Suryoyo Café
Tur Abdin – the homeland of the Suryoye
Tur Abdin in the south-east of present-day Turkey is the historic heartland of Syriac Christianity – a region full of ancient monasteries, churches and villages, and for many Suryoye the origin of their family history.
A special region
The name Tur Abdin means roughly “Mountain of the Servants (of God)”. The limestone plateau in Mardin Province was a spiritual and cultural centre of Syriac Christianity for centuries. Places such as Midyat remain closely tied to the history of the Suryoye to this day.
Ancient monasteries
Tur Abdin is famous for its important monasteries. Mor Gabriel Monastery is one of the oldest surviving monasteries in the world, as is Deyrulzafaran Monastery (Mor Hananyo). These places were centres of faith, learning and Aramaic written culture.
Culture and everyday life
The culture of the region includes craftsmanship, agriculture and a long tradition of church feasts. The bond with the land, the language and the faith shapes the Suryoye all the way into the diaspora.
Connected across the distance
Even though many families left Tur Abdin in the 20th century, the emotional connection remains strong. Stories, visits and shared memories keep the homeland alive – especially in exchange with other Suryoye.
Talk about Tur Abdin, roots and memories – with people who share them.
Join the Suryoyo Café for freeRead on: Who are the Suryoye? and The Aramaic language Surayt/Turoyo.