Monk and Mason on the Tigris Frontier: The Early History of Tur `Abdin (University of Cambridge Oriental Publications) [Hardcover]

Andrew N. Palmer (Author)

Book Description

Series: University of Cambridge Oriental Publications | Publication Date: April 27, 1990

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.

Editorial Reviews

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

Language Notes

Text: English

Product Details

• Hardcover: 289 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (April 27, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521360269
• ISBN-13: 978-0521360265
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,088,418 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb chronicle of the Tur Abdin, May 6, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Monk and Mason on the Tigris Frontier: The Early History of Tur `Abdin (University of Cambridge Oriental Publications) (Hardcover)

Professor Palmer's book on one part of the Tur Abdin's rich Syrian Orthodox heritage is an absolutely superb work of scholarship as well as a precious testimony to the passing of an ancient and historic Christian community.