The Deyrulzafaran Monastery Guesthouse and Social Facilities Project is an initiative undertaken by the Deyrulzafaran Monastery to relieve the approximately 1,700-year-old monastery building of its functional burdens in order to preserve it. The project aims to provide healthier and more modern educational conditions for the children studying at the monastery, and to offer contemporary accommodation opportunities for both the worshippers visiting the site and the staff responsible for its upkeep.

The project was originally approved as a preliminary architectural scheme by the Regional Board of Preservation of Cultural Heritage in 2004, together with the existing Visitor Welcome Center Project. However, over the years, evolving needs and approaches in terms of function and architecture have necessitated a comprehensive revision. The project has thus been re-evaluated with an emphasis on architectural sustainability criteria.

Located next to the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, which was built in the 5th century, the new guesthouse and social facilities aim to form a modest settlement that respects and harmonizes with the surrounding natural landscape and vegetation—fully aware of its role as an extension of a highly valuable cultural heritage.

The design is inspired by ancient monasteries carved into rock formations on the nearby hills nearly 2,000 years ago, and it is integrated into the sloped topography. The project adopts a terraced architectural typology, one of the defining characteristics of Mardin’s built environment. It also incorporates courtyards—a significant architectural element of the region—to respond to the local climatic conditions. The abbara, a traditional passageway found in Mardin’s urban fabric, is reinterpreted in the design of the accommodation units, updating these historical features with contemporary methods to ensure natural lighting and ventilation.

The accommodation units are organized around courtyards, and their front-facing arcades provide semi-open spaces that allow users to enjoy the outdoors while being protected from the sun—another element drawn from local architectural traditions.

In accordance with sustainable design principles, green roofs are proposed for all buildings, not only to foster an architectural identity in harmony with nature, but also to support energy efficiency, water management, and ecological continuity. The entire complex is designed using local stone masonry systems, prioritizing environmental sensitivity. The multipurpose hall features a flexible interior layout that can accommodate funeral ceremonies as well as various other communal gatherings.

Despite the site's challenging topography, accessibility has been a key design consideration, and the entire complex has been planned to ensure full and inclusive access at every point.