Architectural Features and Typological Analysis of Historical Syriac Churches in Mardin Rural Area

Abstract

This study deals with the architectural features, typological diversity and sustainability of the historical Syriac churches in the rural areas of Mardin province in southeastern Turkey. Mardin countryside, which bears the traces of different civilisations starting from the pre-Christian period, is of great importance especially for the architectural and cultural heritage of the Syriac Orthodox community. Within the scope of the research, 61 churches and monasteries, most of which were built between the 4th and 9th centuries, were examined in detail, preserving their original structural features and survey drawings of these buildings were created. In this context, a typological classification of the churches and monasteries (monastery churches) in rural Mardin was conducted, identifying three main plan types: single nave village churches oriented along the east-west axis, multi-nave churches and monastery-type churches oriented along the north-south axis. Important architectural elements of these buildings, such as Kduskudshin, doors, windows and bell towers, were analysed in detail and their impact on the original character of the buildings was studied. The results of the study indicate that the preservation of Syriac religious buildings in rural Mardin is crucial not only for the conservation of these buildings but also for ensuring the continuity of the multi-layered cultural heritage of the region. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.