At the Syriac Church of Mor Behnam-Kırklar in Mardin, a monument-installation entitled “In the Fresh Shadow of the Ancient Word” has been presented, dedicated to the life and legacy of Gabriel Akyüz, a prominent figure in Syriac culture and a senior priest who served at the church for 41 years.

The installation was created by artist and curator Özcan Geçer. The covers of 17 books written by Akyüz on Syriac history and culture were laser-engraved onto metal surfaces and incorporated into a large-scale cross-shaped structure. The work also includes an ancient censer, stained glass, light, and sound.

The shadow cast by the installation’s approximately 150-kilogram metal structure changes shape throughout the day as the sun moves, symbolizing the connection between memory, permanence, and transience. At night, the structure is illuminated, giving it a new presence within the church.

The Mor Behnam-Kırklar Church, believed to have been built in 539 AD, has for centuries served not only as a place of worship but also as one of the Syriac community’s important educational and cultural centers. The new installation connects this historical heritage with Gabriel Akyüz’s 41 years of service and written legacy, transforming the mark he left behind into a shadow that changes daily under the Mardin sun.