WAN - The historic Dêr Meryem Monastery in Payîzava district is facing the threat of destruction due to neglect and is awaiting reconstruction and restoration work. 

 

The historic Dêr Meryem Monastery, located in a valley along the Norduz River in the Araz (Özlüce) neighborhood of Wan's Payîzava (Gürpınar) district, has been abandoned to its fate. Known to have had 365 rooms, only about 20 rooms remain today due to neglect. 

 

While there is no clear information about the monastery's construction date, it is known that it was built by Surp Partoğimeos during the Vaspuragon Armenian principality.

 

Facing the threat of extinction

 

The holes dug by treasure hunters in the monastery, which has been left to face extinction, and the neglect of the structure once again reveal the reckless approach to historical assets in Kurdistan. Like many historical structures in Kurdistan, Dêr Meryem has been abandoned to its fate, neglected, and is on the verge of extinction due to the destruction caused by treasure hunters.

 

Women's monastery

 

According to information obtained from local sources, the tomb of the Armenian King Dirtad IV and his wife is located here. According to some accounts, it was also used as a leprosy hospital in the fourth century. 

 

According to some accounts, Saint Hripsime, who played a major role in the conversion of Armenians to Christianity, stayed at this monastery with a group of women, and it is known that this place was a women's monastery for a period of time.

 

The monastery, which has been left to its fate, is waiting to be rebuilt.