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See - Sada Elbalad
11 hours ago
- General
- See - Sada Elbalad
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. The Presidency underscored the importance of the close and brotherly ties between Egypt and Greece, calling for the preservation and enhancement of these historic relations to serve the mutual interests of both nations while reiterating that these long-standing bonds must remain untouched. read more 2 Most Inspirational Green Projects in Egypt AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT to Strive over Viewership Tonight Egypt Marks 70th Anniv. of 2011 Revolution, National Police Day In Depth: WWE NXT Halloween Havoc In Depth: AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT Tuesday Viewership Strive Videos & Features WATCH: Egyptians Break Ramadan Fasts in Matariya Videos & Features GrEEk Campus Hosts Jobzella Fifth Career Fair Videos & Features 3 Iconic Ramadan Songs of All Times Videos & Features Top 4 Destinations to Visit in Upper Egypt News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Egypt could close world's oldest Christian monastery
Egypt could close the oldest continuously functioning monastery in the world, prompting fury from Christians. St Catherine's, at the foot of Mount Sinai, was built by the order of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I between 548 and 565 and has operated as a religious community ever since. However, a court ruling in Cairo has sparked fears that the Orthodox institution will be forcibly turned into a museum and its approximately 20 monks evicted. According to the Egyptian press, the court ordered that ownership of the monastery's land be transferred to the Egyptian state. It has been reported that the decision was taken so the building could be converted into a museum. Less than a month ago, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Egypt's president, publicly reassured the Greek government that the monastery would continue. Late on Thursday, his office issued a statement pledging 'full commitment to preserving the unique and sacred religious status of Saint Catherine's Monastery and preventing its violation'. However, there is widespread concern in the Christian world that the court ruling will result in the forcible closure of the monastery and the eviction of the monks. Mount Sinai holds theological significance because it is reputed to be where God spoke to Moses through the burning bush, tasking him with leading the chosen people out of Egypt. It is also the reported location where the 10 Commandments were handed down to Moses. St Catherine's Basilica, with its intricate mosaics, is considered a treasure trove of Byzantine-era religious art. News of the court ruling prompted an impassioned protest from Ierenemos II, the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece. 'Following yesterday's scandalous ruling, a violent infringement of human rights and, more specifically, of religious freedoms by Egypt's judicial authorities, the world's oldest Orthodox Christian monument, the Monastery of Mount Sinai, is entering a period of great trial – one that evokes memories of darker times in history,' a statement read. 'I unequivocally condemn any attempt to alter the longstanding status that has prevailed in this region for fifteen centuries. I call upon the responsible Greek government – and personally upon prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis [of Greece] – to take immediate and appropriate action to restore lawful order and ensure that the Holy Monastery is not effectively abolished.' Meanwhile, Greek government sources said they would attempt to work with the Egyptian authorities to hold the country to the commitments given by President Sisi during his visit to Greece on May 7. A spokesman for Mr Sisi's office said: 'The Presidency affirms that the recent court ruling consolidates this status, aligning with the points President El-Sisi emphasised during his recent visit to Athens on May 7. 'The Presidency also affirms the importance of preserving the close and fraternal relations that bind the two countries and peoples and ensuring that they are not jeopardised.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
New York Post
a day ago
- General
- New York Post
Rare 1,600-year-old mosaic from Christian monastery unveiled after centuries of obscurity
A 1,600-year-old Byzantine-era mosaic from a Christian monastery was recently put on public display for the first time, giving a glimpse into life during ancient times. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement about the unveiling of the Be'er Shema mosaic earlier this week. The mosaic was officially opened to the public at the Merhavim Regional Council complex in the Southern District of Israel on Sunday. The ministry described the art piece as 'one of the most impressive mosaics discovered in the south of the country.' 'The approximately 1,600-year-old colorful mosaic presents 55 medallions decorated with hunting scenes, animals, and scenes of everyday life,' the statement also noted. The mosaic has 55 medallions, with each telling its own story. Archaeologist Shaike Lender said the scenes depict 'mythological characters, baskets of fruit, exotic animals, scenes from everyday life, hunting scenes and more.' 'The mosaic was clearly made by the hand of a true artist,' Lender added. 4 A 1,600-year-old Byzantine-era mosaic from a Christian monastery was recently put on public display for the first time, giving a glimpse into life during ancient times. Facebook/Israel Antiquities Authorit 'It is comprised of small mosaic stones in a variety of colors, combined with glass and pottery to infuse it with variety.' The Be'er Shema mosaic was found in 1990 during an excavation in Kibbutz Urim. Archaeologists don't know its exact age, but they dated it to the Byzantine period of Israeli history, which lasted from 324 A.D. to 638 A.D. 4 'The approximately 1,600-year-old colorful mosaic presents 55 medallions decorated with hunting scenes, animals, and scenes of everyday life,' the statement also noted. Facebook/Israel Antiquities Authorit The mosaic was a feature within a monastery that also doubled as a winery to 'earn its sustenance,' according to Israeli officials. 'The excavation of the complex uncovered a large winepress and warehouses with storage jugs, which were produced on site,' the statement said. The monastery was built near an ancient spice trail road that connected the historic city of Elusa with the port of Gaza. 4 Archaeologist Shaike Lender said the scenes depict 'mythological characters, baskets of fruit, exotic animals, scenes from everyday life, hunting scenes and more.' Facebook/Israel Antiquities Authorit 'It seems that the ancient road upon which this settlement was sited served as a kind of border between the desert and the inhabited part of the country – during the Byzantine period, and perhaps serving as such even earlier, during the Roman period,' officials said. Archaeologists also discovered the monastery was part of a large settlement, comprised of several hundred dunams. A dunam, a historic unit of measurement still used in Israel today, is 1,000 square meters. '[The settlement] served travelers needing a safe place to spend the night, offering protection from potential attacks by raiders from the local Bedouin tribes,' the statement noted. 4 The mosaic was a feature within a monastery that also doubled as a winery to 'earn its sustenance,' according to Israeli officials. Facebook/Israel Antiquities Authorit The mosaic was extensively preserved by archaeologists over the past few months. They treated the mosaic for damage and re-strengthened the tiles. Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) director Eli Escusido applauded the mosaic's opening, saying its site 'will serve the public as an open archaeological garden.' 'I now invite the public to enjoy and to form their own impressions of one of the most beautiful mosaics ever seen here in Israel's South, here in the northwestern Negev,' he said.
Fox News
2 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Rare 1,600-year-old mosaic from Christian monastery unveiled after centuries of obscurity
A 1,600-year-old Byzantine-era mosaic from a Christian monastery was recently put on public display for the first time, giving a glimpse into life during ancient times. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement about the unveiling of the Be'er Shema mosaic earlier this week. The mosaic was officially opened to the public at the Merhavim Regional Council complex in the Southern District of Israel on Sunday. The ministry described the art piece as "one of the most impressive mosaics discovered in the south of the country." "The approximately 1,600-year-old colorful mosaic presents 55 medallions decorated with hunting scenes, animals and scenes of everyday life," the statement also noted. The mosaic has 55 medallions, with each telling its own story. Archaeologist Shaike Lender said the scenes depict "mythological characters, baskets of fruit, exotic animals, scenes from everyday life, hunting scenes and more." "The mosaic was clearly made by the hand of a true artist," Lender added. "It is comprised of small mosaic stones in a variety of colors, combined with glass and pottery to infuse it with variety." The Be'er Shema mosaic was found in 1990 during an excavation in Kibbutz Urim. Archaeologists don't know its exact age, but they dated it to the Byzantine period of Israeli history, which lasted from 324 A.D. to 638 A.D. The mosaic was a feature within a monastery that also doubled as a winery to "earn its sustenance," according to Israeli officials. "The excavation of the complex uncovered a large winepress and warehouses with storage jugs, which were produced on site," the statement said. The monastery was built near an ancient spice trail road that connected the historic city of Elusa with the port of Gaza. "It seems that the ancient road upon which this settlement was sited served as a kind of border between the desert and the inhabited part of the country – during the Byzantine period, and perhaps serving as such even earlier, during the Roman period," officials said. Archaeologists also discovered the monastery was part of a large settlement, comprised of several hundred dunams. A dunam, a historic unit of measurement still used in Israel today, is 1,000 square meters each. The mosaic was extensively preserved by archaeologists. "[The settlement] served travelers needing a safe place to spend the night, offering protection from potential attacks by raiders from the local Bedouin tribes," the statement noted. The mosaic was extensively preserved by archaeologists over the past few months. They treated the mosaic for damage and re-strengthened the tiles. Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) director Eli Escusido applauded the mosaic's opening, saying its site "will serve the public as an open archaeological garden." "I now invite the public to enjoy and to form their own impressions of one of the most beautiful mosaics ever seen here in Israel's South, here in the northwestern Negev," he said.
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Preview: Irish promotion hopes on the line in Istanbul
Istanbul. A vast city shaped by the influences of former empires; decorated with Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, its skyline punctured by modern high-rise tower blocks. The old and the new. The Republic of Ireland have arrived into this cultural melting pot with tectonic plates shifting beneath the squad's foundations. Niamh Fahey, Diane Caldwell and Julie-Ann Russell are all gone; soon Louise Quinn will follow them, the defender set to officially retire after the two friendlies against the USA at the end of June. These great servants have left an indelible mark on the women's game, but the void they leave behind must be filled. It's an opportunity for the new figures to rise. Erin Healy is the most recent addition to the setup and her call-up is interesting. The San Diego-born attacker played college football with Gonzaga University in Washington but had no pressing ambition to pursue a professional career, lining up a job in accounting. A successful stint in Portugal with Club de Albergaria changed her perspective. Healy moved to Adelaide in September 2024 - the same month she received her Irish citizenship - and the rest is history. Boss Carla Ward had suggested the 24-year-old A-League star was closing in on a move to Europe, potentially the WSL, so it was a surprise to see Adelaide announce earlier this week that Healy is staying Down Under for the 2025/26 campaign. That's going to be one hell of a commute. First, she must make a good enough impression to ensure Ward wants her back. Charlton's Melisa Filis was called up in Ward's first camp, didn't play a minute, and hasn't been seen since. In February 2023, Vera Pauw gave Australia-born Deborah-Anne De La Harpe her shot in a friendly against China in Spain. De La Harpe was taken off at half-time. She also hasn't been seen since. These are the type of call-ups that Ward really needs to get right. Guided by the FAI's Head of Talent ID and Recruitment Aidan Price, Ireland are scouring the globe for eligible talents, with many players actively reaching out to the association to let them know they are willing and able to represent the Girls in Green. That's no bad thing, but Ward is simultaneously trying to nurture the young talent playing in the League of Ireland. She's been very positive about the league's quality, while acknowledging that the step up to international football is steep. Ruesha Littlejohn (Shamrock Rovers) and Aoibheann Clancy (Shelbourne) are the only to home-based players in the current squad. If Healy doesn't cut the mustard, there'll be understandable groans of frustration within the league that she's been given this chance while others are overlooked. Still, it makes sense to draft in someone of her age and profile. Of the 24 players in the panel, only six are under 25: Tyler Toland (23), Abbie Larkin (20), Healy (24), Jessie Stapleton (20), Emily Murphy (22) and Aoibheann Clancy (21). Omitting the soon-to-be-retired Quinn, 12 of the 23 will be aged 30 or over by the time the World Cup qualifiers begin next spring. Ward is trying to build for the future while getting results along the way. It's a tricky task. But Ireland could do with unearthing more good footballers in the 22 to 28 age bracket to strengthen their chances of making it to Brazil in 2027 and the 2029 Euros. For the moment, the focus is on getting back to League A of the Nations League, which would boost Ireland's seeding for World Cup qualification. The Group 2 winners go straight up, second place sends you into a two-legged promotion/relegation play-off against one of the League A third-placed teams. Truth be told, two more competitive games in the autumn would be no harm as the team wades through a period of transition. They'll be braced for a physical battle this evening against a decent Turkish outfit. Necla Gungor Kiragasi set her players up in a 4-4-2 block in Dublin instructing the likes of Ebru Topcu and Busem Seker to bite into tackles on a bad pitch. They duly obliged. Ireland laboured to a 1-0 victory but the visitors very nearly pinched a point at the death when Arzu Karabulut spurned a great opportunity. In their four Nations League games to date the Turks have conceded five goals - three of them coming in a 3-0 away loss to Slovenia, who really do look like a coming team. They're a tough nut to crack, so Ireland will need guile and patience here. Leanne Kiernan (quad) and Heather Payne (Achilles) are both out so Abbie Larkin could get a run from the start. Healy, the newbie, might feature off the bench at some point. She's impressed Ward and her staff in training this week, and is a bit of a wild card if the visitors are struggling to break Turkey down. Captain Katie McCabe trained yesterday having linked up with the squad on Wednesday. The Dubliner is coming back down to earth after helping Arsenal to a magnificent Champions League final win against Barcelona. Ward has said she's raring to go but McCabe has been managing a calf niggle for a while now and might be held in reserve; especially with the Slovenia game at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in mind. Kyra Carusa will lead the line having missed the 2-1 defeat of Greece due to a quad injury, while Megan Connolly is also back in the frame after missing that March window. As for Louise Quinn? Don't be surprised to see her make a cameo up top if Ireland need a goal. Ward has said she won't be afraid to use Campbell's big throws and Quinn's aerial prowess if she needs to. A big winner would be another sweet moment in what's been a superb Ireland career. Prediction: Turkey 0-1 Republic of Ireland REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SQUAD Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Unattached), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic) Defenders: Jessie Stapleton (West Ham United), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Louise Quinn (Unattached), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Megan Campbell (Unattached), Katie McCabe (Arsenal) Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Ruesha Littlejohn (Shamrock Rovers), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Marissa Sheva (Sunderland), Aoibheann Clancy (Shelbourne)
