Minya Governorate
The location of Minya Governorate, situated in the heart of Upper Egypt, holds significant importance. This strategic position is a key factor contributing to the abundance of archaeological sites in the area. Minya serves as a crossroads for various regions in the country, which naturally invites the rise and fall of civilizations in this fertile and picturesque locale. As a result, we find remarkable remnants from different nations that once established their kingdoms here.
Key Archaeological Sites in Minya
The ancient and impressive relics found in Minya Governorate are numerous, representing various civilizations that have influenced the region. Some of the notable archaeological sites include:
Greek Artifacts
- Isadora’s Tomb: Dating back to the reign of Emperor Hadrian, this tomb was constructed by a Greek father for his daughter who tragically drowned. It features inscriptions mourning the young girl.
- Isadora’s Mummy: Located in Tuna el-Gebel, this site includes a preserved head of Isadora’s mummy.
- Temples of Hermopolis: These temples are part of the governorate and contain several burial sites adorned with Greek carvings and sculptures, along with funerary symbols.
Pharaonic Antiquities
- Amarna: This area is known for being established by King Akhenaten as his capital. Numerous Pharaonic tombs have been uncovered here, including the tomb of Huy, which features a depiction of the Pharaoh, as well as the tomb of Ahmose, who served as a fanbearer to the king and has a statue within his tomb. Other notable tombs include those of Merire, the high priest of Aten, and Banyas, a minister, along with the tomb of Mahu, which remains remarkably preserved, showcasing scenes of his duties as chief of police during Akhenaten’s reign, among many others.
Christian Heritage
- Monastery of the Virgin Mary: Located in the northeastern section of Minya, approximately twenty-five kilometers away, this site is believed to have hosted the Holy Family during their journey through Egypt. The monastery houses a church carved into the rock, established in the fourth century AD by Empress Helena, featuring numerous icons, most of which date back to the early Christian era.
- Deir El Barsha: This monastery contains a church dedicated to Saint Bishoy, constructed in the fourth century AD.
- Monastery of Abouna Fana: This site features a church built in the sixth century AD.
Islamic Monuments
- Al-Amrawi Mosque: Situated in the city of Minya, this mosque dates back to the Fatimid period.
- Al-Lamti Mosque: Also located in Minya, this mosque was built during the Fatimid era.
- Al-Wada’ Mosque: Considered one of the oldest mosques in the city, it was restored during the Mamluk era and underwent renovations in the Ottoman period.
- Sheikh Ubaida bin Al-Samit Mosque: This mosque dates back to both the Ayyubid and Ottoman periods and features two minarets from these eras.
- Malawi Mosque: Also known as the Yusufiy Mosque, it originates from the Fatimid period.