Monastery of Sir Bani Yas, Christian archaeological ruins on Sir Bani Yas Island, United Arab Emirates
The Monastery of Sir Bani Yas consists of ruined foundations and walls of a church, monastic buildings, and adjacent structures scattered across the eastern section of the island. The remains reveal the basic layout of a religious complex with courtyards, sleeping quarters, and utility areas arranged around central spaces.
The site was established as a monastic community during the 7th century in a region undergoing religious transformation. Excavations in the 1990s uncovered the full layout of the complex and revealed how long the community remained active.
Carved crosses and decorative stucco panels on the walls show how early Christian residents expressed their faith through art. These handmade details reveal much about daily worship and the skills of craftspeople living in this isolated community.
The ruins are located on the eastern side of the island and can be reached on foot along established paths. The site offers little shade and can be hot during midday, so bring sun protection and water.
Pottery and goods discovered here came from Bahrain, India, and Iraq, showing trade routes that connected distant lands. This suggests the island monks participated in a much larger commercial world than one might expect from such a remote location.
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