Zeitoun, Cairo – Egypt
Coordinates: 30.12057, 31.30886
Also knows as the Tree of the Virgin, it is a sycamore tree in the El Matareya suburb of Cairo, Egypt.
According to Coptic christians beliefs, the Bibi Maryam رضي الله عنها and Hz. Isa عليه اسلام stopped at El Matareya (then a small village) on the Flight into Egypt, fleeing from Bethlehem and Herod’s soldiers.
Bibi Maryam رضي الله عنها rested against the tree and a spring of water sprang up near it for Bibi Maryam رضي الله عنها to wash Hz. Isa عليه اسلام.
For many years its bark was taken by Christians in the belief that it had miraculous properties.
It has been a place of pilgrimage for Coptic Christians for many centuries, who come to pray by it or touch it, believing that it will heal illness.
There is a well from which Bibi Maryam رضي الله عنها and Hz. Isa عليه اسلام had a drink but it is said that it’s poisoned now.
Next to the tree is a small chapel in El Matareya
Note: Some of the information in this article comes from Christians sources.
