Rabban Hormizd Monastery — Attraction in Alqosh Subdistrict

Rabban Hormizd Monastery, established in 640 AD, is a significant Christian monastic site located near Alqosh in northern Iraq. Carved into the mountains approximately 2 miles from Alqosh, it has been a pivotal center for the Assyrian Church of the East and later the Chaldean Catholic Church.

Historical Significance

Founded by Rabban Hormizd, a monk of the Church of the East, the monastery became a central hub for Eastern Syriac Christianity. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, it served as the official residence of the patriarchs of the Eliya line of the Church of the East. The monastery's strategic location and architectural design reflect its historical importance and the turbulent history of Christianity in Mesopotamia.

Architectural Features

The monastery is renowned for its impressive structure, carved directly into the mountainside. This design provided both spiritual seclusion and defense against potential attacks. The complex includes chapels, living quarters, and a library that once housed a rich collection of Syriac manuscripts. Notably, two black marble slabs bearing Syriac inscriptions document the monastery's history, including reconstructions after an earthquake in 1666 and subsequent renovations in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Cultural and Religious Importance

Rabban Hormizd Monastery played a central role in the transmission of Eastern Syriac literature and was a focal point in the historical interactions between the Chaldean Church and the Church of the East. Its rich history reflects the complex religious dynamics of the region.

Challenges and Preservation

Throughout its history, the monastery faced numerous challenges, including attacks and looting. In the 19th century, it suffered from regional conflicts, leading to the looting of its manuscripts. Despite these adversities, efforts have been made to preserve its cultural and religious heritage. In 1859, due to security concerns, a new monastery, Our Lady of the Seeds, was constructed nearby, and many monks relocated there.

Visiting Today

Today, Rabban Hormizd Monastery stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Christianity in Iraq. Its historical significance and architectural grandeur continue to attract visitors and pilgrims interested in the rich tapestry of Mesopotamian...

This is one of those places that should be at the top of any visit to the Dohuk region. The position of the monastery looking out over the Nineveh plains, yet perched high in the mountains is stunning. The nearby newly restored synogue on the site of the tomb of the prophet Nahum helps give a visual emphasis to his prophecies of doom over Nineveh (Modern Mosul)

This site is very important to the Chaldean Christians, yet it has not been used actively for many years. It is well looked after, and has clearly benefited from an injection of cash.

Importantly, the site is open 8 to 13.00, then from 14.30 to 18.00. Of course we turned up at 1pm, but it meant we had time to go into the nearby Christian town of Al Qosh, and explored the aforementioned synagogue and some of the other churches. Not that we could get in to any of them, they were all fiemly locked.

Lastly, we benefited massively from Ehab, who is one of the local Police 'guards' of the site. He has excellent English and gave us a really good feel of the place, some of the history, and told some of his own...

Rabban Hormidz Monastery was amazing. It was difficult getting into the city and I hear having an official tour is the best way to make it in.

Established in the 7th Century (around 640 AD), this Monastery is named after Rabban Hormizd, a Persian Monk, and is important to the Assyrian Church of The East and the Chaldean Catholic Church.

The story is told that he was traveling to Jerusalem for a pilgrimage, but was persuaded by three monks in Mosul, Iraq to join them as a monk. After 39 years as a monk (32 as a hermit), he wandered until he found a place to create his own convent. He welcomed visitors and is known for his healings. He died at the age of 90. At that point his monastery had been open about 25 years and there were around 100 monks.

All around the current monastery, there have been many caves carved into the rocks -about 40 cells. Inside there are still caves and stone rooms to explore -amazing!

There were so many persecutions and conquests against this monastery... But...