Tomb of the Prophet Noah

The Tomb of the Prophet Noah, in Cizre's Dağkapı quarter, lies in the basement of the Noah Mosque (Nuh Nebi Camii) that bears the same name and is spoken of as one of the world's oldest revered shrines.

Legend and Belief

According to Islamic tradition, Noah's Ark came to rest after the Flood on Mount Cudi, northeast of Cizre, and Noah settled in Cizre after the descent; the shrine's direct link to this belief turns the town into a centre of faith tourism. The tomb was built at the highest point of the quarter, at a spot the Tigris cannot reach even in flood. Historians and travellers such as Ibn al-Athir of Cizre, al-Firuzabadi, Evliya Çelebi, Abu Bakr al-Halawi and Berossos wrote that this grave belongs to Noah.

Architecture and the Tomb

The present structure was rebuilt in 1996 as a modern square-planned, domed building on the same site after the old tomb was completely demolished; thus the architecture visitors see is new, while the site and its devotional tradition are very ancient. The cenotaph is arranged in the form of a long grave, surrounded by a space where visitors pray.

Visiting and Faith Tourism

Together with the immediately adjacent Great Mosque of Cizre and the Abdaliye Madrasah, the tomb forms the core of the walled old-town faith route; many domestic visitors come to Cizre specifically to see this site and Mount Cudi. Silence and appropriate attire (headscarf, modest clothing) are expected during the visit; photography is generally permitted but worshippers should be respected. The busiest periods are the month of Ramadan, religious holidays and the summer.

Place in Tour Programmes

When adding Cizre to a DMC itinerary, the Tomb of the Prophet Noah — with both its powerful religious narrative and its integration with Mount Cudi — is the anchor of faith-focused tours and is visited back-to-back with the Great Mosque in almost all guided programmes.