The Churches and Monasteries of Egypt and Some Neighbouring Countries

The work was written around the beginning of the thirteenth century and was later attributed to one Abu Salih, the Armenian. The only other work that is similar to it is The Monasteries and Churches of the Christians of Egypt by Al-Makhrizi (d. 1441). This too is edited in this volume.

In addition to describing churches and monasteries, the author gives constant reference to relations between the Christians and Muslims of Egypt. He tells us of the revenues of the Coptic Church and the Egyptian rules, and describes some of the remarkable features of Egypt and of its distinguished men. Of historical importance are his allusions to the history of Egypt, and especially to the more important periods, such as the Muslim conquest, the overthrow of the Umayyad dynasty and the invasion of the Fatimids and Kurds.

The book gives the English translation and full original Arabic text.