Mar Behnam Monastery
Nīnawá
Mar Behnam Monastery, located near the town of Beth Khdeda in northern Iraq, is a historic Syriac Catholic monastery originally built according to legend in the 4th century by King Senchareb. It was established as penance for the martyrdom of his son Mar Behnam and daughter Sarah, who converted to Christianity. The monastery has been a significant religious site for centuries, initially part of the Church of the East and later managed by the Syriac Orthodox and Syriac Catholic Churches. It features inscriptions from Mongolian Christian pilgrims dating to the 1200s and has undergone several renovations, including in 1164 and the mid-13th century. The site has endured periods of hardship, especially during the 18th century due to regional conflicts and attacks. In modern times, the monastery was a pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims until it was seized and severely damaged by ISIS forces in 2014-2015, including the destruction of the tomb of Mar Behnam. Following liberation by Iraqi Security Forces in 2016, extensive restoration was completed by 2018, returning the monastery to its pre-ISIS condition. It remains a symbol of resilience and spiritual heritage in the region.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to plan their visit outside of extreme weather seasons in northern Iraq for comfort. Due to the monastery's recent history of conflict and restoration, checking local access conditions and security updates before visiting is recommended. Tickets or guided tours may be available through local church authorities or tourism offices; purchasing in advance can ensure entry. Modest dress is appropriate as it is an active religious site. Visitors should respect the sacred nature of the monastery and its grounds.
Faits intéressants
- •The monastery contains Mongolic inscriptions left by Christian pilgrims in the 1200s.
- •It was renovated multiple times, notably in 1164 and between 1250 and 1261.
- •The monastery was taken over by ISIS in 2014 and suffered severe damage, including the destruction of the tomb of Saint Behnam in 2015.
- •Restoration efforts were completed by December 2018 to return the monastery to its pre-ISIS condition.
- •The monastery has served as the residence and burial place of several Syriac Orthodox Patriarchs.
Histoire
According to tradition, Mar Behnam Monastery was founded in the 4th century by King Senchareb as a penance for killing his children who converted to Christianity.
It was originally part of the Church of the East and later came under Syriac Orthodox control, with renovations recorded in the 12th and 13th centuries.
The monastery suffered during 18th century conflicts, including attacks by Nader Shah and Persian rulers.
In the late 18th century, monks sought protection from the Catholic Church, leading to the monastery's gradual conversion to Syriac Catholicism.
It was briefly abandoned in 1819 but repopulated in 1839.
The monastery was renovated in 1986 and remained active until ISIS occupation in 2014, after which it was liberated and restored by 2018.
Guide du lieu
Tomb of Mar Behnam4th century (legendary origin)
The historic tomb of Saint Mar Behnam, a central religious site within the monastery, which was heavily damaged by ISIS in 2015 and restored by 2018.
Monastery Murals and Buildings12th-13th centuries
The monastery's exterior murals and buildings feature inscriptions and artwork dating back to medieval renovations, including Mongolic inscriptions from the 1200s.