Mar Mattai Monastery: A Sanctuary in the Mountains

Mar Mattai Monastery, also known as Dayro d-Mor Mattai, clings to the side of Mount Maqlub in northern Iraq, approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Mosul. This Syriac Orthodox monastery, founded in 363 AD, is not only a significant religious site but also a testament to the enduring Christian presence in the region.According to tradition, the hermit Mar Mattai (St. Matthew) fled persecution in Amid (Diyarbakir) under the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate and sought refuge on Mount Alfaf with a group of monks. He is said to have healed Mor Behnam's sister and converted the family to Christianity. King Sennacherib, their father, initially retaliated by killing his son and daughter but later repented and built the monastery at Mattai's request.Throughout its long history, Mar Mattai Monastery has served as a center of Syriac Orthodox Christianity and a place of refuge during times of persecution. The monastery has faced numerous attacks and challenges, including attacks by Kurds in the 12th-16th centuries and, more recently, the threat from ISIS in 2014. The monastery's library, once renowned for its vast collection of Syriac Christian manuscripts, suffered losses due to a fire in 480 AD and subsequent attacks. Nevertheless, the monastery has persevered, with the Kurdistan Regional Government providing protection and recent renovations.Today, visitors to Mar Mattai can explore the monastery's ancient churches, chapels, and cave dwellings, experiencing the serene ambiance and rich history of this mountain sanctuary. The monastery offers panoramic views of the Nineveh plains and serves as a reminder of the faith and culture that have thrived here for centuries.