Christian holy site in Iraq -Deir Mar Mattai on Maqloub Mountain
Kurdish Peshmerga Steps in to Protect the Oldest Monastery in Iraq
Shahab Botani
BasNews, Maqloub Mountain
After Islamic State (IS) militants took control of the city of Mosul in northern Iraq, various religious minorities that pepper the region came under attack as well in the wake of IS’ spread of terror. Many holy sights revered by the religious minorities have been destroyed in order to wipe their existence from history.
One of the most important Christian holy sites in Iraq is Deir Mar Mattai, located 20 km from Mosul atop Mount Alfaf. The monastery, built in 363, is recognized as one of the oldest monasteries in existence.
Deir Mar Mattai is normally maintained by the Syriac Orthodox Churchm but due to the threat of attack by IS, Peshmerga have stepped in to protect the sacred sight.
Father Ada Khdir al-Qass lives and works at the monastery. “Since IS took control of Mosul, about 60 Christian families sought refuge here at the monastery. However, due to this renewed attack by IS, all of the families fled to Kurdistan,” said al-Qass.
He says they are confident that Peshmerga can protect them and the monastery, which contains a centuries-old library full of sacred Christian manuscripts.
BasNews, Maqloub Mountain
After Islamic State (IS) militants took control of the city of Mosul in northern Iraq, various religious minorities that pepper the region came under attack as well in the wake of IS’ spread of terror. Many holy sights revered by the religious minorities have been destroyed in order to wipe their existence from history.
One of the most important Christian holy sites in Iraq is Deir Mar Mattai, located 20 km from Mosul atop Mount Alfaf. The monastery, built in 363, is recognized as one of the oldest monasteries in existence.
Deir Mar Mattai is normally maintained by the Syriac Orthodox Churchm but due to the threat of attack by IS, Peshmerga have stepped in to protect the sacred sight.
Father Ada Khdir al-Qass lives and works at the monastery. “Since IS took control of Mosul, about 60 Christian families sought refuge here at the monastery. However, due to this renewed attack by IS, all of the families fled to Kurdistan,” said al-Qass.
He says they are confident that Peshmerga can protect them and the monastery, which contains a centuries-old library full of sacred Christian manuscripts.