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Dair Mar Elia: A Testament to Faith in Mosul

Explore the ruins of Dair Mar Elia in Mosul, a symbol of faith and resilience, reflecting centuries of Christian heritage in Iraq.

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Dair Mar Elia, or the Monastery of Saint Elijah, was one of Iraq's oldest monasteries, dating back to the 6th century. Though destroyed by ISIS in 2014, its ruins remain a symbol of resilience and a poignant reminder of Mosul's Christian heritage.

A brief summary to Dair Mar Elia

  • 74RJ+X9M, Mosul, The Right Coast, Nineveh Governorate, IQ

Local tips

  • Remember that the monastery was destroyed in 2014, so expect to see ruins rather than a fully standing structure.
  • Hire a local guide to learn more about the history of the monastery and its significance to the Christian community in Mosul.
  • Dress modestly when visiting the site, respecting its historical and religious importance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Mosul, a possible starting point is the Al-Nuri Mosque. Head east on Al-Nuri Street, then turn left onto Al-Mansour Street. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Al-Mahmoudi Street. Continue straight, and look for a path leading up to Dair Mar Elia on a hillside.

  • Public Transport

    From Mosul Central Bus Station, take a bus or minibus heading towards the Right Coast area. Inform the driver that you want to go to Dair Mar Elia. Once in the vicinity, you may need to take a local taxi to reach the site. Bus/Minibus fare: approximately 4,000 IQD. Local taxi fare: approximately 2,000-3,000 IQD.

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Discover more about Dair Mar Elia

Once a flourishing center for the Christian community, Dair Mar Elia stood as a beacon of faith in the Nineveh Governorate. Founded around 595 AD by Mar Elia, the monastery belonged to the Church of the East and later the Chaldean Catholic Church. For centuries, it served as a spiritual hub, with thousands of Christians visiting annually to observe the Mar Elia Holiday. The monastery's history is marked by periods of both prosperity and adversity. Renovated in the 17th century, it faced destruction in 1743 when the Afsharids massacred its monks for refusing to convert to Islam. Despite this, the site remained a pilgrimage destination, attracting visitors to its ruins. In the 20th century, some restoration efforts were undertaken, and during World War I, it served as a refuge. In recent times, Dair Mar Elia was not spared from the conflicts that have plagued Iraq. It was occupied by military units and suffered damage from soldier graffiti, bullets, and ultimately, complete destruction by ISIS in 2014. Despite its ruinous state, the legacy of Dair Mar Elia endures as a symbol of the region's rich religious history and the enduring spirit of its people.

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