TUR ABDIN - Living Cultureal Heritage

By Fr. Hans Hollerweger

The first illustrated book about TUR ABDIN in English, German and Turkish languages. It shows the oldest Christian culture and their life in distress and creates a bond to the former homeland.

Turabdin truly means everything to us. In other words it is a summary and complete example of the history of our Syrian Church. Therefore the love of Turabdin has special place in our hearts. The ancient monasteries and churches are sacred to us. As Patriarch of the Syrian Church, we regard Turabdin as a holy city, second only to Jerusalem, and a look on our visits there as pilgrimages.

There are many illustrated books about the Mount Athos, the holy mountain of the Byzantine Church. However, this is the first such book about the holy mountain of the Syriac Church, Turabdin. In more than 400 color photographs, you are given an insight into one of the oldest Christian culters on the Tigris. You encounter people who still speak the language of Jesus. You are informed about Christians in distress who need our solidarity.

The author, Fr. Hans Hollerweger is the initiator of "The Friends of Tur Abdin" and is bound by strong ties of interest to the area. A 368 page illustrated book, of which 306 pages are in color, introduced by letters from Patriarch Ignatius Zakka II and Archbishop Timotheos Samuel Aktas.