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Syriac Monasteries in Syria
The monasteries in this list were mentioned in various sources but all of them are in ruin except one. They were abandoned for various reasons throughout the history of the Syriac Orthodox church but unfortunately there isn't much information about them.
Monastery of Mor Sergius: It was located in the town of al-Rusafa near the city of al-Raqqa in Syria. It was built inside a Byzantine fort and became a major pilgrimage center for the Ghassanids population
Mor Bessus and Mort Shushan Monastery: Near Harim, between Aphamia and Homs, is a famous and great monastery which was built in 480 through the private donation of a Syriac merchant, Peter bar Joseph of Homs, who bequeathed a great deal of property for the sustenance of its monks. In the third decade of the fifth century, its monks numbered 6,300. It remained populated until 830 and produced three bishops. In 570, 124 bishops met in this monastery and declared their Miaphysite Christology . Their declaration is preserved in a Syriac document preserved in the British Library and many of the monasteries' names listed below are from that document
St. Simeon (Stylite) Monastery: A remarkable 5th-century complex of basilicas, considered one of the best-preserved churches from its period and is considered one of the oldest church complexes
Mor David Monastery: Located in the city of Qenneshrin, mentioned in the second half of the sixth century.
Monastery of Eusebius (Ousib): In Kafr Barta near Apamea. It was built in the fifth century, but received no mention by historians before 535.
Gubba Baraya Monastery: Located in the Euphrates desert between Aleppo and Mabbug, was built at the end of the fifth and the start of the sixth century. Nothing is known about it after the middle of the ninth century. It produced four patriarchs and three bishops.
John Nayrab (Nárab) Monastery: The location of this monastery is near Aleppo. We know, however, that Anba George was its abbot from 563 to 569.
Moses the Abyssinian Monastery: It is located in the Smoke Mountain, an hour and a half from the town of al-Nabak in Syria. This monastery was built in the sixth century and renovated in 1556. It became a Metropolitan See at the end of the fourteenth century. Two Patriarchs and twenty bishops graduated from it. It was inhabited until 1832 but it belongs to the Syriac Catholic Church now.
Amoud (Pillar) Monastery: In Callinicum (al-Raqqa), on the west bank of the Euphrates. It was also called Bizona monastery. The Empress Theodora (d. 548) gave money for its construction and in 635 it was enlarged by the monks. By 956, one Patriarch and ten bishops had graduated from it. but one patriarch and ten bishops graduated by 956 AD. The Empress Theodora (d. 548 AD) gave money for its construction, and it was enlarged by monks in 635 AD. It was a center of study from the 7th to the 9th centuries. Monks from Qidr Monastery moved here after the 635 AD massacre. The monk Theodosius was from here in 806 AD. Al-Raqqa (Callinicus), is on the west bank of the Euphrates.
Solomon Monastery: in al-Thaghr, near Duluk, overlooking Marj al-'Ayn, was inhabited between 875 and 1000. Thirteen bishops graduated from it.
Tar'il Monastery: Was near Aleppo, towards the gate known as Bab Allah ("The Gate of God"), from which its Syriac name is derived. It was built in the sixth century and among its inhabitants was Thomas of Harkel, the famous translator of the Bible. It produced two Patriarchs and fifteen bishops. Nothing is known about it after 975.
Karous Monastery: It was located near Latakia, Syria
Monastery of Mor Mama: Built in Latakia, Syria in the name of Mor Mama who was martyred in 274 AD
Monastery of Mort Metrona: Mort Metrona and her daughter Theodota established a monastery near Homs and they established a second monastery near Beirut
Monastery of Al-Beshel: It was located near Latakia, Syria
Monastery of Mor Tuma (Thomas): It was located near Latakia, Syria
Monastery of Al-Gird: It was located near Latakia, Syria
Monastery of Mor Youhana: It was located near Latakia, Syria
Monastery of Mother of God: It was located near Latakia, Syria
Monastery of Watan: It was located near Latakia, Syria
Monastery of Derona: It was located near Latakia, Syria
Monastery of Mor Abrohom: It was located near Jabala, Syria
Monastery of Mor Youhana: It was located near Jabala, Syria
Monastery of Mor Barsawma: It was located near Jabala, Syria
Monastery of Dirotan: It was located near Jabala, Syria
Monastery of Derona: It was located near Jabala, Syria
Monastery of the Rock (Al-Hajar): It was located near Tartus, Syria
Monastery of Habash: It was located near Tartus, Syria
Monastery of Mor Gurgis: It was located near Tartus, Syria
Monastery of Derona: It was located near Tartus, Syria
Monastery of Mount Harta: One of the big monasteries in southern Syria and it’s located near the Hara village in Dar’a, Syria. Bishop Theodore, bishop of Syria and Arabia, used it as the see of his bishopric in the late 6th century. There are still ruins of the monastery at the top of the mountain.
Monastery of Gashmin: Was located in the town of Jasim which was one of the important towns during the Ghassanids rule. The town is located in the Golan Heights in Syria about 35 km north of the Jordanian borders. There are Roman and Byzantine remains including a monastery
Monastery of Atu: Atu was one of the important towns during the Ghassanids rule. It’s possible that it is where the town of Qirat is located today in Dara’a, Syria. Patriarch Dionysius of Tell Maher ordained a monk from this monastery called Sabra as Bishop of Arabia in the 9th century. There are Roman and Byzantine remains in this town including a church and a monastery
Monastery of Beth Ar’a (Bartara): Located at the village of Beth Ar'a in the area of Huaran in Dar’aa, Syria.
Monastery of Mor Stephanos: Located in the village of ‘Aqraba near the city of Golan, Syria and about 10 km from the city of Qunaitra. There are ruins of an ancient monastery that has Greek inscriptions
Monastery of Kafar Suga: Located near the extinct village of Dier al-Sug in the Golan Heights in Syriac. There are some remains from the Byzantine times
Monastery of Mor Salman: Was located in the extinct town of Qardaye (or Qarda) in the eastern Ghuta area near Damascus, Syria. There were 4 other monasteries near to it.
Monastery of Kafar Bastas (Bastas): Located in current day village of Gerges in the Golan Heights in Syria. There are some ruins that might belong to a monastery. It was recorded in 1596 Ottoman Tax records
Monastery of Jifna: Located where there was a village up to the 17th century under the early Ottoman rule. The village was called Dier Jifna and was located in northern Golan Heights in Syria. Some building ruins still exists
Monastery of Makir : Was located near the village of Dier Makir near Damascus, Syria. The village was bigger in previous times as it had a church inside the village
Monastery of Matalle: There are few villages that has the same name so it’s not possible to have an accurate location of this monastery
Monastery of Beth Hala: There are two villages that has the same name so it’s not possible to have an accurate location of this monastery
Monastery of Bytlaya: Was located in the village of Bytarya which is a modification of the original name. The village is in Ghutta area near Damascus, Syria
Monastery of Burg Hawara: Was located in the extinct village of Hawara in the Ghutta area near Damascus, Syria. The village was destroyed during wars between Arab tribes during the Ottoman rule
Monastery of Artemis: There’s no exact location for this monastery but it might have been built on an old Greek/Roman temple and that explains the name
Monasteries in the Desert: These are 3 monasteries in Douma area near Damascus. They were built in the 5th century very close to each other but they might have been parts of a big structure used for religious and defensive goals.
Monastery of Tubnin: Was located in the ancient village of Tubna in Hauran area in Syria. It might have been a bigger settlement before and there are Roman ruins in the village
Monastery of Mor David: Was located in the ancient village of Hina on the foot of al-Shikh mountain near Damascus, Syriac. There were 4 other monasteries in or near the same village which might indicate an importance of this village. There are some Byzantine ruins from the time of Empress Helena
Monastery of Luqad: Was located in the village of Luqad whose name was distorted to be Ruqad. It might be located in the northern part of Golan Heights in Syria in a valley called Ruqad also. There are many settlements on the eastern and western parts of the valley
Monastery of Amin: Was located in the extinct village of Amin. This village is about few kilometers to the north east of the village of Jasim in the Golan Heights in Syriac
Monastery of Luwan: Was located in an area still called Luwan near Damascus, Syria
Monastery of Beth Sibnin: Was located in the town of Jasim which was one of the important towns during the Ghassanids rule. The town is located in the Golan Heights in Syria about 35 km north of the Jordanian borders. There are Roman and Byzantine remains including a monastery
Monastery of Mor Sergius: Was located at the extinct village of Gabitha whose name was distorted to be Jabiya. Gabitha was an the capital and important center for the Ghassanids kings
Monastery of Kaafr Shemesh: Was located in the village of Kafar Shams near the city of Qunaitra in Syriac. There are Roman and Byzantine remains including a monastery
Monastery of Abba Titus: Located in the village of ‘Aqraba near the city of Golan, Syria and about 10 km from the city of Qunaitra. There are ruins of an ancient monastery that has Greek inscriptions
Monastery of Kafar Kumre: Was located in the village of Kafar Kumre in Golan Heights in Syria
Monastery of ‘Alqin: Was located in the village of ‘Alqin in northern part of Hauran area in Syria
Monastery of Namra: Was located in the village of Namer in the Hauran area in Syria
Monastery of Zimrun: Was located in the village of Zimrīn in the Hauran area in Syria
Monastery of Matana: Was located in the village of Matuna in the Swida area in Syria
Monastery of Mor Thedore, the Martyr: Was located in the village of Breqya the Qunatra area in Syria. There are monastery ruins in near this village
Monastery of Nahra d’Qasṭra: Was located in a town of Qustra which is where the city of Qunaitra in Syria stands today. This city has many Roman and Byzantine sites and it;s history might longer than that
Monastery of New Kafar Tu’alat: It was located in the village of Tha’la on Mount Hauran in Syria. There are Roman and Byzantine ruins
Monastery of Shura: It was located in a village that was abandoned at the beginning of the Ottoman rule near Damascus, Syria
Monastery of Zabirath: It was located in Zabira farms which is next to the village of Zabayer in Hauran area in Syria. There are many Roman and Byzantine ruins including a church
Monastery of Mount Mahgga: It was located in the village of Mahgga in Hauran area in Syria. There are still Roman and Byzantine ruins in the old town
Monastery of Lakaf: It was located in a village of Lakaf in the Golan Heights in Syria
Monastery of St. Joseph: Was located in the village of Buta’ in the Hauran region in Syria. Today the village is called Ubuta’. There are many Roman and Byzantine ruins in the village including a monastery and a church. The monastery appeared in the Ottoman census of 1596
Monastery of Bar Safra: Located in an area known as Marj al-Safra near Damascus, Syria.
Monastery of Galsha: Located in the extinct village of Jalaq which might be near Damascus, Syria near the River Barada. The location was an important center for the Ghassanids
Monastery of Busra’il: Was located in the ancient town of Busra’el which known today as Buṣr al-harir, a village in the Hauran region in Syria
Monastery of Qunita: Was located in the ancient village of Qunita that is known today as al-Qanayya, a village in the Hauran region in Syria. Have some Roman and Byzantine remains
Monastery of Mor Qanon: Was located in the village of Zaruye that is known today as Azre’ in Hauran region in Syria. There are some Roman and Byzantine remains
Monastery of ‘Almat: Was located in the village of ‘Almat in Hauran region in Syria. Today is known as ‘Alma. There are some Roman and Byzantine remains in the village
Monastery of Mor Sergius: Was located in the village of ‘Almat in Hauran region in Syria. Today is known as ‘Alma. There are some Roman and Byzantine remains in the village
Monastery of Sh‘ari’al: Was located in the village of Sh‘ari’al in Dar’a province in Syria. The village is known today as Sha’ara and has many Roman and Byzantine remains is relatively good standing
Monastery of Gdirata: Was located in the Gdira area in the Golan Heights where there is ruins for a monastery from the Byzantine era
Monastery of ‘Ahirat: Was located in the village of ‘Ahira near Mount Hauran in Syria. This village is known today as ‘Uriqa. There are many Roman and Byzantine ruins in the center of the village. The monastery was recorded in 1596 Ottoman Tax records
Monastery of Burg Haraf: Was located in the village of Kafar Hareb (or Haref) in the Golan Heights in Syria. The village was an important Gassanids center and there are ruins from different eras in and around the village
Monastery of Ru‘af: The location of this monastery has not been identified yet
Monastery of Aṭima: It was located in the extinct village of al-Latim in the Hawran region in Syria. The village was inhabited unti the beginning of Ottoman rule. There are many ruins near by
Monastery of Mor Philips: It was located in the ancient village of Ufaniya in Qunaitra region in Syria. There are many ruins and burial area in this village
Monastery of Jurat: It was located in the village of Jura but it’s not possible to find the location of this village as there are many villages that have the same name.
Monastery of Kafar Juza: Was located in the village of al-Jueza in the Qunaitra region in Syria. There are remains of a church from the Byzantine times
Monastery of Namul: No information to find an accurate location for this monastery
Monastery of al-’Amoud: Was located in the ancient village of Kafar Nasig near the city of Dar’a, Syria. There are many remains from different eras and some of them in a good condition
Monastery of Amunin: Was located in the ancient village of Mnin near Damascus, Syria. There are many remains from the Byzantine era near the village and in the caves around it
Monastery of Lebunta: Was located in the village of Dier al-Laban on Mount Hauran in Syria. There are many remains from different eras
Monastery of Beth Salma: Was located in the ancient village of Hina on the foot of al-Shikh mountain near Damascus, Syriac. There were 4 other monasteries in or near the same village which might indicate an importance of this village. There are some Byzantine ruins from the time of Empress Helena
Monastery of Mor Cyriacus: Was located in the ancient village of Hina on the foot of al-Shikh mountain near Damascus, Syriac. There were 4 other monasteries in or near the same village which might indicate an importance of this village. There are some Byzantine ruins from the time of Empress Helena
Monastery of Hina: Was located in the ancient village of Hina on the foot of al-Shikh mountain near Damascus, Syriac. There were 4 other monasteries in or near the same village which might indicate an importance of this village. There are some Byzantine ruins from the time of Empress Helena
Monastery of Mor Elias: Was located in the ancient village of Hina on the foot of al-Shikh mountain near Damascus, Syriac. There were 4 other monasteries in or near the same village which might indicate an importance of this village. There are some Byzantine ruins from the time of Empress Helena
Monastery of Darbel: Was located in the ancient village of Darbel on al-Shiekh mountain in Syria. There was more than monastery in this village
Monastery of Kafar Hur: Was located in the ancient village of Kafar Hur on al-Sheikh mountains in Syria. There are some ruins outside the village
Monastery of Bytmyn: Was located in the ancient village of Bytmyn on al-Sheikh mountains in Syria and today is called Byt Ima. Probably both names are from the Syriac name Beth Myn. There were more than one monastery in this village
Monastery of al-Amoud (column): Was located in the ancient village of Bytmyn on al-Sheikh mountains in Syria and today is called Byt Ima. Probably both names are from the Syriac name Beth Myn. There were more than one monastery in this village
Monastery of Farsidin: Was located in the extinct village of Farsidin near one of the Damascus gates.
Monastery of ‘Awdi (or ‘Awdin): Was located in an extinct village but the closest one in name is called ‘Udaya which is in the Hauran region in Syria
Monastery of Beth Ilana: Was located in the ancient village of Darayya which is about 8 km from Damascus, Syria. There are 4 other monasteries around this village and they are Roman to early Islamic remains in this village
Monastery of Darayya: Was located in the ancient village of Darayya which is about 8 km from Damascus, Syria. There are 4 other monasteries around this village and they are Roman to early Islamic remains in this village
Monastery of Tell Kurda: Was located in the ancient village of Tell Kurda near the city of ‘Adra in Syria. Today is called Tell Kurdi
Monastery of Kafar Susaya: Was located in the ancient village of Kafar Susaya in al-Ghuta area near Damascus, Syria. Today is called Kafar Sussa and it’s inside the city of Damascus. There was another monastery near this village.
Monastery of Mor Elias: Was located in the extinct town of Qardaye (or Qarda) that had 4 other monasteries near to it. It was an important Gassanid center in the eastern Ghuta area near Damascus, Syria. Qardaye was a bishopric center and its bishop took part at the Council of Chalsedon in 451. It stayed inhabitant until the 12th century
Monastery of Nusa: Was located in the extinct town of Qardaye (or Qarda) that had 4 other monasteries near to it. It was an important Gassanid center in the eastern Ghuta area near Damascus, Syria. Qardaye was a bishopric center and its bishop took part at the Council of Chalsedon in 451. It stayed inhabitant until the 12th century
Monastery of Mor Paul in Skayya: Was located in the ancient village of Skaya in the Douma area near Damascus, Syria. Today is called Ska. There are few remains near the village including a monastery. There is another monastery near this village
Monastery of Skayya: Was located in the ancient village of Skaya in the Douma area near Damascus, Syria. Today is called Ska. There are few remains near the village including a monastery. There is another monastery near this village
Monastery of Gubaye: Was located in the extinct town of Qardaye (or Qarda) that had 4 other monasteries near to it. It was an important Gassanid center in the eastern Ghuta area near Damascus, Syria. Qardaye was a bishopric center and its bishop took part at the Council of Chalsedon in 451. It stayed inhabitant until the 12th century
Monastery of Busa’: Located in the ancient village of Busa’ in al-Swaida region in Syria. Today, this village is called ‘Uos and there are few building ruins from different eras including a monastery and church. There are two other monasteries in this village
Monastery of Mor Sergius: Located in the ancient village of Busa’ in al-Swaida region in Syria. Today, this village is called ‘Uos and there are few building ruins from different eras including a monastery and church. There are two other monasteries in this village
Monastery of Jubia: Located in the ancient village of Busa’ in al-Swaida region in Syria. Today, this village is called ‘Uos and there are few building ruins from different eras including a monastery and church. There are two other monasteries in this village
Monastery of Qurdaye: Was located in the extinct town of Qardaye (or Qarda) that had 4 other monasteries near to it. It was an important Gassanid center in the eastern Ghuta area near Damascus, Syria. Qardaye was a bishopric center and its bishop took part at the Council of Chalsedon in 451. It stayed inhabitant until the 12th century
Monastery of Kusita: Was located in the ancient village of Kusita near Damascus, Syria. Today, the village is called Kiswa. There are many ancient buildings and ruins from different eras. One is believed to be a monastery and church
Monastery of Safrin: Was located in an ancient village called Safrin (birds in Syriac) near Damascus, Syria. Today, this village is called Dier al-Asafir
Monastery of Luza: Was located in the ancient village of Darayya which is about 8 km from Damascus Syria. There are 4 other monasteries around this village and they are Roman to early Islamic remains in this village
Monastery of Rish Ilana: Was located in the ancient village of Darayya which is about 8 km from Damascus Syria. There are 4 other monasteries around this village and they are Roman to early Islamic remains in this village
Monastery of Hulbun: Was located in the ancient village of Halbun near Damascus Syria. There are few ruins outside the village
Monastery of Al-Jadid: Was located in the ancient village of Kafar Susaya in al-Ghuta area near Damascus, Syria. Today is called Kafar Sussa and it’s inside the city of Damascus. There was another monastery near this village.
Monastery of Field camp: Was located in the ancient village of Darayya which is about 8 km from Damascus, Syria. There are 4 other monasteries around this village and they are Roman to early Islamic remains in this village
Monastery of Mor Yunana: Was located in the ancient village of Darayya which is about 8 km from Damascus, Syria. There are 4 other monasteries around this village and they are Roman to early Islamic remains in this village
Monastery of ‘Awira: Its location is known at this time
Monastery of Jbil: Was located in the ancient village of Jbil in the Golan Heights in Syria. Today, it is called Jibin. There are ruins from different eras
Monastery of Hadta: Was located in the ancient village of Hadta which is about 15 km east of Damascus, Syria. Today, it is known as Hatitat al-Turkman
Monastery of Haliyorum: It might be Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi near Palmyra, Syria
Monastery of Gigle: The exact location is not known as this time
Monastery of ‘Uqabta: Was located in the ancient village of ‘Uqabta in the Golan Heights in Syria. The village is called ‘Uqba Fiq today.
Monastery of Afa: Was located in the extinct village of Afa in the northern Golan area in Syria. The village location is where Dier Ayoba archeological ruins are including a monastery
Monastery of al-Amoud (Column): Was located in the extinct village of Hagun in Golan Heights in Syria.
Monastery of Mitbin: Was located in the ancient village of Mitbin in the Hauran area in Syria. Today, it's called Mutbin and there are Roman and Byzantine remains including a church and inscriptions
Monastery of Mor Isaac: Was located at the ancient village of Lubib near Damascus, Syria. It is known today as Dier Ali. It looks like this monastery was built on an old church from the times of the Romans in 381 AD
Monastery of Masrin: Was located in the extinct village of Masrin in the Golan Height in Syria
Monastery of Shamnil: Was located in the ancient village of Shamnil in Dar’a area in Syria. Today, it’s called Samlīn and have Roman and Byzantine remains
Monastery of Gadya: Was located in the village of Gadya in this area of Syria. As there are at least 4 villages with the same name, Jadya, it’s impossible to pinpoint the exact location
Monastery of Kafar Ausha: Was located in the ancient village of Kafar Ausha in the Qunaitra area in Syria. Today, the village is called ‘Usha and it has ruins from different eras. The monastery might have converted to a mosque in the 19th century
Monastery of Ghassaniya: It was not possible to find the location of this monastery as it there’s no village or location that has a close sounding name
Monastery of Mort Maryam: It was located in the village of Afra on the Zabadani mountain near Damascus, Syria. It’s possible it was built on the remains of a pagan temple
Monastery of St. Shalman: Location not specified in the Syriac document
Monastery of Masfir = Was located in the ancient village of Masfir in the Golan Heights in Syria. Today, it’s likely be called Mashara and it was built on ruins for older village that has remains from different eras
Monastery of Ar’abneye. WAs located in the ancient village of Ar’abneye in the Golan eiHghts in Syria. It is on the Ra’bana slopes in the mountains. There are remains for a big church and a monastery in the village
Monastery of Kafar Za‘ura: Was located in the Ancient village of Kafar Za‘ura on the Golan Heights in Syria. Today, it’s called Za’ura and has remains from different eras
Monastery of Beth Meluta or Talitha: It was located in Northern Syria
Sources:
De Tarrazi, Philippe (1947), Best of Lebanon History and Syriac History, Beirut, Lebanon
Hoyland, Robert (2009), Late Roman Provincia Arabia, Monophysite Monks and Arab Tribes: a Problem of Centre and Periphery, Brepols, Semitica and Classica , V 2 , p. 117 - 139
Khalaf, Taysir (2008), The Forgotten Arab Church; Ghassanids Monasteries in Damascus, Golan Heights, Hauran, and Lebanon. Attakwin, Damascus
British Library, Syriac Manuscript Add. 14,602
Shahid, Irfan (2002), Byzantine and the Arabs in the Sixth Century, VII. PI. Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, Washington, D.C.
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