South Sinai Governorate
The Governorate of South Sinai extends from Taba on the Gulf of Aqaba across the northern foothills of Al-Tih plateau to Ras Masallah on the Gulf of Suez in the west, and Ras Mohammed in the south.
Main Towns
Al-Tor
The Governorate capital, is on the Gulf of Suez, about 170 km. South of Suez. It is characterized by an excellent all-year-round climate and its numerous orchards. Its airport is equipped to handle small and medium size aircrafts, while its port can accommodate medium size ships.
Ras Sidr
On the Gulf of Suez, and about 191 km. from Cairo, is both a winter and summer resort.
Daghash Land Village
On the coast of the Gulf of Suez about 210 km. form Cairo and 19 km. from Ras Sidr, South of Sinai, this village comprises 84 bungalows (168 beds) all of which are directly on the seafront.
Abu Redeis
On the Gulf of Suez, is a center for extracting petroleum. It has an airport that can handle small and medium size aircraft’s.
St. Catherine
Lies about 150 km. south-east of Abu Redies on a high plateau 2500 meters above sea level. It is considered the centre of religious tourism in Sinai. Nearby lies the Monastery of St. Catherine dating back to the 6th century. This town is famous for its orchards and plentiful water. Its airport is equipped for small and medium size aircrafts. There is a Motel, 180 beds, and a guest house, 96 beds. Nearby, about one kilometer away opposite St. Catherine Monastery, is St. Catherine's Tourist Village at Wadi Al-Raha, one of the most renowned regions for religious tourism in Sinai. The village comprises 100 bungalows and an elegant restaurant.
Mount Sinai (Gabal Moussa) is accepted in the traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as the place where God appeared to Moses and gave him the Ten Commandments.
At its foot lies the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St Catherine, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. Its long existence and priceless, virtually-intact collections of icons and manuscripts can almost certainly be attributed to the safety of its location, tucked away in the barren rocky landscape of South Sinai.
"The site has been described on the World Heritage List as mixed property, cultural and natural," said Gaballa Ali Gaballa, member of the Permanent Committee of the Ministry of Culture and head of the delegation to Budapest.
"this means that the monastery and its surrounding have been listed; that is to say, 601 square kilometres located within the 4,300 feddans of the Sinai protectorate."
The first steps to conserve the natural and cultural features of South Sinai were taken back in 1996 when the St Catherine Protectorate was declared under the management of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) and the commission of the European Union.
The aim then was to conserve the area by laying down certain rules for visitors.
These included respecting the sanctity of the land; protecting its large variety of flora and fauna (some unique to Sinai); forbidding visitors from removing or interfering with animals, plants or rocks; requesting them to dress conservatively when visiting the monastery and to respect the local cultures of the Bedouin (seven different tribes live in or around the protectorate); and ensuring that people remove their litter or place it in the bins provided.
But then a modern highway was built, and an airport, and tourists and pilgrims began to arrive in thousands, in groups of 30 to 50, several times a day -- and on every day of the year that the monastery is open.
So many tourists climb the 2,244-metre-high Mount of the Law.
The fruitful lower reaches of Mount Catherine -- the highest peak in the Sinai peninsula, is named in honour of the monastery's patron saint
As a World Heritage Site, a management and protection plan will now be set in motion by the ministery of culture, the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), the governorate of South Sinai and the monastery authorities themselves.
"What we are dealing with now is a much smaller area that takes in the St Catherine complex with its main church, the chapel of the "burning bush", the old refectory, the Fatimid mosque and the library," Gaballa said.
"It also includes the environs with Mount Sinai and Mount Catherine. We will ensure that the pristine quality of the land is protected from pollution, and that the Sinai Bedouin, particularly the Jabaliya who are heirs of hundreds of years of nomadism and who have played an integral part in monastic life almost from its beginning, will be imbued with a new sense of awareness for environmental protection."
The areas of South Sinai which are described on the World Heritage List encompass:
The Monastery of St Catherine, constructed in 530 by the Emperor Justinian who gave orders for architects and builders to go to Sinai to build a fortification enclosing a large new basilica.
This, the Church of the Transfiguration, replaced an earlier chapel dedicated to the Holy Virgin on the site of the "burning bush" where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments.
The site was considered sacred by large numbers of ascetics from various parts of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, including Egypt and Syria, many of whom escaped there to avoid Roman persecution.
The first written documentation of such pious communities are found in the narratives of the monks Silvanus, Ammonius and Nilus, who lived in Sinai between 350 and 420.
The latter described continued raids on Christians by aggressive Blemmys, tribes from the Eastern Desert, who looted the monastery and even murdered monks. This was the reason for Justinian's building.
This is one of the few churches of early Christendom to have survived, and is one of the finest and richest cathedrals in existence. The interior is an impressive example of Greek ecclesiastical architecture and adornment, rich and opulent.
The nave is flanked by six monolithic marble columns, the capitals of which support arches and the upper walls of the clerestory, which is set with rectangular windows.
Between the columns are elaborately-carved thrones of the patriarchs and bishops, and the walls are covered with icons and painting, some of great antiquity. The nave is separated from the altar by a 17th century gilded iconostasis presented to the monastery by the patriarch Cosmos of Crete.
In front of it are three pairs of tall early 18th century candlesticks; the iconostasis is crowned by a great crucifix bearing the figure of Jesus Christ painted in bright colours; and behind is the altar table, inlaid with mother of pearl, the work of a 17th-century Athenian artist.
The vault of the apse above the altar is adorned with the monastery's greatest treasure, an astonishing sixth-century mosaic. The figures stand out in exquisite shades of blue, green and red against a background of dull gold glass.
To the right of the altar is a marble sarcophagus or domed canopy supported by four slender marble columns containing two richly inlaid silver caskets. These hold the relics of St Catherine:
One contains her skull encircled by a golden crown studded with gems, and the other her left hand, ornamented with gold rings set with precious stones. To the left of the altar is a votive sarcophagus, wrought in pure gold and studded with precious stones; the two sarcophagi were gifts of the Czars of Russia, Peter the Great in 1680, and Alexander II in 1860.
The Chapel of the Burning Bush, the most sacred part of the monastery, is a small chamber that lies below and behind the altar of the church. The bush, protected by a stone wall, is of a bramble species, the like of which is not to be found in all Sinai; it neither blooms nor gives any fruit, although carefully tended by the monks.
The Mosque near the belfry stands as evidence of the protection of the monastery by the caliphs of Egypt, and also the monks' tolerant attitude to Islam. It is a rectangular building with two sturdy pillars upon which the arches of the roof rest.
Although it is generally assumed that the structure was erected as a mosque, there is archaeological evidence to show that it was originally a guest house and was converted into a mosque in the early 11th century.
Inside is a pulpit with a Kufic text recording that it was built to fulfil a wish of Abu Mansour Anushtaken in 1106. The minaret faces the church belfry, and the local Bedouin, the Jabaliya, are entrusted with the keys to the mosque as a hereditary privilege.
The Old Refectory, situated south-east of the basilica, is a rectangular chamber 17 metres long with an arched roof in Gothic style. The long wooden table, brought from Corfu in the 18th century, is carved with angels and flowers in rococo style. Both the outside and inside of the door frame, as well as the inner and outer frames of the window, bear coats-of-arms of European pilgrims in mediaeval times.
A small chapel attached to the refectory is liberally marked with graffiti by visitors from the 14th to 17th centuries.
The Library, which was built between 1930 and 1942, is a spacious and well-built fireproof concrete wing more than 10 metres wide and 15 metres long.
It represents one of the richest monastic collections in the world, second in importance only to the Vatican. It contains more than 6,000 volumes and manuscripts, 3,000 of which are ancient, the bulk -- more than 2,000 -- in Greek, and hundreds of others in 12 languages including Arabic (some 700), Syriac, Armenian, Georgian, Coptic, Polish and Slavonic.
The Icon Collection is the monastery's great artistic treasure. The most important single collection in the world, it includes more than 2,000 works, 150 of which are unique pieces dating from the fifth to the seventh centuries.
The collection represents some of the finest Byzantine work and includes a large number of icons from the period of the iconoclasm (726-843), when the depiction of the saintly or divine form in art was considered heretical.
In Christian centres elsewhere during this period almost all representations of religious figures in icons, mosaics and wall paintings were removed or destroyed. Only in the remote Monastery of St Catherine did so large a number remain unharmed.
In what is known by the monks as the Treasury, or Sacred Sacristy, several important manuscripts are displayed in glass cabinets. These include a fine collection of icons, including some of the oldest and most valuable owned by the monastery.
Also on display is a large collection of ancient and modern vestments embroidered in gold and silver thread, mitres, chalices and trays of the finest workmanship, gold and silver crosses of various sizes and shapes, and illuminated Bibles of incredible beauty in gold and silver filigree containers set with precious stones.
Mount Sinai, honoured by the three great monotheistic religions, rises behind the monastery and is bounded to the west by Wadi Al-Laja (Valley of Refuge), and to the east by Wadi Al- Deir (Valley of the Monastery). There are several paths leading to the summit, the one most frequently used being Sikket Sayidna Musa, or "path of our Lord Moses", which commences immediately behind the monastery.
On the summit are two granite buildings, a chapel and a mosque, both of modern date. The former is on the site of the original chapel erected by Justinian, which was destroyed and rebuilt many times; the latter is most frequently visited by Muslims who celebrate the mulid of Nabi Saleh in Wadi Al- Sheikh each year.
The mountain which bears the name of the patron saint of the monastery, Mount Catherine (Gabal Katrin), is a huge naked rock of granite descending steeply on all sides.
At the mouth of the Wadi Al-Laja, which leads to it, are many early structures including the Monastery of the Forty Martyrs (Deir Al-Arba'in), which owes its name to the martyrs who were slain by the Blemmy tribes. Its base is extremely fruitful, its upper slopes picturesque, with herbs and grasses, and on its summit is a small chapel built into the contours of the rock face dedicated to the saint.
It is to be hoped that this mountainous sanctuary, the monastery and the sacred peaks in one of the most picturesque areas of South Sinai will now be protected from the burden of further development in the name of tourism.
The 601-square-kilometre area in southern Sinai now included on UNESCO's World Heritage list is "mixed property, cultural and natural", which includes the monastery of St Catherine, the natural environment around Mount Sinai and Mount Catherine, and the rights of the local Bedouin.
St. Catherine, the daughter of a wealthy, probably noble family in Alexandria, is understood to have died a virgin martyr's death.
She was beautiful, gracious and well-versed in poetry, philosophy, mathematics and languages, surpassing all others in rhetoric and logic. For her adherence to her faith she was severely tortured in the reign of Emperor Maximinus at the beginning of the fourth century (although there is no record of her before the eighth century) and eventually put to death.
According to one popular tradition, she witnessed with grief how the emperor promoted the worship of idols, and tried to convert him to Christianity. Although unsuccessful in her attempt, she nevertheless astonished him by her knowledge.
He forthwith put her under guard while he sent out a search for 50 learned men whom he charged to dissuade her from her belief. However, Catherine's arguments were so brilliant that the sages were confounded, and it was she who managed to convert them.
The emperor then decided that Catherine should be put to death. On his orders, knife blades were attached to four wooden wheels, which were set to rotate in opposite directions.
But far from cutting Catherine to shreds, the wheels spun on their own and her flesh was not even scratched. At this, the emperor decreed that she should be beheaded, and his orders were carried out on 25 November 305.
Several different traditions relate to St Catherine's association with Sinai.
Among them is the popular version that, five centuries after her death, a Sinai monk had a vision in which her body, uncorrupted by death, became radiant with light and was lifted by angels to a peak near Mount Sinai (subsequently known as Mount St. Catherine's).
When monks ascended the mountain in the ninth century, they found the intact body of the saint exuding, it was said, a sweet-smelling myrrh that was periodically collected in small bottles because it was believed to have healing properties.
The martyrdom of St. Catherine and the news of her body being found in Sinai spread throughout Europe in the time of the Crusades.
Main Tourist Sites in South Sinai
'Uyun Mussa
About 15 km. east of Suez, it is an oasis comprising 12 sweet water springs.
Monastery of St. Catherine
About 130 km. from Abu Zuneima, it was built in the 6th century and dedicated to the daughter of a ruler of Alexandria, who converted to Christianity and was subjected to great torture.
The huge walls of the Monastery (length 85 m. width 75 m. height 11 m.) surround a number of small churches. On the east wall is an ancient basket and a pulley which was used instead of opening the door. Nearby is Wadi Al-Raha.
Main Landmarks of the Monastery
The Basilica Church: Was built by Emperor Justinian in 527 AD. It is divided into three halls.
The Chapel: Built next to the Burning Bush.
The Refectory: Is a long narrow room
The Library: Contains thousands of books and rare manuscripts in different languages.
The Mosque: Built in the Fatimid age, stands west of the main church within the walls of the Monastery.
Hammam Fara'un (Pharaoh's Bath): A group of hot sulfur springs, with a temperature of 72û C at the source.
Chapel of Aaron: Stands in the plain of Al-Raha, Wadi Firan.
Sourial Mountain: An object of pilgrimages prior to the advent of religions.
Mouses and Seifsafa Mountains: 2km. long mountain chain, the highest peak of which is Mouses mountain (Gabal).
Fortresses
The Fortress of Sidr: Built by Salah Al-Din Al-Ayoubi
The Fortress of Nuweiba: Built by the Turks in the 18th century.
The Fortress of Al-Tor: Built by Sultan Selim in 1520 AD.
The Temple of Sarabit Al-Khadim
Lies on a small hill top north of Al-Tor. It consists of several caves, most important of which are: Cave of the Goddess Hathor, built during the reign of king Snefru, and Cave of Souidu, the God of War.
Tomb of Nabi Saleh
Lies at the junction of Wadi Mur and Wadi Al-Sheikh.
Main Tourist Beaches
Ras Mohammed
Situated at the peak of Sinai Peninsula, 53 km. from Sharm Al Sheikh and is the narrowest part between the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba. It is renowned for having the most exquisite coral reefs in the world and for being a refuge to rare marine life. It has recently been declared a nature preserve and most fit for diving. There is a road linking it to the main highway. Visitors to Ras Mohammed pay token fees. Fees are payable in dollar for foreigners and local currency for Egyptians, It was also decided to give a 50% discount for groups, foreigners and Egyptians alike.
Sharm AL-Sheikh
Overlooks the Gulf of Aqaba, and is about 53 km. from Ras Mohammed and 336 km. from Suez. It is both a summer and winter resort due to its moderate climate all year round and depends on fishing and tourism. It is the Mecca of all those who seek tranquility and love the sun. There are also several well equipped diving centres.
Tourist Villages
Al-Ghazala Village:
Occupies the centre of Ne'ma Bay, 8 km. to the north, and has a diving centre.
Al-Fayrouz Village
Directly on Ne'ma Bay, it comprises 150 bungalows and 300 beds. Each bungalow contains two beds, V.C.R. and T.V. with direct international dial. The village also has a diving centre, a swimming pool and several restaurants.
Dahab About 81 km. north of Sharm Al Sheikh, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in south Sinai because of its gleaming sand, clear waters and colourful marine life. It has a tourist village, diving centres, camping sites and boats and water-skiing facilities.
Dahab village
Overlooks the Aqaba Gulf, 90 km from Sharm Al-Sheikh and has all facilities and services, a diving centre and camping site.
Nuweiba
About 87 km. form Dahab on the Aqaba Gulf, it is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches. It has a diving centre, a tourist village. cafeteria and fish restaurant.
The Fishermen's Village
Situated 150 km. from Sharm Al Sheikh, it has a beach that is 30 km. long and 50 meters wide, and all tourist facilities and services.
Taba
Located on Egypt's international borders on the Aqaba Gulf about 75 km. from Nuweiba, it boasts a most exquisite panorama of sea and mountains. The region is distinguished by its numerous bays, coves and lagoons.
The Hilton Taba Hotel (5 stars) stands on a high hill overlooking the Aqaba Gulf, opposite to the Israeli port of Eilat. Next to it is a tourist village.
Gezirat Fara'un "Pharaoh's Island"
South of Taba is Gezirat Fara'un on the Aqaba Gulf. This island has a unique geographical and historical location from which one can see three countries: Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt. It also hosts the ruins of the famous fortress of Salah Al-Din.
The importance of Taba's geographical location lies in that it links Egypt with Jordan and Israel and attracts tourists from East Aisa.
North Sinai Governorate
The Governorate of North Sinai lies on the Mediterranean Coast and is separated from South Sinai by the Taba line.
Al-Arish
The capital, is famous for its beautiful shores and palm lined beaches.
The most prominent of its beaches are:
Al-Nakhil
where palm trees extend over the length of the beach.
Al-Masa'id
Renowned for its beauty and tranquility, has numerous chalets and a camping site.
Rumana Near Al-Arish, on the border of Bir Al-Abd town, has a number of chalets and a camping site.
Main Cities
Rafah
The second city in the governorate, it is located on Egypt's international eastern border on the Mediterranean caost, abounding in trees.
Al-Shiekh Zuweid
Located between Al-Arish and Rafah on the Mediterranean coast, it consists of chalets and a camping site.
Bir Al-Abd
An important city, located half way between Qantara East and Al-Arish.
Nekhl City
Built by Sultan Al-Ghouri in 1516 to safeguard the pilgrim route.
Rumana
Located on the Mediterranean coast, it is characterized by its tranquility and scenery.
Fortresses
Fortress of Al-Arish
Built on a plateau south - west of Al-Arish on the ruins of an ancient Pharaonic fort, it was rebuilt by the Turkish Sultan Sulayman Al-Qanouni in 1560.
Fortress of Al-Farma
Lies in the city of Al-Farma, northwest of Balouza village and houses Roman baths with rare mosaic floors.
Fortress of Nekhl
Built at Nekhl village, south of Al-Arish, by Qansuh Al-Ghouri in 1516 AD to safeguard the pilgrim route.
Horus Military Road
Located in North Sinai, where several fortresses and fortified military towns stood between Qantara East and the city of Rafah. The road was used from the time of the Pharaohs until the Ottomans.
