“The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there.”
L. P. Hartley
The Christian Quarter in Cairo
The oldest part of Cairo that has structures from the time of the Islamic rule of Egypt is a UNESCO heritage site. This Old Cairo also has the distinction of having one of the oldest holy sites of Christianity within its Christian Quarter, called Coptic Cairo. Amidst all the Islamic religious sites, Christian sites bring out the rich heritage that Cairo, Alexandria and many other places in Egypt boast of.
Christianity emerged in Egypt as the religion of the Pharaohs declined. Jews who were refugees in Egypt and Egyptians unhappy with the Byzantine rule found solace in Christ during 54 – 68 CE when St. Mark brought the religion to this region. Until the 4th century AD, Christians faced persecution from the Roman rulers. 312 CE saw an edict establishing religious tolerance from the Roman Emperor Constantinople. From then on, Christians became free to practice their religion until the Muslim invasion in 640 CE made it a minor religion in Egypt.
Coptic Cairo
Coptic, the language of the Egyptians, is an Arabic corruption of the words Hikaptah and Aigyptos – the name Greeks gave to this region. Today, it signifies the Christian quarter in Cairo that has some of the oldest churches in Egypt. Tradition suggests that this settlement of the Jewish refugees hosted Jesus and Mary while they fled King Herod’s rule. The only remaining synagogue in Egypt, along with some minor and major churches built over the 2nd century Fortress of Babylon, are attractions within this quarter.
Coptic architectural elements are a clear departure from the lavish Byzantine structures. It showcases elaborate carvings on the capitals of columns, friezes, separating screens, etc. Although it borrows from the Graeco-Roman architectural style, there is a difference in the number and placement of the altar. The sanctuary has three separate altars that are a typical Coptic feature. Separation of the sanctuary into three distinct parts using an iconostasis is another specific departure.
Image Gallery of the Christian Quarter in Cairo
In this section, I’ll take you through some of the interesting interiors and exteriors of the Hanging Church, Abu Sarga (St. Sergius and Bacchus Church), St. George Orthodox Church, and a few others in the quarter.
Today’s Cairo is a blend of the old and the new order and it respects both. What is interesting is the culture of conservation that runs through the region. Respect for heritage is a treasure, for that it takes not just the government but the people of Cairo as well.
While visiting Cairo, be mindful of giving that respect back to the Jasmine people…
Pin the glorious era!
