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stds-802-16: "Sinaia"



[Forwarded message from Marianna Goldhammer, responding to a question 
I asked regarding the site of Session #25 
<http://ieee802.org/16/meetings/mtg25>.]

Roger,

Yes, it is a strong linkage between Sinaia and Sinai.

The Sinaia town took its name from the Sinaia monastery, built during 
1590-1595.

Until middle 19th. cent., only the monastery was in this place, and 
the regal family was hosted in, until the Pelesh castle was finish.

The monastery was built by Mihail (Michael) Cantacuzino, from the 
Romanian king family, after his visit to Sinai, Jerusalem, 
Nazareth,etc. It is said that holly stones, he carried from Sinai 
Mount, are inside.

At foots of Sinai Mount is a famous monastery, consacrated to St. 
Caterina, which was founded in 6th century by Justinian. Were many 
Rumanian monks there, I was told that some sort of Rumanian is still 
spoken. Looking on WEB, I found this:

"Very unusual among tribal embroidery is that of the Jabbalia tribe, 
whose ancestors are believed to have been brought to southern Sinai 
from Romania by the Roman emperor Justinian to serve the monks of the 
6th century Santa Caterina monastery. Their embroidery patterns, 
exhibited in the museum, contain unmistakable Balkan elements." See 
http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH01vc0 , on the Negev Bedouin 
Museum page.

Impressed by what he saw, Mihail decided to build in the Charpatian 
mountains a monastery, consecrated to Virgin Maria, and with the 
Mount Sinai name. Scenes from the St. Caterina life are painted on 
the Sinaia monastery church entry cupola.

More Sinaia monastery pictures can be seen at : 
http://www.ici.ro/romania/tourism/c_msinaia.html . The text about the 
monastery is in Romanian, but the French speaking guys can understand 
the basic ideas. More about Sinaia, in English, at 
http://www.ici.ro/romania/tourism/c_sinaia.html

So the name of "Sinaia" comes from "Sinai". Both words are used in Rumanian.

Regards,

Marianna

P.S. Feel free to ask for more details