I visited the two monasteries of Deir Zafaran and Mor Gabriel between the 26th and 30th of November, visiting also the formerly Christian village of Kfarbe in order to report on the condition of the Syriac Orthodox community in SE Turkey. The economic situation is stable, although country-wide worries about the stability of banks is not helping. Much more land is being farmed, and the rains arrived very heavily on my last day there with 33mm.
Water is a continuing worry in the whole region.
The new airport at Mardin is doing well, and has increased the number of flights to Ankara each week. There is a general feeling of hope. Anhil Villagers are working on the restoration of church property. Ayn Wardo Work is in progress on the church property. Midyat Work continues on one of the three churches, the other two having already been restored.