Synagogue of Ben Ezra
The Synagogue of Ben Ezra in Cairo was originally named El-Shamieen Church, and is situated today behind the “Hanging church”.
The Synagogue once had an old copy of the Old Testament, and it was said that Ezra the Prophet (Al-Azir) had written it. Yet, It is believed that the site of the Synagogue where the box of Baby Moses was found.
Hanging Church
This church is also called El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, the Suspended Church and St. Mary Church. The church gets its name from its location built on the gatehouse of the former Roman fortress with its nave suspended over a passage. Wood and stone were used to place on top of the Roman ruins a foundation for the church. The church was constructed in the 7th century and has been rebuilt several times. From 7th-13th century the church was the residence of the Coptic Patriarch of Alexandria.
Amr ibn al-Aas Mosque
The Mosque of Amr Ibn El-Aas, constructed by Amr Ibn Al-As in 642 AD, is the first mosque built in both Egypt and Africa.
Amr was an Arab general who fought against the Romans and was hailed by the Copts as a liberator. He was later appointed governor by the Caliph. Amr founded a new capital, Al Fustat, that replaced the old one, Alexandria.
This mosque was built in the center of Al Fustat, surrounded by the houses there. Originally the mosque was overlooking the Nile on its Northwest side.
Leave a reply