South Sinai Governor Khaled Mubarak on Friday denied rumors claiming that plans are in place to demolish or move St. Catherine’s Monastery.
The governor stated that these reports are nothing but rumors and slander.
During a phone interview with TV host Amr Adib on the “al-Hekaya” (The Story) show on MBC Masr, Mubarak said that: “This is a holy land and it is not right for people to say we will demolish it. The historical and human dimension compels us to preserve it.”
He pointed out that this site is a holy place where Quranic texts were revealed, and belongs to the entire world.
Mubarak stressed the ongoing cooperation with St. Catherine’s Monastery, pointing to the efforts made to protect the religious and cultural heritage of the monastery, as it is an important religious and historical symbol.
He added that he met with Metropolitan Dmitri Samatzis Demanios, Archbishop of St. Catherine’s Monastery, at his residence in Athens. The meeting came as part of the fruitful, historical ties between South Sinai Governorate and the Archaeological Bishopric of St. Catherine’s Monastery.
The Great Transfiguration project
Mubarak stated that the Archbishop is participating in the efforts made to develop the city of Saint Catherine within the “Great Transfiguration” project, which is one of the largest tourism and cultural projects in the region.
The Egyptian state is fully committed to protecting this site of global heritage, he added, noting that development is being carried out with the support of international partners, including the Greek community.
Mubarak explained that this comes within the efforts to develop the entire Saint Catherine area to highlight this holy spot to the utmost in appreciation of its spiritual value as the land of “Great Transfiguration”, and to transform it into a global tourist destination.
He noted that this huge project costs more than LE15-16 billion, and aims to fully develop the city and prepare it to receive visitors from all over the world.
Mubarak pointed out that the project will be officially opened in mid-April, coinciding with the April celebrations and UNESCO World Day, documenting the journey of the Prophet Moses.
