The monastic complex of Mor Augin lies high above the Plain of Nusaybin among the steep cliffs of Mount Izlo, part of the historical region of the Ṭūr ‘Abdīn and currently located in the Turkish Province of Mardin.

According to the local tradition, this is the most ancient monastery in the area, founded in the early fourth century, when monks, the pioneers of Christian mission outside the cities, pushed the frontiers of Christendom into the hinterland of Nisibis, the capital of the roman province of Mesopotamia (197-363 CE). In spite of the remoteness in which they sought peace to pursue a spiritual life, the monks of Mor Augin were hospitable to wayfarers along the ancient trade route which passed below their monastery (Hollerweger, Hans, Andrew Palmer, Sebastian Brock, and Sevil Gülçur. Lebendiges Kulturerbe : Turabdin : Wo Die Sprache Jesu Gesprochen Wird. Freunde des Tur Abdin, 1999: 288-289).