Terror attacks and security unrest in Egypt since the step-down of the Muslim brotherhood in 2013, consequently panned the Upper Egyptian province of Minya from the international tourism map. Now, after security is under control, and the Egyptian police are in full power to secure each footstep in Minya, the Egyptian government decided to bring Minya back to Egypt's international tourism map. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities now is continuing their excavation projects and restoration of sanctified sites that the holy family visited when they fled Israel out of fear of persecution by King Herod in Minya.
Egypt's Minya Will Soon Be Back on International Tourism Map
17
In the village of Bahnasa, there are relics from different historical eras including Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic. Local Muslims and Christians visit the sites where the Holy Family is thought to have stayed. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
18
Moderate Sufi Sheikhs from Al-Azhar Sheikhdom in Minya have been teaching local Muslims how to work with the government and security officials in order to bring local and international tourism from all believes back to their villages. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
19
The sacredness and historical value of the village of Bahnasa is increased by including many tombs of the companions and family members of Prophet Muhammad in its list of tourist attractions. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
20
This tree where the Holy Family is believed to have rested in its shade is located between a mosque and a Muslim cemetery. Now families from any religion can hang out under its shade for picnics and good family times to remember. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)