Mar Mattai Monastery: A Mountain Refuge of Ancient Faith

Mar Mattai Monastery, also known as Dayro d-Mor Mattai, clings to the slopes of Mount Maqlub in northern Iraq, approximately 38 kilometers from Mosul. Founded in 363 AD by Mar Mattai, a hermit who escaped Roman persecution under Emperor Julian the Apostate, it stands as a testament to the enduring Christian faith in the region. The monastery's origins are intertwined with local legend. Mar Mattai is said to have healed the sister of Prince Behnam, converting the prince and his family to Christianity. While King Sennacherib initially retaliated by killing his children, he later repented, converting to Christianity himself and commissioning the monastery's construction. Another tradition attributes the foundation to Queen Shirin. Throughout its history, Mar Mattai Monastery has served as a refuge and a center of Syriac Orthodox culture. It has weathered numerous attacks and periods of instability, including those by Kurds in the 12th-16th centuries and, more recently, the threat posed by ISIS. The monastery also provided shelter for refugees during the ISIS conflict. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has played a crucial role in protecting the monastery, especially during times of conflict and has also renovated the site. Today, visitors can explore the monastery's ancient churches, chapels, and memorials, as well as caves where early monks lived. The monastery also boasts an exceptional view of the surrounding Nineveh plains. The Syriac Orthodox Church maintains the site, preserving its rich heritage and traditions.