This is Bar Hena, a recently restored ancient site on the edge of our town! We decided to go check it out last week! Unfortunately no one there seemed to know any history on the place. I found out a few things on the internet, but I couldn't find out a year or who started it. But I am pretty sure it dates back over 1,000 years. Possibly to the 6th or 7th century A.D. It may have been started by Assyrians.
So apparently it was mostly destroyed during Saddam's reign, but a few relics were saved and it has been restored to its original look. Yes...the door is really short!
I guess these are some original reliefs...I so wish I knew who that was! but my theory is pretty fun...I think it is Thomas. You remember Doubting Thomas. Toby and I read in his Kindergarten curriculum this year that Thomas became and M and travelled to India through Iraq...telling others the Story the whole way through!
It was fun to imagine some ancient believers huddled in this room together! Although, it was actually a little creepy because it was so dark and shrine-like.
again...I so wish I knew who this was and who made it and when.
I love this cross. Surely some history buff out there knows something about this!
I think this may actually be the front entrance. Sadly its nothing more than a shrine now. There were several Mary statues and places where people had burned candles. I know some people use it for a festival every year now. But what it was originally I believe was something beautiful, some secret, something so wonderful, a first of its kind and something I know will be fully restored to this land!
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