Video tour with David Hyman, professional tour guide. Saint Catherine's monastery was built on the suggested site of Moses's first encounter with God - The site of the Burning Bush on the foot of Mount Horeb. In the book of Exodus, we read about this moment, that happens while Moses is watching over the flock of his father-in-law Jethro the priest of Midyan. The first to create a shrine was queen Helena in the middle of the 4th century, and a small chapel was built on the site of the encounter. The pilgrim Aegeria writes about this in her journal that covers her pilgrimage to the Holyland in 385 AD. The monks who inhabited that tiny monastery suffered danger and hostility and therefore in the late 6 century, emperor Justinian sponsored the massive walls and a basilica to protect the holy place. What we see today is in many ways the original Byzantine 6th century building, as since it was built the monastery has never been sacked destroyed, or looted. This is a world treasure and a UNESCO heritage site. During our visit, we could only see limited parts of the church due to the pandemic and lack of pilgrimage in recent years. Out video shows the protective walls, the southern entrance, and the courtyard. we can also see the site of the holy bush from afar. Then we visited the museum that holds some incredible priceless treasures. Unfortunately, the most important one was taken to Europe in the 19th century - this is the Codex Sinaiticus, the oldest Greek manuscript in the world, dating back t the 4th century. We admired the copy of the charter that was signed by Prophet Muhammad, granting the Monastery safety and protection. At last, we reached the Icon room. The Monasteries collection of Byzantine Icons is the largest and most extensive in the world. It includes Icons from the 6th century and through all ages till today.
The monastery can be visited most mornings but it's best to check online that they are open, and always dress modestly.
Our host and guide Mohammad is part of the Sheik Musa Bedouin camp travel and touring co-op who organized our tour for us. They can be reached via the website: www.sheikmousa.com
Special thanks to Shiri, my life partner, and soulmate for joining me on these adventures and enhancing the moments with your curiosity and intelligence. Love you always
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Recorded by David Hyman with GoPro 9 Hero Black
Edited by David Hyman with Apple Imovie Mini Ipad
The music tracks on this video:
Spring Migration - The great north sound society
Sunshine on sand - Unicorn Heads
