Mar Mattai Monastery: A Sanctuary in the Mountains

Mar Mattai Monastery, also known as Dayro d-Mor Mattai, clings to the heights of Mount Alfaf in northern Iraq, approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Mosul. Founded in 363 AD by Mar Mattai, a hermit who sought refuge from Roman persecution under Emperor Julian the Apostate, the monastery has been a beacon of Christian faith for over sixteen centuries. Legend says that Mar Mattai's healing powers led to the conversion of Prince Behnam and his sister Sarah, children of the Assyrian King Sennacherib. Initially enraged, the king is said to have eventually repented and built the monastery at Mar Mattai's request. The monastery's strategic location, 820 meters above sea level, offers stunning views of the Nineveh plains. Throughout its history, Mar Mattai has served as a refuge and a center of Syriac Orthodox Christian culture. It once housed thousands of monks and boasted a rich library of Syriac manuscripts. Although the monastery has faced numerous attacks and challenges, including a devastating fire in 480 AD and threats from ISIS more recently, it has been consistently rebuilt and renovated. Today, the Syriac Orthodox Church maintains the site, and the Kurdistan Regional Government provides security. Visitors can explore the monastery's ancient churches, chapels, and cave dwellings, experiencing the serene atmosphere that has drawn pilgrims and seekers for centuries. The monastery not only stands as a testament to enduring faith but also offers a unique perspective on the rich history and cultural heritage of Christianity in Mesopotamia.