Mor Behnam Church is a mid-6th-century Syriac Orthodox sanctuary in Mardin's Çabuk Neighborhood, famous for its vaulted stone hall and fine craftsmanship, requiring an entry donation of around 70 TL per person.
Mor Behnam Church is a mid-6th century Syriac Orthodox sanctuary built in Mardin in honor of Mor Behnam and his sister Saro. It is also widely known as the Church of the Forty (Kırklar Kilisesi), drawing its name from an early Christian legend concerning forty Greek soldiers who defied the Roman emperor. In 1293, the complex became the seat of the Mardin Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate, where patriarchs and metropolitans resided in stone rooms surrounding the courtyard. The structure's most striking architectural feature is its vaulted ceiling supported by 12 massive columns along an east-west axis, showcasing refined yet unpretentious cut-stone craftsmanship.
The church compound also housed a school opened in 1789 that operated until 1928, issuing diplomas written in Syriac. Today, the complex comprises the former metropolitan headquarters, a bell tower, and a divanhane (reception hall) built during the tenure of Patriarch Elias III. The mortarless stone walls of the divanhane are intricately carved like lace, featuring 400-year-old altar doors and sanctuary curtains woven with 1,500-year-old vegetable dyes. Visitor experiences vary—some praise the exquisite stonework and historic atmosphere, while others cite the entrance fee and indoor photography restrictions. As an active place of worship, church attendants are available on-site to answer questions about the faith.
Best Time to Visit
Mardin gets quite hot during summer, so spring and autumn offer much more comfortable weather for touring the city and visiting the church. The church remains an active place of worship. Attending the main liturgy held on Sunday afternoons provides a special cultural perspective. Early morning visits are recommended for those wishing to avoid crowds and peak heat.
How to Get There
The church is situated in Mardin's Çabuk Neighborhood, approximately 100 meters off the main street. Descending a short flight of stone steps from the main road leads directly to the entrance. You can reach the site easily on foot or via a short taxi ride following Yeni Yol Avenue and 1st Avenue.
Location in the City
Mor Behnam Church is located in the Artuklu district, an area rich in Christian heritage. Surrounded by historic stone houses and other ancient churches, it forms a natural stop while exploring Mardin's historic center.
How Much Time to Spend
The church compound is relatively compact; a visit generally takes between 20 and 40 minutes. This is sufficient time to examine the divanhane, courtyard, and detailed entrance gate. You can comfortably pair this visit with nearby historic churches and traditional abbaras (tunnel-like archways) on the same day.
Suggested Itinerary
While exploring old Mardin, combining Mor Behnam Church with the Kasımiye Medrese and the Mardin Museum on a single route works well. Given its proximity to other Syriac churches in the Şar Neighborhood, you can easily organize a self-guided church walk.
Things to Keep in Mind
Visitor feedback regarding entry fees and photography can be contradictory—some state they entered free, while others report paying 70 TL per person. Credit cards are generally not accepted, so carry cash. Also note that certain residential quarters inside the grounds are private homes; please respect signage and privacy.
Photography Spots
The hand-forged iron and walnut entrance door, the bell tower, and the courtyard are key highlights for outdoor photos. Photography inside the church sanctuary may be restricted, so ask staff at the entry before taking indoor photos.
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