Mor Yakup Monastery
The Syriac Orthodox monastery founded in the 4th century AD is Nusaybin's most important historic structure. Also known as the Nusaybin Academy, it was one of the leading educational centres of the ancient world.
View on map5 places to visit in the Nusaybin district of Mardin: Mor Yakup Monastery, Nusaybin Ancient City and Zeynelabidin Mosque Complex. Plan your trip to Nusaybin with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Nusaybin is a district of Mardin province, set on a plain on the Syrian border next to Qamishli. Located on the Silk Road, it lies between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, in the north of historic Mesopotamia.
History
The district was founded by the Subartu around 4500 BC, and around 3000 BC it was named Nırbo by the Sumerian king Lugazakis. Throughout its history it was the largest city of Upper Mesopotamia, and it passed under the rule of many civilisations, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, Mitanni, Assyrians, Medes, Persians and Romans.
Geography
The district covers 1,079 km². The average altitude of the district centre above sea level is 475 metres. According to tradition, Mount Cudi to the east is where Noah’s Ark came to rest.
Culture
From around AD 150 onwards, churches and monasteries began to be built in Nusaybin and its surroundings. Mor Yakub began his life as a priest in a monastery near Nusaybin in the mid-3rd century AD.
History and Culture
The earliest known name of Nusaybin is Nisibis. In the 5th century AD, Nusaybin became an important religious centre of the Nestorians. Nusaybin was incorporated into Ottoman lands during Yavuz Sultan Selim’s Egyptian campaign (1517). According to the Arabic inscription on the tomb gate of the Zeynelabidin Mosque Complex, the building was constructed in the year 553 AH.
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