Dair Mar Elia

The monastery complex covered 27,000 square feet with 26 rooms arranged around a central courtyard, featuring a chapel and sanctuary for religious ceremonies.

Founded in 595 AD by Mar Elia, the monastery functioned as a center for the regional Christian community until its complete destruction by ISIS in 2014.

Christians gathered at the monastery during the last Wednesday of November to celebrate Mar Elia Holiday, marking a significant date in their religious calendar.

The monastery site, located at coordinates 36°17′33″N 43°07′52″E, remains accessible through guided visits coordinated with local authorities in the Mosul area.

In 1743, 150 monks at the monastery chose death over religious conversion when Persian leader Tahmaz Nadir Shah demanded they abandon their Christian faith.

Location: Nineveh Governorate

Inception: 595

GPS coordinates: 36.29240,43.13100

Latest update: May 11, 2025 01:30