Examination of architectural features and restoration analysis of Mor Şemun D'zeyte church in Midyat/Mercimekli village

Since the early periods of Christianity, Midyat has been an important Center for Orthodox Syriacs. There are many religious structures belonging to the Syriac and Muslim communities that coexist in the region. In addition to being examples of early Christian architecture, these buildings are part of a rich architectural heritage with local features. Mercimekli (Hapisnas) village has an important place in the region in terms of its location and the values it has. It contains registered monumental structures of historical value (monastery, church, Chapel, Rock Tomb) and many examples of civil architecture. Although many researches and studies have been conducted on Syriac religious architecture, there is no comprehensive study yet examining the Mor Shamun d'zeyte Church located in the village of Mercimekli in the district of Midyat, Mardin province. Mor Şemun D'Zeyte Church, which is one of the two structures belonging to the Syriac religion, which is an immovable cultural asset in the village of Mercimekli (Hapisnas) and was registered in 2001, is one of the important historical values in the region. Within the scope of this thesis, the history of Midyat, its social and demographic structure, the churches in Midyat were examined; the history and architecture of Mor Şemun D'Zeyte Church were evaluated. Architectural analysis and determination studies were carried out; the current state of the structure was measured in all its details and relay drawings were made. Historical photos of the structure found as a result of research, traces of the structure and examples of similar periods in Midyat were discussed, and analysis of the period was explained through the structure. The current state of the structure is described in detail. A photo album of the structure was created from photos taken in detail; Analogic Data, old photos and drawings related to the church were examined and periodic analyses of the original state of the structure were made. One of the main goals of the study is to contribute to the literature related to the Mor Şemun D'Zeyte Church. It also analyzed the little-known rural religious architecture in the region in order to contribute to the preservation of this historic structure. It is aimed to transfer the values related to this monument, which is thought to have been made in the fifth century, to future generations. Keywords: Syriac, Midyat, Tur Abdin, Church, Monastery.