The Synagogue of Ben Ezra Originally was named El Shamieen Church, situated today behind the hanging church in Old Cairo,This synagogue once had an old copy of the Old Testament, It was said that it was written by Ezra the Prophet (Al Azir)It is believed that site of the Synagogue was where the box of Baby Moses was found, Ben Ezra synagogue was originally a Christian church that The Copts had to sell the church for the Jews at 882 AD in order to pay the annual taxes imposed the Muslim rulers at the time and there fore Abraham Ben Ezra who came from Jerusalem bought the church in 882 A.D, during the reign of Ahmed Ibn Tulun. It takes the shape of a basilica (rectangle), consists of 2 floors, the 1st dedicated for the men while the 2nd dedicated for the women – a remarkable memorial Stela is located in front of the Platform.
IWNTA - SIGHTSEEING - Cairo - Ben Ezra synagogue
