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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.

Information about  Mountain of Sinai

Information about Mount Sinai

  • 05 16, 2023

Mount Sinai: A Sacred and Geographical Landmark

Mount Sinai, also known as Jebel Musa, is a mountain located in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. Renowned for its historical, religious, and cultural significance, Mount Sinai has been a focal point of pilgrimage and scholarly interest for centuries. Its towering presence and profound historical associations make it a landmark of exceptional importance in both religious traditions and geographical studies.

Geographical Features

Mount Sinai rises to approximately 2,285 meters (7,497 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest peaks in the Sinai Peninsula. The mountain is part of a rugged, rocky range that characterizes the region. The surrounding landscape is marked by dramatic, arid terrain with striking rock formations and deep valleys, which contribute to the area's dramatic natural beauty.

Religious Significance

Judeo-Christian Tradition: Mount Sinai holds profound significance in Judeo-Christian traditions. It is traditionally identified as the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God, as described in the Book of Exodus in the Bible. This event is considered a pivotal moment in the history of Judaism and Christianity, symbolizing the establishment of divine law and covenant.

Islamic Tradition: In Islamic tradition, Mount Sinai is also regarded as a holy site. The Quran mentions Moses (known as Musa in Islam) and his encounter with God, although it does not explicitly name the mountain. However, the mountain is recognized in Islamic tradition as a place of significant religious importance.

Pilgrimage and Worship: Throughout history, Mount Sinai has been a destination for pilgrims from various religious backgrounds. The mountain's summit is traditionally associated with the divine revelation, and many visitors undertake the challenging climb to the top to experience a sense of spiritual connection. Monastic and religious communities have established places of worship and retreat in the vicinity, such as the Saint Catherine’s Monastery.

Historical and Cultural Context

Saint Catherine's Monastery: Located at the foot of Mount Sinai, Saint Catherine’s Monastery is one of the oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries in the world. Founded in the 6th century CE by Emperor Justinian I, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The monastery houses a rich collection of religious manuscripts, icons, and historical artifacts, making it a center of scholarly research and historical study.

Historical Accounts: Various historical accounts and archaeological studies have sought to explore the significance of Mount Sinai. While some researchers question the exact identification of Mount Sinai with the biblical or Quranic account, the mountain remains a symbol of religious and historical importance. The landscape and its historical context continue to be subjects of scholarly interest.

Tourism and Preservation

Tourism: Mount Sinai attracts thousands of visitors annually, including pilgrims, tourists, and adventurers. The trek to the summit, which can be undertaken either by day or night, offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. The climb is challenging but rewarding, with many hikers reaching the summit to witness breathtaking sunrise or sunset views.

Conservation Efforts: Due to its religious significance and natural beauty, efforts have been made to preserve the integrity of Mount Sinai and its surroundings. Conservation initiatives aim to protect the area from environmental degradation while accommodating the needs of tourists and pilgrims.

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Egypt Tours FAQ

Read top Egypt tours FAQs

As you already know, most tourists climb the mountain during the night, see the sunrise at the summit and visit the monastery during the day. Therefore, if you want to avoid crowds, climb the mountain for sunset or, even better, in the night before a Sunday when the monastery is closed to visitors

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