Dayro d'Mor Awgen

Dayro d'Mor Awgen

This monastery was Built at the end of the fourth or the start of the fifth century, at the foot of the Izla mountain, which overlooks the city of Nisibin, Turkey. It was named after Mar Awgen, a significant figure in the history of Syriac Christianity and the founder of monasticism in Mesopotamia. Mor Awgen was an Egyptian who left his occupation as a pearl diver to follow an ascetic life under Pachomius, a renowned Egyptian monastic leader. He later traveled to Mesopotamia, where he established a monastery on Mount Izla near Nisibis, which became a center for spreading Syriac monastic traditions. 

The monastery played a vital role in the expansion of monasticism throughout the region. Mor Awgen's teachings and practices attracted numerous disciples, who went on to found other monasteries in various parts of Mesopotamia and Syriac-speaking lands. This movement helped shape the spiritual landscape of Syriac Christianity and solidified Mor Awgen's reputation as the father of Mesopotamian monasticism.

It suffered many vicissitudes when the Nestorians (Church of the East) held it for a long time, but the Syriac Orthodox Church regained it at the end of the eighteenth century. It produced two bishops.

Today, Dayro Mor Awgen remains a symbol of the rich monastic heritage of Syriac Christianity. Its historical and spiritual significance continues to inspire and attract those interested in the traditions and legacy of Syriac Christianity.