There are many renowned shrines in Mardin. Apart from the inim­ical Ulu Cami (The Great Mosque ) there are monasteries for Assyrians. Deyrulzafa-ran, Mort Gabriel in Midyat and many important monasteries and chapels in villages are all unique specimens of marble work. In recent years, the Assyrian community had many of these monas-teries restored, resusci-tating them to their original forms. The restoration of the Mort Şmuni chapel in Mardin has been made by the Ozkok family. After the completion of this restoration sponsored by the Ozkok family, a dedication ceremony was held. I also attended this inauguration. It was there that I heard the story of the Mort Şmuni. King Antiochus summons the mother devoutly attached to God and her seven sons all very well bred, demanding that they eat forbidden aliments and worship idols. The children take a look at the rack turn down the King's request. All seven brothers are put to death on the rack because of their belief. This event has held its currency
       For centuries as a religious parable. After this event many Şmuni chapels sprang up... The chapel was in shatters before being restored by the Ozkok family under the auspices of Liitfu Ozkok. Another masterpiece was thus added to the cultural heritage of Mardin. The mass held at the initiation was attended nearly by all the Assyrians. I took the photos of the ladies during the inaugura­tion. In Mardin, religions as well as tongues are conversant with each other. Last year an inter-religious exchange conference was held in the Kasimiye Seminary. Adherents of differing beliefs rev­erence each other, and participate in their sacred days and fetes. This is a tradition, which has been perpetuated for centuries. It seems to me that the outside world apart from the architectural treasures of Mardin should also dwell on the exchange of ideas between varying beliefs there.Mardin is a metropolis, which may be set as an example to the world. The way of life in Mardin stretching back to centuries should be expected to yield unique consequences when studied with the methods of sociology.