The monastery was named after Mor Lazarus the Edessan, who was an ascetic and bishop of Harran in the fourth century.

[4] The monastery seems to have continued stylite practices in the eight century, after the region had fallen under Islamic rule after 640, making it unique.

[2][5] The aims seems to have to continue this ascetic tradition and the monks of the monastery took turn to live as recluses on top of the columns.

[8] The monastery has a square plan, with structures in the west, north and east, and is surrounded by a three meter high wall.

Its most distinguishing feature is the seclusion tower in the middle of the courtyard, which, though the upper section has collapsed, still is about seven meters high.