Uncertainty Over Future World’s Oldest Monastery

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There was uncertainty Wednesday, December 3, over the future of the world's oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monastery in eastern Turkey, as local authorities and villagers have demanded part of its properties, an advocacy group told BosNewsLife Wednesday, December 3.

The Mor Gabriel Monastery, located near the town of Midyat in Mardin Province, is the target of several court cases, said Middle East Concern (MEC).

On Wednesday, December 3, "Bishop Timotheos Samuel Aktas will defend the monastery against numerous allegations, including claims that major buildings works have taken place without permission," MEC said.

The allegations are denied by the monastery. "One chapel was refurbished some years ago and is generally recognized as one of the most beautiful parts of the complex," MEC said. Later this month, on December 19, a local court was to examine boundary disputes raised by two neighbouring villages. However, "The monastery was built before the villages were founded," MEC stressed.