Coptic Cairo

I explored Coptic Cairo today, since I had the day off and found myself in a section of Cairo that was one of the oldest in the city. Coptic is a Greek word that signifies Egypt, and is a Christian religion similar to the Greek Orthodox Church. The neighborhood was comprised of Coptic churches, the Babylon Fortress, and the Coptic cemetery that was behind limestone perimeter walls and a gated entry way. Coptic Cairo dates back to 600 B.C. and is an anomaly in Egypt, where 90% of the population are Muslims. The area was littered with churches and crosses; a deviation from the norm that typically has mosques, minarets, and crescent moons dominating the landscape.

The most important discovery of the day was this church, which was built on the site where the Holy Family (Mary, Joseph, and Jesus) came through after they fled from Herod, ruler of Galilee and the King of the Jews, who wanted the infant Jesus killed for fear that he would grow up and usurp him.



In the basement of the church was a watering hole that was used by the Holy Family. Over time the watering hole was made into a well, and the Coptic church was built around it in deference to its sanctity.



Many visitors drew water from the well to drink its holy contents.





Near the entry gate was the remains of the Babylon Fortress that was built in 600 B.C. by Persians that had settled in the region, and had named the fort after their beloved homeland. The Romans eventually took over the fort when they conquered Egypt, and Roman architectural traits could be found in the remains.

Through the arched entry of the Coptic Cemetery were 20th century tombstones, mausoleums, and more churches.

I loved the statue below that was a marker over a grave site.





This wrought iron figure of St. George slaying the dragon was especially captivating against the magnificent sky. It was wonderful walking amid Christian churches and holy crosses again, and felt very humbled that the Holy Family had stood on the very same grounds that I had been exploring.