Yesterday’s court ruling on the property of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. Catherine Sinai to Egypthe sparked strong reactions from both Archbishop Hieronymus and the Greek political world.
In spite of assurances of the Egyptian Presidency that the religious character of the monastery is not going to be affected, concerns remainas the ownership status remains cloudy.
However, the court ruling, according to Egyptian media, is essentially part of the grand project. ‘Great Transfiguration’ promoted in the context of tourism development for millions of tourists.
OR Monastery of St. Catherine and Term Sinai They are also the main poles of attraction, and the desire of specific circles in Egypt are to alter its character and turn the point into a tourist development center.
Sinai Development Project: Tourist Resort, Hotels and Park in Agia Catherine
The project started at July 21 of 2020as the Egyptian media. The designs provide for the creation of ecotourism accommodation, namely a large hotel unit with panoramic views of Mount Sinai, ecological hotels and traditional hostels, based on the architecture of the area.
According to the same information from the Egyptian media, the project also includes the construction of a mountain resort, with villas, chalets and a central reception building.
In Zeituna, those in charge are planning to create a new residential area with 21 hotel complexes and 546 new houses, While it is envisaged redevelopment and reinforcement of the old city, the creation of commercial stores, as well as the restoration of old buildings and traditional settlements.
At the same time, a commercial zone will be created with 16 traditional bazaars which will extend to an area of 1,500 sqm, which will boost the city financially and offer a point of service for visitors. The creation of a social center in an area of 1,600 sqm is also planned, which will provide sports and entertainment facilities to residents of the city.
The project also includes the development of the Wady al-Daire area, one of the most sacred sites of St. Catherine. There the famous monastery was founded.
The “Great Transformation” includes the construction of a new center of visitors in the Sacred Square, which will function as a tourist reception and guidance point. In the area, pedestrian trail and camels route will be built, thereby facilitating visitors’ access.
The center will provide visitors to services such as Reservation offices, cafeteria and planetarium with 3D films view for the spiritual significance of the area.
There is also a special care for environmental issues, as inspirers want to preserve the area’s landscape and cultural heritage.
With information from egyptindependent.com, dailynewsegypt.com, egypt Today