Sinai, Egypt - Part 2

Here are several of 42 "Nawamis," or burial structures datings from the late Chalcolithic Period (3600-3100 B.C.E.). These are part of the largest group of such structures and are located near Ayun Khudra. The small doors all face west, thought to be an influence from ancient Egyptian burial practices, where the setting sun had great significance. These buildings were used for secondary burials, that is, the remains of members of a family were brought from where they died and interred in these structures. Many of them have stone roofs which are still intact. The term "nawamis" means "mosquitoes" because Bedouin legend holds that the Israelites built these structures as protection against mosquitoes.


Here are several of 42 "Nawamis," or burial structures datings from the late Chalcolithic Period (3600-3100 B.C.E.). These are part of the largest group of such structures and are located near Ayun Khudra. The small doors all face west, thought to be an influence from ancient Egyptian burial practices, where the setting sun had great significance. These buildings were used for secondary burials, that is, the remains of members of a family were brought from where they died and interred in these structures. Many of them have stone roofs which are still intact. The term "nawamis" means "mosquitoes" because Bedouin legend holds that the Israelites built these structures as protection against mosquitoes.


Elijah's Garden (above right) commemorates Elijah the Prophet who, after slaughtering 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18) reportedly went on the lam and hid in a cave on Mount Horeb, an alternate name for Sinai (1 Kings 19).

Visiting a Bedouin Home



Graffitti		Desert David

Desert Face