The fact that the Late Antique and Medieval Church-Monasteries, located in the region of Mardin called “Tur Abdin”, were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List was welcomed in the city.
The announcement by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism that Mardin Midyat Surroundings (Tur Abdin) Late Antique and Medieval Churches-Monasteries were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List created excitement in the city.
The biggest expectation in the city is the Mor Sobo Church, which was added to the World Heritage Tentative List, the Virgin Mary Church (Yoldath Aloho), Deyrulzafaran Monastery, Mor Gabriel Monastery, Mor Abai Monastery, Mor Loozor Monastery, Mor Yakup Monastery, Mor Quryaqos Church and Mor Azozo Church. to be included in the permanent list.
“IT WILL MAKE A GREAT CONTRIBUTION TO TOURISM”
Midyat Mayor Veysi Şahin said that, with the work they did with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism last year, churches and monasteries belonging to Late Antique and Medieval times were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
Stating that Midyat is a city of languages and religions and that it has an ancient city identity, Şahin stated that the belief centers included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List will make a great contribution to the tourism of the province and district.
Şahin pointed out that Mardin is also a city that makes a name for itself with tourism, and stated that the city also contributes to regional tourism with religious and cultural tourism.
“We are receiving great support from the government. We believe that there will be a large influx of tourists here after the epidemic. We need to develop culture and belief tourism for the development and prosperity of the region,” said Şahin, adding that studies on this issue will continue.
“IT IS BEAUTIFUL TO PROTECT SUCH PLACES”
Mor Yakup Monastery Priest Edip Daniyel Savcı emphasized the importance of monasteries and churches for religious officials.
The prosecutor said, “It is a good thing to protect such places. This is what we want. This is what we want to stay here. We thank all the authorities for that,” he said.
“THANKS TO EVERYBODY FOR THEIR EXERTION”
Habib Doğan, the headman of Anıtlı village and the officer of the Virgin Mary Church, stated that they are happy to have the churches and monasteries, which are a very important cultural asset for the region, on the temporary list.
Doğan said, “This is very pleasing, positive for our Midyat, our region and our country. I believe that all Assyrians in the world will welcome them with great joy as soon as they hear it,” Doğan expressed that with this decision, the visits to the region will increase even more.
Doğan said, “It is a really important event for all of us. I hope it will be included in the permanent list in the future. We thank everyone who contributed.”
