Medieval Wall Fragments Found During Al-Sayeda Aisha Square Revamp
The uncovered wall sections formed part of Cairo's 12th-century fortifications under the Fatimid dynasty.
May 01, 2025
Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber announced the discovery of fragments of the city's medieval defensive wall during redevelopment works at Al-Sayeda Aisha Square. The square is being transformed into a pedestrian tourist corridor linking the Citadel to mosques like Al-Rifa'i and Sultan Hassan, with increased green spaces and a ban on vehicular traffic.
Saber confirmed the imminent dismantling of the accident-prone Al-Sayeda Aisha Bridge, built in the 1980s and linked to 15 crashes in 2024 due to its hazardous curvature. Traffic will be rerouted via a new axis behind Al-Masbah Mosque, connecting to Salah Salem Road via a planned overpass. The first phase of the alternative route is nearing completion, with a second-phase bridge over the Civilisations Axis to follow.
The uncovered wall sections formed part of Cairo's 12th-century fortifications under the Fatimid dynasty. No preservation plans were detailed, but the governor stressed the revamp prioritises pedestrian safety and heritage visibility.
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Mid East Info
2 days ago
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The UAE's agricultural heritage comes alive at National Agricultural Museum - Middle East Business News and Information
The UAE continues to build a sustainable agricultural sector as part of its journey to contribute to both food security and economic prosperity. At the heart of this transformation lies a fascinating story that spans centuries – from ancient desert farming practices to cutting-edge agricultural technologies. The country's remarkable journey has found its perfect storyteller in the National Agricultural Museum, unveiled at the Emirates Agriculture Conference & Exhibition 2025 being held in Al Ain. In remarks regarding the newly launched museum, Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment said: 'The National Agricultural Museum marks a significant moment in the UAE's agricultural journey. A tribute to our ancestors' wisdom and our rich Emirati heritage, it will serve as a guiding light for our future generations to learn about the history of agriculture and take pride in what we have achieved. Going forward, we remain committed to steadily building up our local food production, acknowledging agriculture's central role in realising our food security ambitions.' A living testament to agricultural heritage: The museum stands as a comprehensive showcase that bridges the gap between traditional farming wisdom and futuristic agricultural innovations. This museum offers visitors an immersive journey through the UAE's agricultural evolution, from time-tested methods to revolutionary technologies. It offers visitors inspiration for how nations can transform challenges into opportunities through innovation, sustainability, and respect for cultural heritage. Visitors are taken on a journey from the past to the future, starting with traditional tools such as the Hoe (used for digging soil and ploughing), alongside the Meyaz (for cutting palm trees), the Al-Shakna (for trimming dead fronds from palm trees), and the Al Malkada (used to strike the Al-Shakna to help cut those fronds), showcasing the ingenious tool systems developed by ancient communities. Perhaps most impressive is the replica of the al falaj irrigation system – an engineering marvel that used underground tunnels to transport water across vast distances from hidden sources to community basins. These hand-dug channels sustained entire communities across the desert landscape, representing one of humanity's earliest examples of sustainable water management. The museum's live pottery demonstrations offer a captivating glimpse into a timeless tradition. In oasis regions like Al Ain and Liwa, local artisans crafted vessels from indigenous clay to store and preserve water, seeds, and crops. Often created during the agricultural off-season, pottery making became a communal activity, with designs reflecting specific tribal affiliations and transmitting practical and cultural knowledge across generations. Technology meets tradition: Today's irrigation landscape tells a different story. The museum showcases how advanced drip irrigation and subsurface systems have revolutionised water efficiency, while smart sensors and recycled water technologies maximise agricultural output with minimal resources. The future section captivates visitors with drone irrigation technology. Thermal imaging drones can detect plant stress through heat patterns invisible to the human eye, enabling farmers to respond rapidly to dehydration, disease, or equipment failures before crops suffer damage. These sophisticated systems capture infrared images and generate detailed heat maps for analysis on mobile and desktop platforms. The UAE's rich natural flora takes centre stage through exhibits featuring indigenous plants that formed the agricultural backbone for generations. The Sidr tree supports small-scale beekeeping and permaculture farms while contributing to agro-ecotourism and heritage food markets. Permaculture farms are based on the concept of utilising land, resources, people and the environment in a manner that doesn't produce any waste – and encourages the use of closed loop systems seen in nature[1]. The resilient Ghaf tree serves multiple purposes – from livestock fodder to soil stabilisation, traditional medicine, and timber for tools. The Acacia farnesiana functions as an ornamental plant, traditional perfume source, livestock fodder, and soil improver through nitrogen fixation. 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See - Sada Elbalad
3 days ago
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All You Need to Know about St. Catherine Monastery: History, Court Ruling, Official Response
Rana Atef In recent hours, Saint Catherine's Monastery has drawn global attention following a court ruling concerning the ownership of its surrounding lands. There is no doubt that the monastery holds a special place in the hearts of Egyptians, not only for its profound historical and religious significance but also as a symbol of national heritage. Located in Sinai, the monastery continues to be a major destination for both religious and cultural tourism. History Saint Catherine's Monastery, whose official name is the 'Sacred Monastery of the God-Trodden Mount Sinai," was built by the order of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 548–565 AD in order to house the monks that had been living in the Sinai Peninsula since the 4th century AD. The name of the monastery came after the Saint Catherine of Alexandria was martyred in the early 4th century AD. The monastery carries her name because its monks discovered her body on nearby Mount Saint Catherine in the 9th century AD, where it had been deposited by angels after her martyrdom. The monastery encompasses multiple structures, the most important of which is the Church of the Transfiguration of Christ the Savior, which itself contains nine smaller churches. One of these is the Church of the Burning Bush, from which God had spoken to the prophet Moses. Saint Catherine's Monastery also includes ten other churches, the monks' accommodations, a refectory, an olive press, ossuaries, a Fatimid mosque from the 12th century AD, and a library that boasts rare books and 6,000 manuscripts. The monastery's library, established between 527 and 565, is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating library in the world. It holds the second-largest collection of early manuscripts and texts in the world, surpassed only by the Vatican Library. Lagal Dispute The legal dispute began in 2015. Two days ago, the Ismailia Court of Appeals issued its ruling regarding the disputed lands in South Sinai, affirming the right of those affiliated with Saint Catherine's Monastery to utilize the monastery and its religious heritage sites, while maintaining state ownership of these locations as public property. The court ruled that the contracts between the local authority and the monastery regarding certain utilized lands must be respected, denying any encroachment. It also confirmed that the remaining disputed lands are natural reserves and public property of the state, which cannot be sold or acquired through prescription, and no contracts have been signed concerning them. What Does the Ruling Mean? Abdel Rahim Rihan, a member of the "History and Antiquities Committee" at the Supreme Council of Culture, told Asharq Al-Awsat that "there is absolutely no crisis regarding the court ruling; on the contrary, it is a victory for the value of antiquities and their preservation, and a triumph for us as Egyptian archaeologists. The ruling confirmed that the monastery and its associated lands fall under the Antiquities Law and are overseen by the Supreme Council of Antiquities. The monastery's residents have the right to use the land, but ownership remains with the state, as these are religious archaeological sites administratively affiliated with the Greek Church yet registered as part of Egypt's world heritage, owned by the Egyptian state". Rihan added that 'this refutes any claims that authorities will evacuate the monastery for development projects. Such actions are not possible with a registered heritage site.' He further explained that 'the ruling also clarified that there are remote lands far from the monastery for which the monks possess no ownership or usufruct contracts. The court ruled these lands fall under the jurisdiction of the nature reserves in South Sinai. Therefore, if authorities wish to do anything with them, they must obtain approval from the Nature Reserves Authority and the Ministry of Environment. In any case, these areas are completely distant from the archaeological zones and the monastery itself.' He stressed that 'However, both history and the court ruling confirm that this land is owned by the Egyptian state, with its protection guaranteed as a registered heritage site.' In addition, Egyptian Member of Parliament Ehab Ramzy, who was among the lawyers who represented the monastery earlier, told CNN Arabic that the recent court ruling regarding the conflict between the monastery and South Sinai Governorate has effectively ended a years-long legal battle. The court affirmed the monastery's right to use the land. He added to CNN Arabic that the court confirmed the monastery's lands are archaeological sites registered on UNESCO's World Heritage List, meaning they cannot be privately owned, but can be lawfully used, a position that aligns with both Egyptian and international law. He continued that the ruling has reinforced the legal and religious status of the monastery and has permanently closed the door on the dispute. Official Response On Thursday, the Egyptian Presidency reaffirmed its full commitment to preserving the unique and sacred religious status of Saint Catherine's Monastery, stressing that this status will not be compromised in any way, as it is an integral part of both Egypt's and the world's religious and spiritual heritage. Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy stated that the recent court ruling represents a legal reinforcement of the monastery's distinguished status. He added that the ruling aligns with what President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasized during his official visit to Athens on May 7, where he underlined the importance of safeguarding shared religious and historical heritage. The presidency also highlighted the deep-rooted, fraternal relations between Egypt and Greece, emphasizing the need to maintain and strengthen these ties in the interest of both nations, while reiterating that these historic bonds must remain untouched. After a few hours, in response to a query from the Middle East News Agency regarding the court ruling issued on May 28 concerning the lands surrounding Saint Catherine's Monastery, and the rumors circulating about the confiscation of the monastery and its affiliated lands, the official spokesperson for Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that such claims are entirely unfounded. A full review of the court ruling reveals the following key points: 1. No Threat to the Monastery or Its Sacred Status The spokesperson emphasized that there is absolutely no infringement on Saint Catherine's Monastery, its affiliated archaeological sites, its spiritual value, or its religious cemeteries. In fact, this court decision marks the first legal codification of the monastery's status and a reaffirmation of the preservation of its sacred position. 2. Continued Usufruct Rights for the Monks While some additional sites fall within natural reserves and have contracts signed with local authorities, the court recognized the monastery's spiritual and religious importance, and therefore upheld the right of the monks to continue using the religious and archaeological areas. 3. Remote State Lands Confirmed The court ruling also identified some remote and uninhabited areas within natural reserves, far from the monastery, for which no documents of ownership or usufruct were presented. These lands have thus been confirmed as public property of the Egyptian state. The spokesperson stressed the importance of accuracy in reporting and warned against forming premature judgments without reviewing the complete text of the ruling. He also highlighted the need to preserve the deep, historical, and brotherly relations between Egypt and Greece, which stretch back centuries. On Friday, Dr. Badr Abdel Aaty, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration, met with European ambassadors in Cairo, where he provided a detailed briefing on the court ruling issued on May 28 regarding the lands surrounding Saint Catherine's Monastery. Abdel Aaty emphasized that the court ruling explicitly confirmed that there would be no infringement upon Saint Catherine's Monastery, its affiliated archaeological sites, spiritual significance, religious status, or monastic cemeteries. He noted that this is the first time a court ruling formally preserves the legal and sacred status of the monastery. He also referred to a phone call held earlier that day between President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during which the President reaffirmed Egypt's full commitment to safeguarding the unique and sacred religious status of Saint Catherine's Monastery, with no compromise on that position. The Foreign Minister added that the ruling not only protects the monastery's religious and spiritual value but also ensures the continued right of the monks to use the monastery and the surrounding religious and archaeological areas. Abdel Aaty pointed out that efforts will be made to reach an agreement to settle the status of certain lands between local authorities and the monastery. He also stressed the need for accurate reporting and avoiding premature or misleading interpretations, especially in light of false rumors about the confiscation of the monastery and its lands. He reiterated the strategic importance of Egyptian-Greek relations, which are grounded in centuries of deep-rooted historical and fraternal ties. On Friday, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's full commitment to preserving the unique and sacred religious status of Saint Catherine's Monastery and stressed that this status would not be altered in any way. The recent court ruling further solidifies this position, aligning with Egypt's long-standing dedication to safeguarding religious and ecclesiastical sites, as well as affirming the monastery's cultural, spiritual, and religious significance. Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy stated that during a phone call with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, President El-Sisi emphasized the strong momentum in Egypt-Greece relations, underscoring the mutual commitment to further enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries in various fields, in line with their historical ties and to the benefit of both nations' peoples. The Presidency had earlier reiterated its unwavering commitment to preserving the sacred religious status of Saint Catherine's Monastery, emphasizing that this status will not be compromised in any way, as it is an inseparable part of Egypt's and the world's religious and spiritual heritage. Ambassador El-Shenawy also highlighted that the recent court ruling legally affirms the monastery's distinguished position and aligns with President El-Sisi's remarks during his official visit to Athens on May 7, where the President emphasized the importance of preserving shared religious and historical heritage. 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Egypt Independent
07-05-2025
- Egypt Independent
Stranded on a ship near Sharjah for 3 months, Egyptian sailors call for help
An Egyptian crew on board the oil ship 'Petro 1,' owned by Petrofleet, a free zone limited liability company, appealed to the Foreign Ministry and the Egyptian Consulate in Dubai to intervene quickly and rescue them, after being stranded at sea for three months near the port of Sharjah. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry confirmed that a boat was deployed alongside the ship to ensure the safety of the sailors and the availability of supplies. The distress call included the names of the Egyptian sailors on board. Their call for help, circulated widely on social media, stated: 'The ship has been stranded since February, without knowing the official reasons preventing it from docking.' They appealed to the Egyptian Consulate to intervene quickly as their food, supplies, and water were running low. Crew member Captain Mohamed Nabil Abdel-Moneim said in a widely circulated voice message: 'The vessel left Ajman Port at the end of January after a comprehensive maintenance of the engine and hull. The ship's livery was changed to the Ajman Port flag. After some distance, the ship developed a malfunction. We threw a hook and tried to repair it.' 'We were surprised by the Sharjah Coast Guard approaching us and asking why we were stopped without permission. They asked for our papers, so we gave them the papers on the ship—our passports and seafarer's licenses only—because the company hadn't left us any other papers. The Coast Guard asked us to head to Sharjah, and the malfunction took some time to be fixed.' 'After communicating with the ship's owner, he requested that we exit territorial waters to avoid any problems, and we did so.' He confirmed that his three generators had completely broken down, leaving the ship without any electricity. Al-Masry Al-Youm contacted Abdel-Moneim, who confirmed that they are still stranded at sea. He added that their vessel is an oil ship which is currently empty and unloaded. The Foreign Ministry confirmed that the Egyptian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai had urgently contacted the Emirati side to determine the developments related to the ship and to ensure the safety of its crew. The ministry added that the Egyptian Embassy and Consulate in the UAE coordinated with Emirati authorities in this regard. They dispatched a UAE Coast Guard boat to the ship to ensure the safety of the sailors and the availability of supplies for the crew. The Consulate General in Dubai dispatched its representatives to Sharjah Port to monitor the situation on a regular basis. Representatives of the Egyptian Consulate communicated by phone with the ship's crew to check on their well-being. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
