Dayro Tala’da

Dayro Tala’da

The Monastery of Tal'ada, also known as the Great Monastery near Ousebuna is situated south of Siman mountain, a twenty-minute walk north of the village of Tal'ada, in the province of Antioch.  is a historic Syriac Orthodox monastery located in Tur Abdin, a region in southeastern Turkey. It was built before 340 by Amian the ascetic and in it resided Eusebius the ascetic (both men are mentioned above). This monastery is mentioned by chroniclers Theodoret of Cyrus and John of Ephesus. In 942, Patriarch John built a tower there. It produced nine bishops. Its remains can still be seen today.  

It achieved more fame, however, in the last decade of the seventh century, through the excellence of Jacob of Edessa. Benjamin, metropolitan of Edessa, also taught in Tal'ada shortly before 837. This monastery was still populated in the middle, or possibly the end, of the tenth century. The monastary had a great library and Some of its books are preserved in the British Museum numbering 740 books, including the selected hymns of Mar Isaac, transcribed about 570. The monks of this monastery took possession of the books of Jacob of Edessa after his death in 708.

Dayro Tala'da is one of the many ancient monastic institutions that have played a significant role in the history and preservation of Syriac Christianity. Dayro Tala'da is notable for its ancient architecture and its historical significance within the Syriac Orthodox Church. The monastery has withstood the test of time, bearing witness to the various challenges and transformations that have swept through the region. It remains an important symbol of the Syriac Christian heritage in Tur Abdin.