The Rock-Cut Archaeological Coptic Sites in Western Mountain of Asyut, Egypt: Archaeological, Religious and Social Importance of the Monasteries of Durunka, Rifa and Al- Ganadla

The western mountain of Asyut contains thousands of ancient tombs and several ancient quarries. During the early centuries of Christianity, Copts took those ancient quarries and tombs as refuges. Then, Copts abandoned them and settled the nearby villages on the edge of the cultivations. A considerable number of these tombs were inhabited by early hermits during the early times of Christianity and later they became hermitages and monasteries.
Asyut Region contains many Coptic sites of archaeological, historical and religious significance. This study highlights the three Coptic rock-cut sites of remarkable religious and artistic importance: Durunka, Rifa and Al-Ganadla monasteries. Durunka is considered a holy site because the Holy Family stayed there on the way back to Israel. The site of Rifa Monastery has a long history since the ancient Egyptian era. In addition to the fact that Al-Ganadla Monastery contains mural paintings of great artistic value dating back to the early centuries of Christianity, it is believed that the Holy Family also stayed at that site, making it a holy place as well.
Due to the limitations of Coptic studies in general the aim of this study is to provide a useful study of these important Coptic sites. Therefore, the study highlights the architectural description of the selected monasteries in order to reach to an understanding of the archaeological, historical, religious and artistic value of these sites. The descriptive analytical method has been used to detail the significance of these sites and their association with some religious and social practices.