One of the most interesting churches of the Tür Abdin, the finely restored Mor Yakop (St Jacob's) dates from the 6th century and is the finest example of ashlar masonry in the area. There's been a church on this site in Barıştepe (Selhê) since 419. The remnant arches of the earlier church sit just behind the present building. The gate leading into the courtyard is usually kept open and the guardian will give you a tour of the church interior.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Morgabriel (Deyrul Umur) Monastery
13.62 MILES
About 18km east of Midyat, Morgabriel (Deyrul Umur) Monastery is surrounded by gently rolling hills dotted with olive groves. Though much restored, the…
11.7 MILES
The Meryemana (Virgin Mary) church sits at the entrance to Anıtli (Haxê) village, just before the large jandarma (army) building. The ornate, carved…
7.64 MILES
You need to knock for entry to Mor Izozoal, which sits grandly atop the hill in Altıntaş (Kiverzê). Inside, the church has some beautiful stone carved…
3.95 MILES
Knock for entry to Mor Kyriakos, surrounded by high walls on the edge of Bağlarbaşı (Arnasê) village. Once through the gate, the bulky fortress-style…
4.82 MILES
Midyat's compact old town area extends east behind Atatürk Caddesi, the main road through town. At the main roundabout between Atatürk and Cumhuriyet…
12.68 MILES
A church is thought to have sat on this site since 343 but the present church building in Alagöz (Baqisyan) is much rebuilt and restored. The stone-arched…
15.8 MILES
Hasankeyf's castle sits high atop the cliff so is going to escape being submerged by the Ilısu Dam. Due to the reservoir wall construction going on just…
Nearby attractions
3.95 MILES
Knock for entry to Mor Kyriakos, surrounded by high walls on the edge of Bağlarbaşı (Arnasê) village. Once through the gate, the bulky fortress-style…
4.82 MILES
Midyat's compact old town area extends east behind Atatürk Caddesi, the main road through town. At the main roundabout between Atatürk and Cumhuriyet…
7.64 MILES
You need to knock for entry to Mor Izozoal, which sits grandly atop the hill in Altıntaş (Kiverzê). Inside, the church has some beautiful stone carved…
11.7 MILES
The Meryemana (Virgin Mary) church sits at the entrance to Anıtli (Haxê) village, just before the large jandarma (army) building. The ornate, carved…
12.68 MILES
A church is thought to have sat on this site since 343 but the present church building in Alagöz (Baqisyan) is much rebuilt and restored. The stone-arched…
6. Morgabriel (Deyrul Umur) Monastery
13.62 MILES
About 18km east of Midyat, Morgabriel (Deyrul Umur) Monastery is surrounded by gently rolling hills dotted with olive groves. Though much restored, the…
15.8 MILES
Hasankeyf's castle sits high atop the cliff so is going to escape being submerged by the Ilısu Dam. Due to the reservoir wall construction going on just…