Mar Oraha Monastery, Ancient Christian monastery near Batnaya, Iraq
Mar Oraha Monastery stands in northern Iraq, featuring traditional monastic architecture with prayer halls, living quarters, and communal spaces for religious activities.
The monastery's foundation dates to January 17, 601 AD, when Mar Oraha relocated from Mount Alfaf to the Nineveh plains during Ishoʿyahb I's patriarchy.
The monastery holds two annual feasts dedicated to Mar Oraha, celebrated on the first Sunday of Great Lent and second Sunday after Easter.
Access to the monastery requires prior arrangements with local authorities due to the current security conditions in the northern region of Iraq.
In 1743, Persian forces under Nadir Shah attacked the monastery, resulting in the death of 150 monks who refused to abandon their religious beliefs.
Inception: 7 century
GPS coordinates: 36.54472,43.14556
Latest update: March 9, 2025 09:52
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