Plan of the Monastery of St. Catherine at Mount Sinai by George H. Forsyth

Title

Plan of the Monastery of St. Catherine at Mount Sinai by George H. Forsyth

Description

This drawing by George H. Forsyth, labeled as "drawing no. 601.1," presents a detailed plan of the Monastery of St. Catherine at Mount Sinai. It situates visible sixth-century structures, rendered in black, within the layout of the present-day monastic complex. The plan, part of the Ilene H. Forsyth collection and preserved in a scan by the University of Michigan, reflects Forsyth’s meticulous architectural and archaeological study of the site.
The map highlights key elements of the monastic complex, numbering and identifying features with a corresponding legend. Significant components include the Basilica (7), the Burning Bush Chapel (8), and other notable areas like the Cistern (14), Mosque [converted sixth-century structure] (3) and Minaret [=a tall, slender tower typically found as part of a mosque’s architecture] (5). The sixth-century elements, such as rainwater channels (13) and arches (12), are carefully differentiated from later additions and modifications.
The schematic illustrates the integration of older structures with newer layers of the complex, emphasizing its continuous use and adaptation over centuries. Forsyth’s work effectively documents the architectural evolution of the monastery, preserving the layout of its historical and functional elements. His precise labeling and clarity make this an invaluable resource for understanding the historical stratigraphy and spatial organization of one of the most significant Byzantine sites. (Image source: Ilene H. Forsyth and Elizabeth Sears, fig. 3, p. 120)

https://archive.org/details/DOP70_05_Forsyth_and_Sears