Monk and Mason on the Tigris Frontier: The Early History of Tur `Abdin (University of Cambridge Oriental Publications, Series Number 39) - Hardcover

Palmer, Andrew N.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521360269 ISBN 13: 9780521360265

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1990

Synopsis

Tur cAdin is a plateau skirted by the Upper Tigris in south-eastern Turkey. Syrian Orthodox Christians of Aramaic tongue still worship in its Late Antique churches. Monks converted the region and the most powerful monastery, founded in the fourth century, is still flourishing today. This book grew out of an attempt to document more fully the early history of this abbey. It aims to rediscover the practical and symbolic function of the monuments of Tur cAdin and place them in their original social context. A recurring theme is the relationship between village and monastery and, within each, between community and individual. The final chapters also contribute to our understanding of the Syrian Orthodox community under the Abbasid caliphate. A 500-page microfiche supplement contains the first editions of the Qartmin Trilogy, a monastic text to which the book refers, constantly, and the Book of Life, a unique quasi-epigraphical document of a Christian village and its will to surive.

About this title

Language Notes:

Text: English

Review:

"In addition to the wealth of literary (hagiographical, historical, liturgical) and non-literary (largely epigraphical) sources studied by Palmer, the author makes use of the architectural monuments and archeology of the site to explore the early history of the monastery and its relationship over time with the neighboring village communities. Maps, photographs, line drawings, chronological tables, indices, and a detailed bibliography add to the book's value. Monk and Mason on the Tigris Frontier is an almost indispensable reference source for anyone seriously interested in the history and archeology of the early Christian areas of Southeastern Turkey." Sidney H. Griffith, Middle East Journal

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0521360269
• ISBN 13: 9780521360265
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 289