Mor Yakup Church and Nusaybin

History

Nusaybin — ancient Nisibis — is one of the oldest cities in Mesopotamia. The Church of Mor Yakup was built in the first half of the 4th century in the name of Jacob of Nisibis. The baptistery beneath it is regarded as one of the oldest surviving examples of Christian architecture.

Why go

The School of Nisibis, attached to the church, was one of the most important educational institutions of late antiquity, teaching theology, philosophy and medicine. These stones are the remains not only of a place of worship but of one of the earliest versions of the idea of a university.

Visiting notes

The site is laid out and open to visitors; an hour is enough. Take a short walk through the bazaar as well, to see Nusaybin's character as a border town.

Getting there

About 55 minutes by car, with plain views the whole way along the Mardin–Nusaybin road. The church is in the town centre.