Al-Sira Alhilaliyah Museum in Qena
Al-Sira Alhilaliyah Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Qena, located in the heart of southern Egypt. The museum showcases the history of the Islamic conquest, the Fatimids, and the Ottoman Empire through a range of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures. The museum is named after the Al-Sira Alhilaliyah book authored by Sheikh Ali Al-Jifri. The book is a detailed historical account of the life of Prophet Muhammad, and it is one of the most respected and widely read books in the Islamic world. The museum houses a rare manuscript of the book, which is considered to be one of the most treasured works of Islamic literature.
The museum itself is a beautiful structure built in the traditional Islamic style with an arcaded courtyard, elaborate stucco decoration, and a minaret. The exhibits are organized chronologically, with each section showcasing a different era of Islamic history. The museum’s first section focuses on the pre-Islamic era of Jahiliyyah, the period of ignorance that preceded the arrival of Islam. The second section of the museum is dedicated to the Islamic conquests, which began in the 7th century AD. The exhibits in this section depict the early Muslim warriors and their conquests of Syria, Egypt, and North Africa. A key artifact in this section is a sword that belonged to Omar ibn Al-Khattab, one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad.
The third section of the museum covers the Fatimid dynasty, which ruled over Egypt from the 10th to the 12th centuries. The Fatimids were known for their patronage of the arts and architecture, and the exhibits in this section showcase some of the finest examples of Fatimid art and sculpture. The final section of the museum covers the Ottoman Empire, which ruled over Egypt from the 16th to the early 20th centuries. The exhibits in this section include Ottoman ceramics, textiles, and weapons.
Overall,
Al-Sira Alhilaliyah Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Islamic history and culture. The museum’s exhibits offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich and complex history of this ancient civilization.
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