Mar Behnam Monastery دير مار بهنام
A Syriac Christian monastery south-east of Mosul, famous for its medieval carved stonework.
A historic Syriac Christian monastery south-east of Mosul, known for its carved stonework.
According to tradition, the monastery was founded in the 4th century at the place where Prince Behnam and his sister Sarah were martyred. The present buildings date largely from the 12th and 13th centuries and are known for their delicate stone carving and Syriac, Arabic and Uyghur inscriptions.
The monastery was damaged in 2015, including the tomb of Mar Behnam, and has since been restored and returned to use. It lies near Bakhdida (Qaraqosh) on the Nineveh Plains, about 35 km south-east of Mosul.
Visit with our tour: Nineveh Heritage Tour →
Questions & answers
Where is Mar Behnam Monastery?
Mar Behnam Monastery is in Mosul, Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. The map on this page shows its location.
How can I visit Mar Behnam Monastery?
Mar Behnam Monastery is included in our Nineveh Heritage Tour tour (1 day). You can book it on WhatsApp, and we arrange the guide, transport and any permissions.
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