One of the oldest and most significant Syriac Orthodox monastic complexes in the world, will become an honorary member of the network
Iter Vitis – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe is proud to announce that, thanks to the commitment of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and the Turkish Tourism Promotion Development Agency, the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, one of the oldest and most significant Syriac Orthodox monastic complexes in the world, will become an honorary member of the network. This recognition celebrates the profound cultural, religious, and agricultural legacy of the monastery, and reaffirms the importance of monastic communities as guardians of intercultural dialogue, intangible heritage, and traditional winemaking practices.
This is a historic step within the Cultural Routes programme: it is the first time a Syriac Orthodox monastery located in Northern Mesopotamia is acknowledged by a European cultural route—underscoring the universal values of heritage, memory, and shared human narratives that transcend modern borders.
Deyrulzafaran: A Spiritual and Cultural Beacon Since the 4th Century
The Deyrulzafaran Monastery, located near the ancient city of Mardin, Türkiye, was originally established as a chapel in the 4th century. By 505 AD, it had developed into a full monastic complex, and from the 13th century to 1932, it served as the Patriarchal See of the Syriac Orthodox Church, becoming the spiritual and administrative heart of Syriacs worldwide.
This sacred site remains a living center of Aramaic culture, one of the few places where Aramaic—the liturgical language spoken by Jesus—is still taught and used in religious services. The monastery’s theological schools continue to pass down centuries-old traditions, prayers, and liturgies, ensuring the preservation of a unique spiritual heritage.
The monastery is situated at over 1,000 meters above sea level, overlooking the vast Mesopotamian plain. This elevation not only makes it a place of physical retreat but also of symbolic elevation—a place where spiritual, cultural, and natural forces converge. Historically, this crossroads location has made the monastery a site of religious encounter, scholarly exchange, and coexistence among communities.
A Sacred Landscape of Vines and Olives
One of the most fascinating aspects of Deyrulzafaran is its agricultural dimension. Monasteries have always been custodians of the land, and here, viticulture and olive cultivation have been practiced continuously for centuries.
The monastery’s high-altitude vineyards, grown on limestone-rich and mineral-laden soils, are home to native grape varieties unique to Mardin. These grapes are harvested to produce wines used during Eucharistic celebrations, baptisms, and other sacred ceremonies. Likewise, olive oil from the monastery gardens is used for blessings, burials, and liturgical rituals.
Stone carvings of grape clusters and olive branches found throughout the monastic architecture—especially on column capitals and reliefs—attest to the sacredness of these elements and to their integration into the religious life of the monastery.
Winemaking Traditions from Antiquity to Today
Viticulture at Deyrulzafaran dates back to the early Christian era and is deeply linked to the religious and economic life of the region. Grapes were traditionally crushed in stone basins, and wines were fermented in natural conditions, using methods passed down through monastic generations. The cool stone cellars of the monastery were ideal for storing the wines, which served not only liturgical functions but were also used in daily life and for medical purposes.
During the Middle Ages, the monastery’s winemaking supported both its monastic community and its role as a center of hospitality. This tradition continues today, with wines produced on-site still being used for ceremonial purposes, and the vineyards now forming part of a conservation effort to preserve Mesopotamian agricultural biodiversity.
The Historical Importance of Syriac Winemaking
The region surrounding Deyrulzafaran—Tur Abdin, Izlo, and the Mardin Plateau—has a winemaking tradition dating back thousands of years. Historical and biblical references, including from the Book of Ezekiel, mention the high quality of Izlo wine, renowned throughout the ancient world.
Archaeological records show that King Ashurnasirpal II of Assyria (9th century BCE) used wines from this area in his palace, and the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon were said to be inspired by the vineyards of Mahserte, the hometown of his queen.
In Syriac Christian tradition, Noah is considered the first to plant a vine after the Great Flood—on Mount Judi, near today’s Şırnak—further anchoring the region’s connection to the origins of viticulture.
A Model for Cultural, Faith, and Agricultural Tourism
Today, Deyrulzafaran is not only a monastic site—it is a leading destination for faith tourism, cultural heritage tourism, and wine tourism. With its ancient architecture, liturgical heritage, and active vineyards, the monastery offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the spiritual and agricultural life of a region often referred to as the cradle of civilization.
Its inclusion in the Iter Vitis network opens the door to new cultural itineraries and enhances the visibility of Syriac contributions to world heritage, particularly in wine culture.
Monasteries as Instruments of Intercultural Dialogue
In a time of geopolitical and cultural tensions, monastic sites like Deyrulzafaran serve as bridges across identities, histories, and beliefs. Their role in fostering dialogue—through hospitality, education, and spiritual practice—makes them invaluable assets for promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding.
Deyrulzafaran, in particular, stands at the intersection of Christian, Islamic, and ancient Mesopotamian traditions, offering a model for how shared heritage can promote reconciliation and intercultural respect.
What’s Next: From Recognition to Collaboration
With its honorary membership, Deyrulzafaran Monastery joins the growing global family of Iter Vitis, where it will:
- Be featured in international promotional campaigns and exhibitions,
- Participate in academic and cultural exchanges focused on viticulture and heritage preservation,
- Contribute to the development of new wine tourism routes that integrate spirituality, history, and agriculture,
- Collaborate on interfaith events, including an upcoming symposium in Rome exploring the symbolism of wine in world religions, part of the Jubilee 2025 cultural program.
A Heritage Rooted in Time, Blossoming Into the Future
Welcoming Deyrulzafaran into Iter Vitis is not only a gesture of recognition—it is a commitment to amplifying the voices of those who have quietly preserved heritage for centuries. It is a celebration of the role that monasteries play in safeguarding agricultural biodiversity, cultural memory, and spiritual depth.
As we extend our routes beyond the traditional vineyards of Europe to the ancient soils of Mesopotamia, we reaffirm our belief that wine is more than a product—it is a language, a ritual, and a shared story.
We are honored to walk this path alongside Deyrulzafaran.
