August 23, 2025
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| Photo Syriac Press |
ucked 35 kilometers northeast of Mosul, Iraq, Mar Mattai Monastery stands as an enduring symbol of spiritual devotion and historical richness. Perched at 2,100 feet on Mount Alfaf, this 4th-century Syriac Orthodox monastery, founded by saint Mar Mattai, is one of Beth Nahrin’s (Mesopotamia’s) most revered Christian landmarks. Its stunning location amidst the rugged beauty of northern Iraq, coupled with its serene climate and commanding views, makes it a cherished destination for pilgrims, historians, and tourists alike. As an archaeological treasure, religious sanctuary, and cultural beacon, Mar Mattai embodies the resilience of Beth Nahrin’s Christian heritage.
Founded in the 4th century by Mar Mattai, a Syriac ascetic renowned for his piety, the monastery quickly became a spiritual hub, drawing thousands of monks and hermits from Nineveh and across Beth Nahrin. At its zenith, it reportedly housed up to 7,000 monks, a testament to its prominence during its golden eras. Despite centuries of invasions, fires, and plunder, the monastery retains sacred elements, including the altar, the House of Saints (part of the main church), Mar Mattai’s cell, ancient cisterns, caves, and hermitages.
A catastrophic fire in 480 AD razed much of its original artistry, erasing intricate inscriptions and decorations. Yet, by 544 AD, dedicated monks restored the site, reviving its ascetic traditions. Further trials followed, including abandonment in 1171 due to attacks from neighboring groups and devastating Mongol and Tatar raids after 1260. Each time, the monastery rose from adversity, with significant renovations in the 1970s bringing electricity and a paved road, transforming it into a modern pilgrimage and tourist site.
Mar Mattai’s enduring fame rests on three pillars: spiritual, ecclesiastical, and scholarly significance. Spiritually, Mar Mattai and his successors played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity across the region.
They converted notable figures such as Mar Behnam, his sister Sarah, their parents Sennacherib and his wife, and many from the province of Athor. The monastery’s sanctity, enriched by the relics of Saint Mar Mattai and other saints, has long drawn pilgrims seeking healing, blessings, and spiritual renewal. Its reputation as a sacred site persists, with visitors flocking to venerate its holy relics and hear the word of God amidst its tranquil halls.
Ecclesiastically, Mar Mattai rose to prominence as an episcopal seat in the late 5th century, later becoming a metropolitan see, wielding significant influence within the Church of the East. Its metropolitan held a preeminent position, shaping the church’s direction.
The monastery served as a residence for distinguished figures, including the renowned scholar Bar Hebraeus, who lived there for seven years in the 13th century. It hosted several key synods, produced three patriarchs, seven catholicos, and numerous bishops, cementing its role as a cornerstone of Syriac Christianity.
Scholarly, Mar Mattai was a beacon of intellectual achievement. Its 5th-century library, one of the finest repositories of Syriac manuscripts, housed treasures like the Syriac Gospel by the monk Mubarak Bartalli, adorned with 54 vibrant illustrations.
Many of these manuscripts are now preserved in prestigious institutions, including the British Museum, Cambridge, Berlin, the Vatican, and Lebanon’s Deir Sharfeh. The monastery’s school fostered luminaries such as Mar Marutha Tikriti and Bar Hebraeus, whose contributions enriched the intellectual landscape of the Abbasid era. The school’s scholars played a vital role in translating and preserving knowledge, bridging Eastern and Western traditions during a golden age of learning.
Today, Mar Mattai remains a vibrant testament to resilience. Accessible via a recently paved road or traditional stone paths winding between mountain ridges, its three-story complex comprises approximately 100 rooms, including two churches dedicated to saint Mar Mattai and the Virgin Mary.
The name “Al-Tabki,” derived from the Syriac term for “ascent,” reflects the monastery’s elevated position, both physically and spiritually. Despite Iraq’s turbulent recent history, including threats from conflict and instability, Mar Mattai continues to attract visitors from around the world.
Its blend of spiritual depth, historical richness, and natural beauty makes it a cultural jewel, inviting exploration of its sacred halls and contemplation of its enduring legacy.
As a living monument, Mar Mattai Monastery stands as a bridge between past and present, offering solace and inspiration to all who visit.
