The sixth-century UNESCO World Heritage Site of St Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai was in the limelight this week following an Egyptian court ruling affirming the state’s ownership of the land on which the monastery stands while granting it usage rights.
The ruling had sparked concern among some Greek Orthodox religious leaders, who cautioned that it could be perceived as a threat to the monastery’s autonomy and its sacred standing.
The government moved swiftly to clarify its position and reiterated its steadfast commitment to preserving the monastery’s sacred status, dismissing speculation about its relocation and emphasising its role as a symbol of shared religious heritage.
The presidency and Foreign Ministry both issued strong reassurances. Their statements underline Egypt’s deep respect for the spiritual significance of the ancient site and the commitment to strengthening ties with Greece, as well as upholding the principles of religious coexistence and cultural preservation.
In an official statement, the presidency described the ruling as a legal affirmation that shows Egypt’s full commitment to preserving the unique and sacred religious site of St Catherine’s Monastery. It emphasised that the ruling aligns with President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi’s earlier assurances during his official visit to Athens in May, where he reiterated Egypt’s dedication to the protection of religious heritage and to strengthening strategic relations with Greece.
The presidency also reaffirmed the importance of preserving the close and fraternal relations that bind the two countries and peoples together.
President Al-Sisi personally conveyed Egypt’s position in a telephone call with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. According to the presidency statement, the president stressed that there would be no infringement on the monastery and affirmed that the court ruling supports Egypt’s long-standing commitment to preserving its unique and sacred religious status.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty echoed the presidency’s stance during a meeting with European ambassadors in Cairo. He emphasised that the ruling, the first of its kind to legally affirm the monastery’s usage rights, protects not only the monastic complex but also associated religious and archaeological sites, cemeteries, and spiritual heritage.
Abdelatty confirmed that the monks will continue to benefit from the monastery and its surrounding areas under state oversight. He urged caution against unfounded claims suggesting that the monastery and its surrounding land would be confiscated and called for a comprehensive understanding of the judicial decision.
He reaffirmed the strategic significance of the longstanding relationship between Egypt and Greece, grounded in centuries of historic and fraternal ties.
“Egypt remains fully committed to preserving the religious status of St Catherine’s Monastery and will work closely with the monastery and local authorities to resolve any outstanding matters in a spirit of mutual respect,” Abdelatty said.
Earlier this year, rumours spread alleging the government intended to demolish the monastery and evacuate the monks as part of the Great Transfiguration Project carried out in the area. South Sinai Governor Major General Khaled Mubarak denied these claims and clarified that the development initiative is focused on enhancing the surroundings and does not affect the monastery itself.
Launched in 2020, the Great Transfiguration Project aims to develop the broader St Catherine’s region into a premier destination for religious, environmental, and wellness tourism. The project seeks to modernise the city’s infrastructure while preserving its sacred character. Officials view it as part of a broader national strategy to honour Egypt’s interfaith heritage and elevate the region’s global religious and cultural standing.
The recent clarifications and high-level reassurances show that Egypt remains a steadfast guardian of sacred heritage and is committed to upholding religious freedoms, international cooperation, and historical integrity.
A Greek delegation is expected to arrive in Egypt soon to discuss the issue further.
The Orthodox Monastery of St Catherine stands at the foot of Mount Horeb where, the Old Testament records, Moses received the Tablets of the Law.
The entire area is sacred to three world religions of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The monastery, founded in the sixth century, is the oldest Christian monastery still in use according to its initial function.
Its walls and buildings are of great significance to studies of Byzantine architecture, and the monastery houses outstanding collections of early Christian manuscripts and icons. It was registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2002.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 5 June, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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