(Photo-feature)
by Bader Sulaiheem
ABU DHABI, Aug 29 (KUNA) -- The historical Christian monastery in Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE, is believed to have been built about AD600 by the Eastern Church.
The monastery belongs to the Syriac Church. It was discovered on the 87 square kilometer island during an archaeological survey in 1992. It was built around a grave, which might have belonged to the settlement's founder.
The multi-building complex included private cabins for monks, prayer rooms, a sanctuary, nave, chapel, and tower.
The historical site is the only pre-Islamic Christian site known in the UAE, and believed to have been an important destination for pilgrims travelling along a trade route to India. (end) bsu.haq