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  • Nubian Heritage Egypt | Nubian History and Culture  | The cultures of Nubia | Nubian lifestyle

    Nubian History and Culture

    On the seventh day of July, the Nubian people commemorate their international day, for no obvious reason, apart from the fact that numeral 7 plays an important role in their historical account, days as well as different culture practices.

  • Spices from Egypt | Herbal Medicine in Ancient Egypt

    Traditional ancient Egyptian medicine

    The Egyptian doctor in the Pharaonic era, and later, enjoyed a high status; he was regarded with reverence and respect. They combined knowledge of religious texts, rituals, and medicines, and were knowledgeable and experienced, and considered themselves intermediaries between the patient and the healing god. Ancient Egypt had doctors distributed among various institutions, including the pharaonic court, government, and army. The palace doctor treated the pharaoh and his family, with the pharaoh's doctor being the most famous and skilled scientist.

  • Egyptian Cotton | the Best in the World

    Egyptian Cotton | Long staple cotton

    Egyptian cotton is a member of the marshmallow family of cotton varieties. Cultivated since ancient times, it gained particular popularity and usage in the 19th century with the development of a long-fibered variety. Other names for it include Pima cotton, Sea Island cotton, and long staple cotton.

  • Taco Day

    National Crunchy Taco Day

    The fried corn tortilla taco shell gained popularity due to Taco Bell's creator Glen Bell, and many taco chains began frying corn tortillas there as a result. Although tocos are now available in trucks in a variety of formats, the classic gringo taco still consists of ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese, exactly like mom used to make.

  • Oriental Carpet School in Egypt

    Handmade Carpet Making

    The carpet industry, dating back to ancient times, began with manual weaving of various colors and designs using needles and thread. Today, it has evolved with the use of special machines with hundreds of needles, producing large quantities of carpets quickly and efficiently. The industry also uses dyeing processes to create distinctive colors in the carpets.

  • Ancient Egyptian Pottery

    The Potter in ancient Egypt

    Ancient Egyptians excelled in shaping pots and carrying utensils due to their abundant raw materials, particularly silt from the Nile, which made this a primary skill for mankind during their time. This skill was crucial for daily activities and everyday use. Egyptians used clay pottery to create utensils, mold containers, and cups, as well as craft masarajs, tools for illuminating places. A masaraj is an oil-containing flat pot with a salt sprinkle, wick, and salt. The initial production was hand-made, and some masarajs were decorated with glaze before use or reused. The nozzle was not used in the design of the masaraj.

Saint Catherine Monastery

Facts about Saint Catherine Monastery

  • 05 16, 2023

Saint Catherine Monastery, located on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world and a site of profound historical, religious, and cultural significance. Its full name is the Monastery of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and it is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr of the 4th century.

Historical Background

Founded in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, the monastery sits at the foot of Mount Sinai, traditionally believed to be the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments. This location was chosen for its remote and sacred nature, which made it an ideal place for monastic life. The monastery's establishment is closely linked to the traditions of early Christianity and the desire to preserve and protect the Christian faith in a region that was increasingly becoming a crossroads of various religious and cultural influences.

Architecture and Art

Saint Catherine Monastery is renowned for its remarkable architectural and artistic features. The complex includes a fortified enclosure with a series of chapels, including the main church, which is built in the form of a basilica. The church’s interior is adorned with stunning mosaics, including a notable mosaic of the Transfiguration of Christ on the apse.

One of the most significant aspects of the monastery is its collection of early Christian and Byzantine manuscripts and artifacts. The monastery houses one of the world’s oldest surviving libraries, containing a vast array of texts in Greek, Latin, and other languages. Among its most prized possessions is the Codex Sinaiticus, one of the oldest complete manuscripts of the Christian Bible.

Religious Significance

The monastery has been a center of Christian pilgrimage for centuries, revered as a holy site due to its association with the biblical story of Moses. It has played a crucial role in preserving Christian traditions and texts, especially during periods of persecution and political upheaval. Despite its remote location, the monastery has remained a place of refuge and spiritual significance.

Cultural Impact

In addition to its religious importance, the monastery is a treasure trove of art and history. Its icons, manuscripts, and relics offer invaluable insights into early Christian art and theology. The monastery has been a focal point for scholarly research and has contributed significantly to our understanding of early Christian practices and the development of monasticism.

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Egypt Tours FAQ

Read top Egypt tours FAQs

St. Catherine’s Monastery is closed on Fridays, Sundays, and the major Greek Orthodox holidays. On other days, it opens to the public in the mornings only. Mondays and Saturdays are the busiest days and, at times when tourist numbers are high, it’s worth visiting between Tuesday and Thursday.

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