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  • Al-Hakim be Aamr Ellah Mosque

    Mosque of al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah

    Al-Hakim Amr Allah Mosque, located on Al-Moez Street in Old Cairo, is a prominent Fatimid landmark and the fourth oldest surviving mosque in Egypt. Built in 380 AH during Al-Aziz Billah's reign, it was completed by his son in 403 AH (1012-1013 AD), making it the second largest mosque in Cairo after Ahmed Ibn Tulun Mosque. The mosque's name was attributed to him. The mosque, measuring 12005 meters in length and 113 meters in width, has two minarets at its sea front, surrounded by pyramid-shaped bases. The upper cubes are slightly backwards, and an octagonal minaret protrudes from each of the upper cubes.

  • Visit Queen Nefertari’s Tomb

    Tomb of Queen Nefertari

    There were also the great queens of the New Kingdom (1550-1090 BC) Nefertiti, the wife of Akhenaten (1371-1355 BC), and Nefertari, one of the celebrated eight wives of Ramses II (c. 1279-c. 1213 BC). While Nefertiti is more popular for the exquisite portrait bust of her that is located in Berlin, Nefertari is famous mostly for her large burial site situated in the Valley of the Queens.

  • tomb of Tutankhamun | Tutankhamun tomb discovery | king tut tomb pictures

    Tomb of Tutankhamun

    The Valley of the Kings, located on the Nile River's west bank near Thebes, served as a cemetery for pharaohs during the New Kingdom of Ancient Egyptians from 1539 to 1075 BC. The 20,000 square meter rocky valley houses 27 royal tombs from the 18th, 19th, and 20th Egyptian dynasties, which have been discovered to this day. Pharaoh Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut, was the last Eighteenth Dynasty Pharaoh from 1334 to 1325 B.C. He is famous for his intact tomb and treasures, unmarked grave, and premature death due to broken bones. His minister married his widow after his death.

  • the Virgin Mary’s tree.

    The Tree of Virgin Mary in Matareya

    The Coptic Orthodox Church commemorates the Feast of the Entry of the Holy Family into Egypt, a minor liturgical feast. It commemorates St. Joseph the Carpenter's obedience to an angel's command to take the child and his mother to Egypt, marking the entry of the Holy Family into the land of Egypt. The prayers begin on the eve of the liturgical day. The Maryam Tree Mazar, a significant tourist attraction in Egypt, is home to the Holy Family and has undergone significant development and renovations to maintain its historical significance.

  • Biography of Ahmad ibn Tulun

    Biography of Ahmad ibn Tulun

    Ahmad ibn Tulun's Turkish roots trace back to his father, who was a slave of Noah ibn Asad, the governor of Bukhara. Asad freed him, and Caliph Al-Ma'mun admired him. He was enrolled in the caliphate court and eventually became the head of the caliph's guard. Ahmad bin Tulun, born on September 20, 835 AD, in Baghdad, the capital of the caliphate, was well-cared for by his father, who taught him military arts, jurisprudence, hadith, and hadith, and encouraged him to learn from scholars and read the Qur'an.

  • Al Qusayr, Egypt | Al Quseir history

    Historical Background | Quseir Town

    The city of Al-Qusair is located on the western shore of the Red Sea in Egypt, 140 km south of Hurghada, and one of the most important villages of the city is Hamrawin village, with an area of 7,636 km², while its population is 50,023 people. Al-Qusayr, named after a fort that protected the nation during ancient Pharaonic, Roman, and other empires, was a hub for gold procurement by Pharaohs. Built by Sultan Selim I during the Ottoman period, the fortress remains intact.

Religious Beliefs In Egypt

Information about Religion in Egypt

  • 05 16, 2023

 Religion significantly influences various aspects of social life in Egypt and is reinforced by legal structures. The primary faith practiced in the nation is Islam. However, due to the absence of official statistics, estimates concerning religious demographics can differ considerably. Following the 2006 census, subsequent data have been obtained from evaluations carried out by religious organizations and non-governmental bodies. The majority of the populace identifies as Sunni Muslim, with estimates ranging from approximately 80% to 94%. The next largest religious group is comprised of Coptic Christians, whose population is estimated to be between 6% and 20%. The reliability of these figures is frequently contested, as many Christians assert that they have been systematically underrepresented in the available census data.

Egypt hosts two major religious institutions. The Coptic Orthodox Church, founded in Alexandria by St. Mark in the mid-first century, holds considerable historical significance. Furthermore, the Al-Azhar Mosque, established in 970 A.D. by the Fatimids, is acknowledged as the first Islamic university in the nation.

 The Coptic community in Egypt, which has its origins in one of the nation's oldest religious traditions, has become the largest ethnic and religious minority since the Islamic conquest. This group has faced increasing legislative challenges that may result in discrimination. The marginalization of Copts became more pronounced following the 1952 coup led by Gamal Abdel Nasser. Historically, Christians were obligated to obtain presidential approval for even minor alterations to church buildings. However, in 2005, a legal amendment transferred this authority to local officials, thereby reducing obstacles for Copts in establishing new churches.

The ancient Egyptian religion, known for its complex beliefs and rituals, was integral to the social structure of ancient Egypt. The Egyptians performed prayers and made offerings to a multitude of deities, whom they believed controlled the universe, in an effort to gain their favor. A pivotal element of this religious system was the pharaohs, who were seen as divine leaders with sacred authority. They acted as intermediaries between the people and the gods, responsible for maintaining the worship of the ancient deities through various rituals and ceremonies, thus preserving their own power and status. The state invested considerable resources in religious practices and the construction of temples dedicated to the pharaonic gods.

Individuals were afforded the chance to engage with the deities for personal motivations, seeking guidance through prayer or the practice of magical rituals. Although these personal engagements were distinct from formal ceremonies and institutions, they remained intricately connected. As the authority of the pharaoh waned over time, the significance of these religious traditions became increasingly pronounced. The Egyptians' conviction in an afterlife and the importance of funerary practices is evident in the extensive efforts made to ensure the continuation of existence beyond death. This included the construction of elaborate tombs, the provision of valuable items, and offerings aimed at preserving both the bodies and souls of the deceased, along with their belongings.

In Egypt, Muslims and Christians have a profound historical relationship marked by a shared national identity, ethnicity, societal norms, cultural traditions, and language.

1. A significant feature of religious coexistence in Egypt is the close proximity of mosques and churches. In 2002, under the Mubarak administration, January 7 was officially recognized as a holiday to commemorate Christmas. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that Christians remain a minority within law enforcement, state security, and public service sectors, frequently encountering discrimination in employment due to their religious affiliations.

The progression of religious beliefs throughout history reveals a complex narrative that dates back to prehistoric Egypt, encompassing over 3,000 years. During this extensive timeline, the importance of various deities varied, with their interrelations evolving significantly. As a result, certain gods, such as the sun god Ra, the creator god Amun, and the mother goddess Isis, rose to greater prominence. A pivotal transformation took place during the reign of Pharaoh Akhenaten, who established his capital at Tel El Amarna in modern-day El Minya and introduced the worship of a single deity, Aten, thereby displacing the traditional pantheon. The impact of ancient Egyptian religion is still visible today in the myriad writings and monuments it generated, which have significantly shaped both ancient and modern cultures.

1. The ancient Egyptians viewed the natural environment as infused with divine energies, which they believed resided within the essential components of the universe, such as the earth, sky, ether, the annual flooding of the Nile, and the celestial bodies of the sun and moon. These energies often took on human forms, resulting in the creation of numerous cosmic deities of significant importance. Over time, these deities evolved beyond their local or city-specific roots, as their influence permeated the entire region, reducing the need for a formalized belief system or dedicated local temples. The imaginative expressions of Eastern cultures played a crucial role in the anthropomorphization of these divine concepts, as they were conveyed through the lens of human experience. Although only a limited number of these myths have survived in their entirety from later periods, many references to mythical occurrences in ancient writings indicate that such narratives were already thriving by the conclusion of the Fifth Dynasty at the very least.

In the ancient civilization, the Egyptians depicted God as a symbol of stability and reassurance, shining forth like the sun. Their understanding of the divine was that of a radiant and majestic entity, embodying compassion. The gods were regarded as the creators of life, nurturing and safeguarding the child with love, guidance, and sustenance. They were perceived as protectors throughout one's life, bestowing virtue, health, and clothing, ultimately influencing the entirety of one's existence under divine care.

 The ancient Egyptians believed that humanity serves a Lord who is characterized by devotion and love in worship. Although many of the qualities attributed to this deity are frequently linked to Ptah, this connection is incidental, as various names from the ancient civilization are associated with artifacts primarily found in the Memphis area. It is anticipated that the prominence of other divine names stems from the characteristics attributed to them, which often trace back to Ptah and other deities, indicating a wider interrelation among the divine beings.

The belief system of ancient Egypt posits that individual destinies are not entirely fixed and can be influenced by one's actions, provided they align with divine intent. As long as the future remains under divine oversight, a child is born under the vigilant care of the gods, with parents enhancing their ties to the divine to ensure this blessing. From that point onward, an individual's actions depend on the gods' approval. While humans may express various intentions, it is ultimately the Lord who decides their outcomes, as expressed by an Egyptian sage: "A person may articulate intentions, but the final decision lies with the Lord." The purpose of funeral rites was to free the soul from its physical vessel, enabling it to wander freely and ultimately reunite with the body for eternal existence. Furthermore, the preservation of the body was considered essential, as it was believed that the deceased would return to their body each night to rejuvenate before departing again at dawn.

 In the earliest times, it was believed that the deceased pharaoh would rise to the heavens and dwell among the stars. However, during the Old Kingdom (approximately 2686–2181 BC), this belief underwent a transformation, with the pharaoh becoming more closely linked to the daily resurrection of the sun god Ra and the ruler of the underworld, Osiris, as these deities gained significance. In the well-defined afterlife beliefs of the New Kingdom, the soul was required to navigate various supernatural challenges within the Duat before undergoing a final judgment known as the "Weighing of the Heart." This judgment was presided over by Osiris in conjunction with the Assessors of Maat. During this evaluation, the gods assessed the actions of the deceased throughout their lifetime, symbolized by the heart, against the principles of Maat to determine whether the individual had lived in accordance with these values. If found deserving, the ka and ba of the deceased would unite to create an Akh. There were various beliefs regarding the fate of the Akh, with many asserting that the deceased resided in Osiris's realm, a lush and idyllic area of the underworld. The solar conception of the afterlife, in which the soul accompanied Ra on his daily journey, was primarily associated with royalty but was also believed to extend to others. Throughout the Middle and New Kingdoms, the notion that the Akh could traverse the world of the living and exert a certain magical influence on events there gained increasing acceptance.

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Egypt Tours FAQ

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The Coptic civilization refers to the Christian civilization of Egypt, particularly the period from the introduction of Christianity to Egypt in the 1st century AD to the Arab-Muslim conquest in the 7th century AD and the subsequent Islamic rule. The term "Coptic" is derived from the Greek word "Aigyptios," which means "Egyptian," and it has been used historically to describe Egypt's Christian population and culture.

Here are some key points about the Coptic civilization and its impact on the history of Egypt:

Introduction of Christianity: Christianity was introduced to Egypt in the 1st century AD, and it quickly spread among the native Egyptian population. The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, one of the oldest Christian denominations, has its roots in this early Christian community.

Coptic Language: The Copts developed their own form of the Egyptian language written in the Coptic script, which is derived from the Greek alphabet with additional letters. Coptic was used for religious texts and documentation.

Monasticism: Egypt played a crucial role in the development of Christian monasticism. The desert regions of Egypt, such as the Nitrian Desert and Wadi Natron, became centers of Christian asceticism and monastic life. Renowned figures like Saint Anthony the Great and Saint Pachomius were pioneers of the monastic movement.

Coptic Art and Architecture: The Coptic civilization produced a rich legacy of art and architecture, including intricate textiles, illuminated manuscripts, frescoes, and church architecture. Coptic art often blended Christian themes with traditional Egyptian motifs.

Theological Contributions: Coptic theologians made significant contributions to early Christian theology and played a role in the theological debates of the early Christian Church, including the debates over Christology.

Persecution and Decline: The Coptic community faced periods of persecution and discrimination under various rulers, including the Roman Empire and later the Islamic Caliphates. This led to a decline in the Coptic population.

Coptic Christianity Today: Despite historical challenges, the Coptic Orthodox Church remains a significant religious community in Egypt and has a strong presence in the country. Copts celebrate their own religious traditions and liturgy, and they continue to make contributions to Egyptian society.

Cultural Heritage: The Coptic civilization left a lasting impact on Egypt's cultural heritage. Many Coptic manuscripts, art, and artifacts are preserved in museums and monasteries, providing valuable insights into Egypt's early Christian history.

Language Preservation: The Coptic language, although no longer spoken as a daily language, is still used in Coptic liturgy and religious texts, making it an important aspect of Coptic identity.

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