Overview:

: Deir Mar Musa al-Habashi (also known as Deir Mar Moussa, and/or Monastery of St. Moses the Ethiopian) is a Syrian monastery that was founded in the early 6th century by Egyptian monks. Located northwest of Damascus, the monastery originally served the Christian Coptic community of Egypt but was later taken over by the Syriac Orthodox Church. The site has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011 for its protecting significant cultural and architectural treasures. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the world and has served as a spiritual retreat for a variety of different religious figures, including several famous Christian saints. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

The shrine of Mar Musa al-Habashi is a well-preserved 8th-century monastery complex located in Deir Mar Musa al-Habashi in Syria. Built by Egyptian monks for the Coptic Christian community, the complex stands out for its unique blend of Byzantine, Arab, Roman, and Islamic architecture. The walls of the ancient monastery are adorned with frescoes depicting biblical scenes. The monastery complex includes a church, a bell tower, and a traditional Arab diwan, and is surrounded by terraces and olive groves. The area is also known for its natural springs and caves. Within the complex, visitors will also find a small museum devoted to the monastery's history and a gift shop selling souvenirs. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

during the 4th century AD, a small group of monks led by a Coptic monk named Musa, decided to travel to Syria. There, in a secluded spot in the plains around Damascus, they founded a new monastery which they named after their leader: "Deir Mar Musa al-Habashi" (Monastery of Saint Moses the Abyssinian). The monastery has remained an integral part of the Arabic Christian tradition for centuries. The monastery's location was strategic; it was placed right on the route from the coast of Palestine to the interior of Arabia, and it was also used as a refuge for weary travelers and monks who sought respite from the rigors of long journeys. From the outset, the monks of Deir Mar Musa al-Habashi devoted themselves to a solitary life of prayer, fasting and charity. Gradually, the group developed into a close-knit community and it is believed that by the 8th century, the total number of its monks had grown to a hundred or more. The monastery also served as a center for religious and scholarly discourse. By the 10th century, it had become an important center for Syriac Christian intellectualism and had gained notoriety as one of the most respected Christian centers in Syria. During this time, the monastery began to host a school, where ancient manuscripts were copied and new works were composed. The monastery has maintained its status as an respected and influential Christian center up to the present day. It continues to host a vibrant collection of texts and books, while providing spiritual guidance and teaching to prominent religious figures. In addition, it is sought-after as a refuge for individuals from around the world who are in need of a spiritual retreat. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Deir Mar Musa al-Habashi is an 800-year-old Monastery located on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria. 2. It was built by Egyptian Monks who left Cairo in between 1219-1229 to escape persecution of their Melkite Greek Orthodox faith. 3. It was given the name "Deir Mar Musa," meaning "Monastery of Saint Moses," in honor of the famous hermit Monk who first inhabited the area. 4. The Monastery has remained a beacon of religious tolerance in the Middle East. It has hosted monks of many faiths and attracted visitors of all creeds from around the world over the centuries. 5. Today the Monastery is home to a center for interfaith dialogue known as the International Association 'Deir Mar Musa'. 6. The Monastery is featured in the 2015 documentary “Of God and Dogs”, which follows the stories of the multicultural individuals who now inhabit the Monastery and encourages dialogue between people of different faiths. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era