and its church. Another significant figure, Monk Abd-Yeşuh Ğaribo (1876–1916), who was born in Banim'im and educated at this monastery, spent more than two years renovating the monastery after 1899. His successor, Monk Shem'un Nasif, took care of the landscape. The monastery was officially closed in 1916, with its needs previously met by the people of the nearby village of Goliye (Göllü).

The monastery complex consists of a few small cells and two churches: a large ancient one in the lower part and a small one in the upper part. It was still inhabited in the years 1210, 1517, and 1583. Status: Abandoned and in ruins.