What's Happening?
Egypt's state-sponsored Great Transfiguration Project, initiated in 2021, aims to transform the Mount Sinai area into a major tourism destination. The project includes the construction of luxury hotels, eco-lodges, a visitor center, and the expansion of the local airport and a cable car to Mount Moses. This development has sparked controversy, particularly among the local Bedouin community, the Jebeleya tribe, who have seen their homes and eco-camps demolished with little compensation. The project has also raised concerns about the preservation of the area's cultural and environmental heritage, as it includes the 6th-century St Catherine's Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The monastery, run by the Greek Orthodox Church, has been at the center of tensions between Egypt and Greece, following an Egyptian court ruling that the monastery lies on state land.
Why It's Important?
The Mount Sinai project highlights the tension between economic development and cultural preservation. While the Egyptian government views the project as a means to boost tourism and the economy, critics argue it disregards the rights and heritage of the local Bedouin community. The development could significantly alter the cultural landscape of the region, impacting the traditional way of life of the Bedouins and potentially damaging the area's historical and environmental significance. The project also underscores broader issues of indigenous rights and the impact of large-scale tourism on local communities, raising questions about sustainable development practices.
What's Next?
The future of the Mount Sinai project remains uncertain, as construction has reportedly stalled due to funding issues. However, the Egyptian government continues to promote the development as a key part of its tourism strategy, aiming to attract 30 million visitors by 2028. Meanwhile, international bodies like UNESCO have expressed concerns and called for a conservation plan to protect the site's heritage. The ongoing diplomatic dialogue between Egypt and Greece may also influence the project's trajectory, particularly regarding the protection of St Catherine's Monastery.
Beyond the Headlines
The Mount Sinai project is part of a broader pattern of development in Egypt that has often sidelined indigenous communities. The Bedouin, who have historically been marginalized in the Sinai Peninsula, face further displacement and loss of cultural identity as industrial tourism expands. This situation reflects a global challenge of balancing economic growth with the preservation of cultural and environmental heritage, highlighting the need for inclusive development strategies that respect the rights and traditions of local populations.
