There are marks and signs showing that this area had its niche in the annals
of history.The 4th century monasteries of St. Anthony the Great and St. Paul
in the Eastern Desert, not far from Zafarana, are celebrated as the world's
oldest. A group of historians believe it was around this area on the Red Sea
that Moses and Israelites crossed into the Sinai in their exodus from Egypt.
As the main route to the Indies for ancient Egyptians and Phoenicians, the
Red Sea and its shores and ports have a rich maritime history.
Heritage & historical attractions
This is not just a destination for people wanting a suntan and a week at the
beach. It is also a place where you can indulge in history. There is ample
evidence that the area had its place in history. It includes a famous group
of the world's oldest monasteries west of Zafarana on the road to Kuraymat.
The most celebrated,ones are those of St. Anthony (c. 251 -356), the
founding father of monasticism, and St. Paul, which were built more than 16
centuries ago. Rituals followed inside the monasteries today have hardly
changed in hundreds of years.
A group of historians also believe the northern part of the Mount of Galala
El Bahareya was the point from which Moses and the Israelites crossed in
their exodus from Egypt's mainland into the Sinai Peninsula. They cite in
their claims the fact that the bottom of the Gulf of Suez at this point is
elevated.
As the main route to the Indies for Ancient Egyptians and Phoenicians, the
Red Sea and its shores and ports also have a rich maritime history.
