Balarba Midyat

Bağlarbaşı (Kurdish: Arnas; Syriac: Urnus) is a neighborhood in Midyat district, Mardin Province, Turkey, with a population of 401 in 2021. The village is inhabited by Assyrians and Kurds of the Arnas tribe and is located in the historic region of Tur Abdin. It features the Church of Mar Basus and Mar Cyriacus.

The church's origins are debated; while some sources attribute its construction to Emperor Anastasius I Dicorus (r. 491–518), historian Andrew Palmer claims this was fabricated. The church likely dates back to the late seventh century AD, with an inscription indicating construction of a templon screen in 761/762 by priest Elijah. Notable figures from Urnus include Yusuf, a renowned calligrapher (fl. 1457–1459), and several bishops and patriarchs.

In 1914, during the Sayfo massacres, Assyrians in Urnus fled to ‘Ayn-Wardo after surviving attacks, while 23 men were killed. By 1960, the village had 984 residents, including 390 Turoyo-speaking Christians in 63 families by 1966. The last Christian left in 1991, with many Assyrians emigrating to Germany in the late 20th century.