The Al-Azhar complex, mosque and university, is located in the heart of Islamic Cairo and is not only home to the oldest university in the world, but is also where the black robes for graduation originated. The costume worn by students around the world at graduation seems to have been inspired by the flowing robes […]
Islam flourished in Egypt during early dynastic periods such as the Fatimid and Ayyubid dynasties, establishing Egypt as a major cultural, political, and social power in the Islamic world. In 1250 AD, a military caste known as the Mamluks took control of Egypt and made it a major Islamic power. In 1798, the arrival of […]
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Monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul
The monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul are the oldest Christian monasteries; they both date back to the 4th century AD, when monks began to settle in hidden rocks and caves at the foot of Mount Galala Al-Qibliya on the Red Sea. Both monasteries are considered the holiest sites of the Coptic Church in […]
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The necropolis of Al-Bagawat
The necropolis of Al-Bagawat is one of the oldest Christian cemeteries in the world. Most of the tombs are unadorned mud-brick crypts, but a few have well-preserved biblical scenes carved into the walls. Local guides will be happy to leadyou to the paintings of Moses, Jesus and Abraham and other colorful tombs for a tip. […]
About half a kilometre from the monastery of St. Bishoi is Deir As-Surian, or the Syrian Monastery, which of the four monasteries in Wadi Natrun is most famous for its exquisite frescoes, icons and other religious art. The monastery’s name comes from a long ago time when many Syrian monks lived here. Built in Deir […]
