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AL-Tahira Church of The Upper Monastery |
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The upper monastery being famous for its school, called Um AL-Fada'il (The mother of virtues), is the sublime among the monasteries of the Church of East . And since it is considered the upper basis for organizing church prayers and liturgy, it therefore has been called the upper. It was founded by the monk Gabriel. First reference made to it is that of Patriarch Iso yahb AL-Hadyabi who lived in it as a monk around 650-651 A.D. |
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Ancient Tahira Church |
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It is considered one of the most ancient churches in Mosul at AL-Qal'a district. No evidences help us to determine its exact area. It could be either the ancient Tahira or the ruined Mar Zena church. AL-Tahira church dates back to the 7th c., and it lies 3m. below street level. It was reconstructed in 1744. |
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Churches and Monasteries of Mosul |
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Mosul is the second largest city in Iraq. It lies about 400 km north of Baghdad, and it is about 450 ms. above sea level. Most historians believe that Mosul, which is perhaps, the oldest city in Mesopotamia, was built during the seventh century BC soon after the destruction of Nineveh that took place in 612 BC. In the eastern sector of Mosul one can see the ruins of Nineveh; the ancient capital of Assyria. The most important of its remnant is the partly reconstructed city-wall, which is strengthened by several towers. This city wall still obtains several entrances such as Shamas Gate, the Maski Gate, Nargal Gate and Adad Gate. Mosul preserves also a good number of Christian historical buildings, such as churches and old monasteries; as Mar Michael, Mar Elias, Mar Gurguis, Mar Oraha, Rabban Hormizd, Mar Behnan and Mar Matta. In this leaflet we shall include only the most famous churches situated in the city of Mosul or in its neighborhood. |
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External Tahira Church |
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This church, like all the churches was rebuilt in 19th c., bears Jalily style. Its martyrium contains 6 niches which preserve 6 relies of the saints : Mar Ya'qub, Mar Simon AL-Qanani, Maphrian Grogorius Bar Haebreus, and Mar Yuhannan. Next to it, is a temple of Mar Gurguis. It is believed that some parts of this church are built near an Islamic monument. Like many Orthodox churches, it has the Sancta Sanctorum: there is a liturgical Bible with silver binding decorated with a superb craft man. |
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The Monastery of Mar Behnam |
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It lies about 32 km southwest of Mosul and can be included within a visit to Nimrud The monastery is a great fort-like building rises next to the tomb of Mar Behnam a prince who was killed by the Sassanians, perhaps during the fourth century AD. A legend made him a son of an Assyrian king. |
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Mar Gurguis Church |
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It is one of the oldest churches in Mosul, which was named after St. George. It is about 6m. below street level. A modern church was built over the old one in 1931 abolished much of its archeological significance. The only monuments left are a marble door- frame decorated with carved Estrangelo (Syriac) inscription, and two niches, which date back to the 13th or 14th c. |
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