Community

Good review?

(0)

El-Ain El-Sukhna

Egypt

Added Jun 12, 2009

El-Ain El-Sukhna
Cairo's nearest beach ...just an hour to reach
EL-Ain EL-Sukhna: the Arabic for “ hot spring” was named after the nearby sulphur springs .It is also an ideal site for fishing and water sports.
Ain El Sukhna is about 140 km east of Cairo, just an hour away by car. It offers Cairenes recreational time, handy respite from the city's fast paced life .
The area is 40 km south of the port of Suez and is administratively part of the Suez Governorate. Its territory extends along the Red Sea shoreline for about 60 km from the southern borders of Ras El Adebbya in the north to Ras El Zaafarana in the south.
Close enough to Cairo for a day-trip, this popular weekend resort has fine beaches and coves, coral reefs, fishing and water sports.
This is not just a destination for people wanting a suntan and a week at the beach. It is also a place where you can indulge in history. There is ample evidence that the area had its place in history. It includes a famous group of the world's oldest monasteries west of Zafarana on the road to Kuraymat.
The most celebrated ones are those of St. Anthony (c. 251 -356), the founding father of monasticism, and St. Paul, which were built more than 16 centuries ago.
Rituals followed inside the monasteries today have hardly changed in hundreds of years.
A group of historians also believe the northern part of the Mount of Galala El Bahareya was the point from which Moses and the Israelites crossed in their exodus from Egypt's mainland into the Sinai Peninsula. They cite in their claims the fact that the bottom of the Gulf of Suez at this point is elevated.
As the main route to the Indies for Ancient Egyptians and Phoenicians, the Red Sea and its shores and ports also have a rich maritime history.
The area is known for its mild climate all year round. Temperatures range between a high of 32 degrees celsius and a low of 9 degrees in January and show a variation of between 36 degrees and 30 degrees in July .
The average rate of humidity is 50 percent. It ranges between a maximum of 72 percent and a minimum 48 percent in December and shows a variation between 58 percent in May .
Rainfall occurs largely in winter months.
The average number of days having rainfall is 11 days a year, with the rain season spanning the November- May period.
The average amount of rainfall stands at about 24 mm . Winds mainly blow from the north and the northwest gusting at an average.
Flora and Fauna paragon of wildlife.
In spite of the low amounts and frequencies of rainfall, the usual desert growth of perennials and grasses is found.
The Eastern Desert receives spares rainfall, which supports a varied vegetation that includes tamariskaccacia and markh ( a leafless, thorn less tree with bare branches and slendertwigs ) as well as great variety of thorny shrub, small succulent , and romantic herbs .
Date and doum palms,both cultivated and sub spontaneous are found in the Oasis.Desert animals include dorcas gazelle , the miniature desert fox , the mountain goat ibex , the Egyptian hare and two kinds of jerboa( a mouse- like rodent with long hind legs for jumping)the Egyptian jackal and still exists.
There are two carnivorous mammals: species of wildcats and the striped Egyptian mongoose.
Several varieties of lizards are found, including the large monitor. Because Egypt is rich in its bird life and many birds pass through in large numbers
On their spring and autumn migrations, the area has its good share of more than 200 migrating types as well a more than 150 resident birds.
Lammergeir and golden eagles are residents of the Eastern desert and Sinai. Resident desert birds are a distinct category, numbering about 24 kinds.
That exquisite corridor of tinted mountain and radiant water ...here and nowhere else is the vestibule between the Levant and the Topics ..." E.M.Forster describing the Gulf of Suez, 1923.
The area's topography bestows on it a special lure and charm. It lies in one of the three tires of the eastern desert -the Red Sea Hills and Red Sea Coastal plain.This tier runs from near Suez to the Sudanese border.
The Hills are not a continuous range but consist of sets of interlocking systems more or less alignment. They are geographical complex, with igneous and metamorphic rocks .
As such, it is regarded by Encyclopaedia Britannica as " a sub-region in itself . Ain El Sukhna is famed for two mountains that have religious significance: Attaqa, which rises more than 800 above sea leveland hems in the valleys (wadis ) of Hogouland Chuwaiba.
Galala El Bahareya , the southern periphery of the area , which rises to more than 1,200 m and embarces the valleys of Kuthaib ( 75sq,km), Abul-dorg (68.5sq,km)and smaller ones such as ElMalha and Gar El Malha.
These mountains and valleys constitute a main component in the area's attractiveness for tourists and local holiday-makers.
There are marks and signs showing that this area had its niche in the annals of history.The 4th century monasteries of St. Anthony the Great and St. Paul in the Eastern Desert, not far from Zafarana, are celebrated as the world's oldest.
A group of historians believe it was around this area on the Red Sea that Moses and Israelites crossed into the Sinai in their exodus from Egypt.
As the main route to the Indies for ancient Egyptians and Phoenicians, the Red Sea and its shores and ports have a rich maritime history.

Good review?

(0)

Enviormental tourism

Egypt

Added Jun 12, 2009

Enviormental tourism

Many people with little knowledge of Egypt and less interest in exploring this ancient land visualize it to be a desert. It is the vision portrayed in their minds if they casually run across a photo of the great pyramids in a magazine. However, most people with only a casual interest in Egypt at least recognize the duality of the land, a prospective that was not lost on the ancient Egyptians.
To these people, the landscape is a contrast between the lush Nile Valley and the harsh sand of the desert to either side of the Valley. Still others, including Egyptians themselves, become aware that Egypt is much more diverse than deserts surrounding the fertile Nile Valley, though few of us have actually had the opportunity to seek out these various habitats where one may very well freeze to death under a blanket of snow in the high Sinai mountains, view tropical birds and a marshy lake district, or explore the rich pristine coral reefs and marine life of Egypt's coastal waters.
Yet many of these areas are but a stone's throw away from the ancient monuments and the sandy beaches that are so popular among tourists. Perhaps this is why, since the early 1980's that the Egyptian government has been so intent on establishing Nature Reserves. or as they are often referred to in Egypt. Protected Areas.
Today, there are some 21 national parks in Egypt, of which perhaps the best known and one of the oldest is at Ras Mohamed on the tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Only established in 1983, this is actually a marine reserve that is, to the outside world, most familiar to scuba divers.
Here, one finds mangrove trees, along with some 200 species of coral, around 1,000 species of fish, along with various birds such as Osprey and White-eyed gulls, but also endangered turtle populations and even threatened mammals such as the Dorcas Gazelle. And while many thousands of people bake on the beaches of Sharm el-Sheikh, famous as a city of peace, only a few people visit Ras Mohamed, which is only a short drive south.
Other more recently established reserves may, however, be more interesting to the land lovers among us, as well as being very convenient to our sightseeing intenerates. For example, many excursions into the Sinai visit the world famous St. Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai, but few realize that they are amidst one of Egypt's most recently established nationalparks, covering some 5750 square kilometers. Established in 1996, this park covers much of the central part of South Sinai where rugged mountains surge above an alien landscape and were 80% of the rocks are over 600 million years old. Besides visiting the Christian monuments, tourists also have the opportunity to explore this rich habitat on nature treks where one may venture upon the Innes Cobra which is considered to be very vulnerable to extinction, Geckos, Agamids, Skinks, Rodents, Hedgehogs, Hares, Red foxes, Wild cat, the Sinai Leopard, Rock hyrax, the Nubian ibex and Dorcas gazelles.
The St. Catherine's reserve abuts several others, including the Nabg Protected Area which is very diverse, including excellent reefs but also considerable flora along with a rich bird population and many types of land mammals. Another nearby park is at Ras Abu Galum which covers some 500 square kilometers and is among the most picturesque protected areas in Egypt. It encompasses high deserts with a climate not unlike that of the Mediterranean providing a varied ecosystem where exists some 44 species of plants that are completely unique to this area.
There are actually several other Protected Areas in the Sinai, including one at Taba which includes mountain passes, caves and a network of valleys, and those in the Northern Sinai that have been known to some birding enthusiasts for many years, including Zaranik on the eastern shores of Lake Bardawil abutting the Mediterranean Sea where millions of birds settle for rest along their migratory routes and at Ahrash near El Arish which is densely covered with numerous acacia and camphor trees.

Other parks, along the Mediterranean Sea heading west onto mainland Egypt include the Petrified Forest Protected Area, with its unique dunes, the Ashtum El Gamil Protected Area on the eastern edge of the Delta where a typical Mediterranean climate allows a variety of plants together with another rich population of birds and freshwater fish.
Alexandria, the ancient city which is growing in popularity for tourists due to the ancient discoveries in its bays and the new library that also houses a museum, sits between a two nature reserves at Lake Burullus to the east and one of Egypt's oldest reserves, Omayed, established in 1981. Both of these coastal regions include considerable bird life, along with various mammals and interesting geological features.
Heading south out of the Egyptian Nile Delta, and only eight kilometers form the great pyramid, one encounters the El Hassana Dome where rare plants unique to this area may be discovered, along with geological features that appear as an open museum, displaying the record of ancient life, its environment and climate during the late cretaceous age.
Further south, in the Fayoum just south ofCairo we find the Lake Qarun ProtectedArea, which are wetlands of international importance. This amazing area must surely attack future tourists, as it has in the past, for here one finds all manner of plants, but also a huge diversity of birds, fresh water fish and one of the most extensive and notable fossil fields in the world, along with a number of ancient Egyptian monuments.
Just below (south) of Lake Qarun is the Wadi EI Rayan Protected Area. It consists of an Upper Lake and a Lower Lake, separated by a water fall, and includes sulfur springs and extensive dune formations. Here we find the 11 species of reptiles, 9 species of mammals, including the endangered Slender homed Gazella, 13 species of resident birds and 26 varieties of migratory birds.
On the Eastern side of the Nile across from the Lake Qarun and Wadi El Rayan protected areas, and just below the Petrified forest is Wadi Digla, This valley starts as small tributaries where rainfall pours on the hills surrounding the valley. This habitat supports along with birds, 20 different types of reptiles and perhaps even a few deer, together with 64 kinds of plants.
South of Wadi Digla is the Sannur Cave Protected Area. where ongoing alabaster drilling operations created 54 big cavities leading to a cave at the bottom that extends 700 meters with a width of 15 meters. Here, just southeast of the city of Beni-Suef,
several of the quarries are of very ancient origin.
The next National Park south is the Wadi El Assuti protected area which functions as a gene reserve for the breeding of animals and wild plants that are endangered. This is the last of the southern parks for some distance, other than the Nile Islands.
However, there are three others that either abut, or are near the southern border of Egypt. Clustered fairly close together mostly on the east side of Lake Nasser, they include the Saluga and Ghazal, Wadi Alagi and Elba Protected Areas. Saluga and Ghazal are two islands situated about three kilometers north of the AswanDam. This area provides wildlife that once inhabited the land now under water from several projects a chance of survival along with a habitat for about 60 kinds of rare birds that are in universal danger of extinction. Wadi Alaqi is formed by a dry river bed running some 275 kilometers in length where a number of rare species of mammals, bird and reptiles, together with invertebrates may be found.
The Elba Protected Area, established in 1985, borders the Red Sea and includes a complex ecosystem consisting of 22 islands, coral reefs, coastal sand dunes, wetlands, desert plains and coastal mountains rising to some 1437 meters. At the top of Jabal (mount) Elba, a "mist oasis" exists where precipitation creates a unique and rare ecosystem not found elsewhere in Egypt. Here, an almost limitless expanse of flora and fauna includes forty species of birds as well as the endangered Dugong.
Finally, there are the Nile Islands, which are considered nature reserves. There are about 144 of these that exist from Aswan up into the Delta region and provide shelter to all manner of birds, fish and reptiles.
It can be expected that more Protected Areas will be established in Egypt, but the current variety of these parks may provide interesting side trips to the causal tourists, and will be of extreme interest to nature lovers of all ages. They actually do not constitute a new type of tourism, for there have been a few visitors exploring these regions for many years, particularly the birding enthusiasts. What they provide to others, is a bit more variety in a land that invites the world to see its antiquities and culture of all periods, and visit its wonderful sea resorts along the mainland coast and in the Sinai.

Good review?

(0)

The Military Museum

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Jun 12, 2009

The Military Museum in Cairo is famous for its rich collections and historical building which was originally a palace during the reign of Mohamed Ali, the founder of the royal family that ruled Egypt from 1805 through 1952.
It was established in 1947 after the British forces evacuated the Saladin Citadel and was officially inaugurated two years later. It was recently modernized in cooperation with North Korea and reopened on 29-11-1993 by President Hosni Moubarak.
It records the history of the Egyptian army since the Pharaonic times till now .It is divided into three pavilions and three storeys, each having several halls.
It exhibits the development in weaponery and military equipment and uniforms, besides 220 paintings of famous battles as well as the most important military decorations, orders and medals.
First Storey:
It comprises Al Magd Hall at the museum entrance which exhibits a royal carriage from the time of Khedive Ismail (1863-1879). The Medal Hall, the Artillery Hall and the Weapon Hall. They exhibit the development in weaponery and military equipment and uniforms, besides 220 paintings of famous historical military battles as well as the most important military decorations, orders and medals.
Second Storey:
It comprises army exhibits in the Old Kingdom (Pharaonic Egypt), the Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom. Among its prominent exhibits are the chariot of Tutankhamon of the XVIII Dynasty and a man-of-war from the Pharaonic New Kingdom (1580-1085) BC.
Third Storey:
It comprises exhibits of the Islamic army in general and the Egyptian army in particular. It also houses various models of the Islamic army that conquered Egypt, as well as paintings depicting famous Islamic battles.
The museum comprises 250 statues and busts representing leaders of the Revolution and of the royal family as well as commanders of the army.

Good review?

(0)

The Nubia Museum

Aswan, Nile Valley, Egypt

Added Jun 12, 2009

The Nubia Museum harbors the history of the "Land of Gold" as the word Nubia in Hieroglyphics, means the "Land of Gold"...Hence, this land, over times, was abounding in monumental treasures, due to the fact that it contains large amounts of monumental treasures
The Nubia Museum, in Aswan, as a matter of fact, is deemed to be one of the most important Egyptian museums. A number of factors have combined together, yielding the magnificence of such museum, as it is the only unique open museum of its kind.
Preparing this museum lasted for ten years, all dedicated for hard work to come up with such lovely museum. Let alone, it stands as a wonderful model of international cultural cooperation representing the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
On April 6th, 1959, the Egyptian government appealed to the United Nations Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (UNESCO), seeking help to salvage the monumental sites in Nubia, hence, the area between Aswan and the Sudan was inundated by the Nile waters especially after completing the Aswan Dam.
Unsurprisingly the operation of saving the Nubian monuments was described as the greatest in the history of saving monuments.

The operation included dismantling Abu Simbel Temple, inter alia, moving it to another area to be reassembled once again. Abu Simbel Temple was completely dismantled to 1036 pieces, each with average of 7 to 30 tons, as they were rebuilt on the top of the mountain overlooking the genuine spots, drawn by the ancient Egyptians 3000 years ago.
In January, 1975, the General Egyptian Authority for Antiquities submitted a request to the (UNESCO) seeking the organization's assistance to preserve the ancient Egyptian monuments, through establishing a city for museums harbouring a cluster of open museums with a view to displaying rare and wonderful monuments of various ages.
To the Egyptians, the museum is to display life over centuries. As for foreign visitors, the museum will show the history of such unique area, as a source of knowledge for researchers from around the globe.
The International Museum of Nubia is located in Aswan on an area of 50,000 square meters, 7000 of which are excluded to building, while the rest designed to be the yard of the museum.
The building has three floors for displaying and housing, in addition to a library and information center. The largest part of the museum is occupied by the monumental pieces, reflecting phases of the development of the Nubian culture and civilization.
Three thousands pieces of antiquities, representing various ages; Geological, Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic and Islamic, were registered. The open-door exhibition includes 90 rare monumental pieces, while the internal halls contain 50 invaluable pieces dating back to the pre-history times, 503 pieces belong to Pharaonic time, 52 of Coptic era, 103 of Islamic age, 140 of Nubian time, in addition to 360 pieces having the tang of Aswan.
The museum of Nubia gained this unique position simply because it harbors unique monuments not found any elsewhere.
It houses the statute of Ramsis II, which was laid at the very forefront of the Museum, statute of Amenras the spiritual wife of Amen, she is of Nubian origin. It, also, has the head of the Shpatka, of the Nubian origin, made of rosy granite, head of black granite of Tahraqa, the Nubian King, whose reign during the 7th century BC was said to be full of prosperity. There is a temple of his name with gold-plated pillars.
There are, also, four mummies for nobles, which were found in Kashmatkh town in Nubia.
The museum, as well, houses several models and styles of the Nubian heritage, the panorama of the Nile, depicting live image of the River Nile streaming through its banks.
There is also a model for the Nubian-style house, typically copied to mirror the nature of life in Nubia.
All pieces exhibited in the museum reflect the character of Nubia over history and displays how it merged with the Islamic civilization on one hand and the mother civilization of
Egypt on the other.
So, the museum of Nubia plays a vital role not only at the level of promoting Nubia to the entire world but also at the level of maintaining monuments and supporting researchers, interested in Nubia, from around the globe.
This however could be achieved through the museum's study center and the documentation centers which publish more information on the "Land of Gold" in Egypt, the past, the present and the future.

Good review?

(0)

Wakalat El Ghouri

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Jun 11, 2009

Historical buildings have a lure of their own. Islamic monuments, in particular, have a very special air of their own; a very strong sense of history pervades them and fills visitors with such feeling. One of these monuments is Wakalat El Ghouri.
The moment you step onto the old stone steps leading into the courtyard, you will get the feeling of softly gliding back into history. A host of finely made wooden Mashrabiyas, overlooking the courtyard as well as the facade of the building , remarkably come into view, almost confiding the 500-year history of this architectural masterpiece. This Mameluke-style building is cosily situated amidst the historical district of Al Azhar, Downtown Cairo, which is remarkably rich with Fatimide and Mameluke monuments.

Good review?

(0)

Al-Rifai Mosque

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Jun 11, 2009

Al-Rifai Mosque is similar to the mosque of Sultan Hassan in magnitude and height although the time lapse between them was about 500 years.
Sultan Hassan mosque was established in 1359, while Al-Rifai Mosque was originally established by an order from Khushyar Hanim, the mother of Khedive Isma'il Pasha in 1869.
Al-Rifai Mosque is famous for the preciseness of industry and its large number of decorations.
Al-Rifai Mosque covers an area of 6,500 square meters. It competes with mosque of Sultan Hassan in greatness, and grandeur.
It is strange that in spite of the mosque being called Al-Rifai, Rifai, the well-known spiritual Islamic leader, has not been buried in it, instead he is buried in Iraq.
Perhaps the reason for this naming is that part of the area of the mosque was a Zawiyah (small mosque) called Rifai, in which some of Rifai's students and followers were buried.
Khushyar Hanim has bought this land and entrusted Husayn Fahmi Pasha to outline a project to build a large mosque, including a cemetery for her and her family and two mausoleums for the two religious men Ali Abo Shebak and Yahya Ansary.
For some reasons the construction of the mosque had stopped from 1880 to 1905 until Khedive Abbas Hilmi II entrusted Khairy Ahmed Pasha, the Director of private Endowments, with the completion of the mosque and it was opened in 1912.
Khushyar Hanim died in 1885 and was buried in Al-Rifai mosque before the completion of its construction and many of the family members of Muhammad Ali were also buried in this mosque, such as Khedive Ismail in 1895 and three of his wives who died after him.
Sultan Hussein Kamel was also buried in this mosque in 1971, King Fouad in 1936 and his mother Princess Ferial as well as his son King Farouk in 1965 and the Shah of Iran in 1980.

Good review?

(0)

Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Jun 11, 2009

Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque
Al-Nasir Muhammad was a prolific builder who reigned as Sultan of Egypt during three different periods. He built his famous mosque in the Citadel during his third and longest reign (1309 through 1340 AD).
The Mosque of Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad was the royal mosque of both the Citadel and Cairo itself.
There were several mosques within the Citadel, but that of Sultan al-Nasir was one of the most glamorous in Cairo until the original dome covered with green tile over the nine-bay maqsura in front of the mihrab, collapsed in the 16th C and the marble was carried off by the Ottoman conquores.
This hypostyle mosque is built as a regular free-standing rectangle around a courtyard with a large dome covering the prayer niche area. There are three entrances, including one on the northeastern side with a trilobed shallow recess and another on the northwestern wall with a stalactite portal. The third entrance is on the southern wall and is adorned with a pointed arch including a sun-rise motif in ablaq masonry. None of the entrances has a maksala or bench, making them the exception to the rule in Cairo.
The position of the two minarets and two asymmetrically located portals are dictated by the orientation and location of the mosque, which faces the northern enclosure of the Citadel on one side with its official and military buildings, and adjoins the residences of the sultan on the west and south.
Originally, the mosque had a number of large iron-grilled windows that are now walled up. It was also paneled with high marble dados which were later removed by Sultan Selim (the Grim) and shipped to Istanbul with other marbles from the palace. However, the qibla wall has been completely restored.
Al-Nasir Muhammad's mosque has another interesting feature, consisting of a small loggia located above the northwestern entrance, reached by the staircase that leads to the roof. It is perhaps a dikkat al-muballigh, like the bench on columns in the sanctuary of other mosques that is used for call to prayer, recitations and Quran readings.

Good review?

(0)

Amr Ibn El-Aas Mosque

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Jun 11, 2009

Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque
Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As is the first mosque built in Egypt and Africa and it was constructed by Amr Ibn Al-As in 642 AD.
Amr was the Arab general who conquest Egypt to fight against the Romans and he was hailed by the Copts as a liberator. Then he was appointed governor by the Caliph. Amr founded a new capital instead of Alexandria, and that was Al Fustat.
In the center of Al Futat was the mosque which was named “The Mosque of Amr” It was surrounded by the plans and houses of Al Fustat. Originally the mosque was overlooked the Nile from the Northwest side.
The mosque was called “the Crown of the Mosques” and the Antique Mosque. In fact the actual features of the mosque are very different of its ancient aspects. Many reconstructions and restorations took place since the time of its foundation.
The mosque was built in a shape of rectangular low shed of wood and palm leaves supported on columns of palm stems, stones and mud bricks while the floor was covered with gravel. That first simple mosque measures about 29 m. in length and 17 m. in width.
Since the time of the foundation of the mosque many additions and extensions took place, but the most important one was made by the governor Abudllah Ibn Taher during the reign of Caliph Al Mamoun in the 9th century. He extended the mosque adding a new area at the S.W side and that extension was the last one. Thus at that time the mosque measures 120 m. in length and 112 m. in width and that represents the actual area of the mosque. At the end of the Fatimid period, the mosque was ruined as a result of Al Fustat Fire which took place in 1175 AD. When Al Fustat was burnt by Shawer, the Vizier of the Fatimid Caliph Al Adid, to prevent the crusaders from invading Al Fustat , and that fire continued 54 days. Therefore Saladin rebuilt it and renovated it in 1179 AD. Just before the arrival of the French Expedition to Egypt Mourad Bey one of the Mameluke leaders in the end of the 18th century demolished the mosque and rebuilt it in 1796 AD. Mourad Bey changed the Iiwan and the courtyard replacing the seven rows of columns in the quibla liwan with 6 ones and changing the bays to be perpendicular to the quibla wall instead of being parallel to it. Most probably he built the remaining minarets, one above the right entrance in the façade and the other is situated above the right end of the quibla wall. He renovated the ceiling, and covered the floor with mats and provided the mosque with candelabras. Also he made 4 foundation tablets still existing, bearing poetic verses praising and dating his achievements. One of these tablets is fixed to the quibla wall to the left of the Mihrab.
In 1906 during the reign of khedive Abbas Helmy II, the mosque was restored entirely. These works were achieved by the Arab Antiquities Preservation committee.
At the Southern corner of the quibla Riwaq there is a Mausoleum below a dome, Perhaps it belongs to Abdulla the son of Amr, some Historians can not confirm that, they believe that no honorable figure was buried in that Mausoleum.
One of the most remarkable facts about that mosque, that it was not only a place for prayer but also a very important kind of university 600 years before the foundation of Al Azhar mosque in Cairo.
It was the place where religious lectures were held. One of the most important Religious professors and Imams who taught in this mosque, was the Mohamed Ibn Idris Al Shafi'.
Finally we should mention that in the Western addition (Ziada) there was used as a court of law and many trials were held.

Good review?

(-1)

Muhammad Ali Mosque

Egypt

Added Jun 11, 2009

Muhammad Ali Mosque
The mosque of Muhammad 'Ali Pasha was built between 1828 and 1848. Perched on the summit of the citadel, this Ottoman mosque, the largest to be built in the first half of the 19th c., is, with its animated silhouette and twin minarets, the most visible mosque in Cairo.
It is built on the site of Mameluke palaces destroyed at the behest of the patron, an act reminiscent of that of Saladin who wiped out all traces of Fatimid power by dismantling their palaces, and it also superseded the adjacent Mosque of al-Nasir Muhammad as the new state mosque. This first independent ruler of Egypt chose to build his state mosque entirely in the architectural style of his former overlords, the Ottomans, unlike the Mamelukes who, despite their political submission to the Ottomans, tenaciously stuck to the architectural styles of the two Mameluke dynasties. But then, as an Ottoman governor of Albanian origin, his primary identification was with the Ottomans rather than his local subjects and he even had designs on the Sultanate for a time.
This mosque, with its general scheme consisting of a square sanctuary covered by a central dome flanked by four half-domes, is a conscious revival of Ottoman imperial style. The style, however, was not the only imperial aspect that the architect strived to emulate.
The monumental scale of the sanctuary rivals that of Sultan Ahmet (1609-17); the adjoining courtyard surrounded by the typical domed porticoes is of a larger area than that of the Süleymaniye (1550-57); the slightly pointed dome, although of a diameter smaller than its Ottoman counterparts, has a profile equal in height to that of the Süleymaniye and higher than that of the Selimiye (1569-74); the height of the minarets is unrivaled by any of their Ottoman counterparts. The mosque's decoration style shows strong European influence, characteristic of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul from this period.

Good review?

(0)

El Azhar Mosque

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Jun 11, 2009

Al-Azhar Mosque (the most blooming), established in 972 (361 H) in a porticoed style shortly after the founding of Cairo itself, was originally designed by the Fatimid general Jawhar El-Sequili (Gawhara Qunqubay, Gawhar al-Sakkaly) and built on the orders of Caliph Muezz Li-Din Allah. Located in the center of an area teaming with the most beautiful Islamic monuments from the 10th century, it was called "Al-Azhar" after Fatama al-Zahraa, daughter of the Prophet Mohamed (Peace and Prayers Be Upon Him). It imitated both the Amr Ibn El-As and Ibn Tulun mosques. The first Fatimid monument in Egypt, the Azhar was both a meeting place for Shi'a students and through the centuries, it has remained a focal point of the famous university which has grown up around it. It was under Yaqoub Ibn Cals that the mosque became a teaching institute.
This is the oldest university in the world, where the first lecture was delivered in 975 AD. Today the university built around the Mosque is the most prestigious of Muslim schools, and its students are highly esteemed for their traditional training. While ten thousand students once studied here, today the university classes are conducted in adjacent buildings and the Mosque is reserved for prayer. In addition to the religious studies, modern schools of medicine, science and foreign languages have also been added.
Architecturally, the mosque is a palimpsest of all styles and influences that have passed through Egypt, with a large part of it having been renovated by Abdarrahman Khesheda. There are five very fine minarets with small balconies and intricately carved columns. It has six entrances, with the main entrance being the 18th Century Bab el-Muzayini (barber's gate), where students were once shaved. This gate leads into a small courtyard and then into the Aqbaughawiya Medersa to the left, which was built in 1340 and serves as a library. On the right is the Taybarsiya Medersa built in 1310 which has a very fine mihrab.
The Qaitbay Entrance was built in 1469 and has a minaret built atop. Inside is a large courtyard that is 275 by 112 feet which is surrounded with porticos supported by over three hundred marble columns of ancient origin. To the east is the prayer hall which is larger than the courtyard and has several rows of columns. The Kufic inscription on the interior of the mihrab is original, though the mihrab has been modified several times, and behind is a hall added in 1753 by Abd el-Rahman Katkhuda. At the northern end is the tomb medersa of Jawhar El-Sequili.

Good review?

(0)

The Egyptian Geological Museum

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Jun 11, 2009

The Egyptian Geological Museum
The Egyptian Geological Museum (EGM) was established and opened for the public in 1904, as a part of the Egyptian Geological Survey (EGS) founded earlier in 1896. Egyptians were the pioneers in extraction and utilization of metals and stones, the essential basics of civilization. They were the first to discover gold and copper and mine them from the Eastern Desert and Sinai.
The geological history of Egypt as indicated by it's fauna and flora is displayed in the Museum. There is also the unique collection of the Fayoum vertebrate fossils on display and a large collection of minerals, ores and rocks. In addition, a very valuable collection of meteorites discovered in Egypt and from other places in the world are displayed. These include the famous Egyptian meteorite “Nakhlite” believed to be from Mars.
The Museum is served by a library with references that date as far back as 1778, in addition to up to date references and bibliographies. These are available to the public and scientists. The Museum also includes some specialized laboratories for mineralogical, petrological and paleontological (both vertebrate and invertebrate) studies. Models for rare vertebrate fossils are made to facilitate detailed studies and preserve the original specimens. The Museum shares in the studies conducted on the protectorates and outstanding geological features in order to raise the public environmental awareness.
Joint researches and cooperation with other international geological surveys, universities and museums are among the major concerns of the Museum. Cooperation with Duke University (U.S.A.), Toronto and Milano Geological Museums (Italy), The Museum of Natural History in London (U.K.) are good examples. Also, support to local museums in universities and schools is offered. This includes providing samples and training secondary school teachers and specialists from other scientific institutions.
The museum is a part of the Egyptian Geological Survey and Mining Authority (EGSMA). It was officially opened as a part of the Survey and was allocated a beautiful and specially designed building in the gardens of the Ministry of Public Works in downtown Cairo. It remained as one of the cultural centers in Cairo up to 1982 when the building was taken down and the Museum transferred to its present location near Maadi (southern Cairo).
The first Museum Keeper was William Andrews (1904), followed by Henry Osborne (1906). Hassan Sadek was the first Egyptian Museum Keeper.
The famous fossil collection of the Fayoum vertebrates was the first to be displayed in the new museum. The collection was dug from Fayoum in 1898, sent to the British Museum in London for identification in 1899 and returned for display. The collection continued to grow and become more varied with the increased number of field expedition and the different areas covered by field work.
The Geological Museum plays the essential role of introducing earth sciences to the public. It emphasizes the geology of Egypt, its minerals, rocks and fossils, through well organized displays. The Museum participates in the advancement of scientific research through collaboration with scientists from Egypt and abroad, who seek out famous collections of vertebrate fossils and meteorites.
The Museum collection is displayed in three galleries. These are described in brief, as follows:
A- Minerals & Rocks Gallery:
This Gallery is one of the three main galleries of the Museum where various specimens of minerals and rock are exhibited. These represent the main occurrences of minerals and rocks in Egypt and some important specimens from other parts of the world.
1- Mineral Exhibitions: These exhibitions show different varieties of minerals that are classified on the basis of their chemical composition, occurrences in Egypt, physical properties and uses.
2- Exhibitions of Rocks: These exhibitions show sample specimens of the three main groups of rocks consisting of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic as well as most of the famous Egyptian rocks.
B- Invertebrate Fossils Gallery:
This Gallery consists of the Rocks and Minerals, Invertebrate Fossils and Vertebrate Fossils galleries. This gallery is divided mainly into three divisions consisting of the Stratigraphics Sequence (Geological Column), Egyptian Geology as represented by fossils and Systematic paleontology. It also shows a collection of specimens that represent the methods of preservation as well as a gift of collection.
C- Vertebrate Fossils Gallery:

This gallery hosts mainly the world famous Vertebrate fossils discovered in the Fayoum province , together with a few other important Fossils.
The Library:
In addition to the three galleries, there is a library specialized in geological sciences. It hosts more than 10.000 text books, journals, periodicals, annals and maps. It includes original editions of many rare books such as Fossilen Mollusken by Von Wien (1836) , Echinodermes by Agassiz (1847) , Naqada and Betrie (1895) among others.
Conclusion:
EGM is concerned with the history of the Earth as a whole. It explores life and its development during the various geological periods. During one visit to the Museum, one may gain considerable knowledge about the history of the Earth as well as the features of the Egyptian land over millions of years.

Good review?

(0)

People i like

Afghanistan

Added Jun 6, 2009

Its not a place its a person
its Mulla Omar

Good review?

(0)

The Graeco-Roman Museum

Alexandria, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added May 23, 2009

Founded in 1892, the graeco—Roman Museum of Alexandria has already celebrated its centenary. Its vast collection, gathered together over these hundred years, is the product of donations from wealthy Alexandrians as well as of excavations led by successive directors of the institution, both within the town and in its environs. Certain other objects have come from the Organization of Antiquities at Cairo (particularly those of the Pharaonic period) and from various digs undertaken at the beginning of the century in The Fayoum and at Benhasa (Middle Egypt). Housed within an historic building (back cover) whose beautiful neo-classical facade of six columns and pediment bears the large Greek inscription, ‘MOYXEION’, the Museum consists of 27 halls and an attractive garden, which offer an excellent introduction to the Greek and Roman art of Egypt.

Good review?

(0)

Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tulun

Egypt

Added May 23, 2009

It was established
876-879 m
263-265 h.
South of cairo

Good review?

(0)

Amr Ibn El-Aas Mosque

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added May 23, 2009

21 e / 641 m Date of Construction of the mosque
Amr Ibn El-Aas name of establishing
Inclusive type of impact
It was The beginning of the Blessed Islamic conquest of Egypt

Good review?

(+1)

Koshary recipe

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Mar 13, 2009

Koshary Details AbouTarek Team wishes happiness for all of you … because there are many ways to make Koshary dish …Here Aboutarek Team will introduce the best way to make it and the ingredients of the most delicious one…
Egyptian Koshary Pasta
We wish you are ready and have the following:
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked rice
2 cups cooked penne pasta
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon Ground Cumin , divided
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 cup cooked lentils
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper
3 medium yellow squash, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
2 medium onions, thinly sliced (about 2 cups), optional*
Now AbouTarek Team wish you do the next steps :
Instructions:
1. Combine rice and pasta; spoon in bottom of shallow serving platter. Keep warm
2. Whisk together vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Add cooked lentils and stir to combine. Spoon over rice and pasta.
3. Combine tomatoes, water, sugar, cinnamon, salt, remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin and red pepper in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat about 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Stir in squash. Spoon tomato mixure over lentil layer. Partially stir tomato mixture into other layers, but do not completely combine all layers. If desired, prepare crisp-brown onions as directed below and add as a topping.
*Cook onions in large skillet with 1 tablespoon oil over high heat, stirring frequently, until brown and slightly crispy, about 10 minutes.
Aboutarek team is keening to make all information are available for you to enjoy good health so …you have to know Nutritional Information:
Nutritional Information
Calories: 169, Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 281 mg, Carbohydrates: 34 g, Protein: 7 g

Good review?

(0)

Abu Tareq

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Mar 13, 2009

Its one of the very nice restaurants offering local Egyptian food " Koshary "
Koshary is considered a meal that is inexpensive yet fills up the stomach of an average Egyptian. "Koshary is something I love; I can have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's eaten anytime, anywhere. I can eat it standing, sitting, at work or at home," said Shaimaa. "It's a meal that is both affordable and delicious

Good review?

(0)

Ras Mohammed

Sharm el-Sheikh, Sinai Region, Egypt

Added Feb 18, 2009

Its the best place ever for scubadiving/snorkeling all over the world .

Good review?

(0)

Valley of Bamiam

Bamyan, Bamiyan & Central Afghanistan, Afghanistan

Added Nov 14, 2008

Actually its called The Valley of Pamyan .

Good review?

(0)

El-Siririya

Egypt

Added Nov 7, 2008

El-Siririya, on the east bank of the Nile, to the north of el-Minya, is a

vast area of ancient limestone quarries. The quarries are still in use

today as one of the major sources of limestone blocks for building

in the country - a fact which is obvious from the dazzling white

dust which covers the land and everything on it for miles around.

There are many galleries of quarries at el-Siririya where the cutting

technique can be seen, some with ancient builders marks on the faces

of the rock.

Amidst the quarried galleries there is a rock-cut speos (rock-shrine)

on a steep rise, which may have been, at one time, cut from a cliff

face, but now stands alone. The speos was decorated by Merenptah

during Dynasty XIX and dedicated to Hathor ‘Lady of the Two

Infernos’ - a fiery aspect of the goddess well suited to this parched

site.

The shrine has a single doorway with a badly worn hieroglyphic text

incised on the jambs. Inside is a single chamber with a vaulted

ceiling, once carved and painted but now poorly preserved, although

remains of the paint can still be seen. At the rear of the chapel, three

statues are carved from the rock in high relief, including one of the

goddess Hathor on the right-hand side.

Below the speos on the western side, a stela is carved into the rock,

now quite worn and with the lower part completely gone. The stela

depicts a king named in two cartouches of (probably) Rameses II

, offering to a god who is difficult to identify, but could be Sobek.

Hathor stands behind the king with a hand on his shoulder.

How to get there

El-Siririya is reached across the main Nile bridge at el-Minya. On the

east bank, follow the road north along the river valley. This is

a pretty drive through small villages with the high limestone gebel

reaching right down to the road. Many small limestone industries

can be seen along the sides of the road. You know when you

have reached el-Siririya by the white landscape and the large

cement factory and the quarry sites which surround the village.

There is a helicopter pad near the entrance to the village with a

sign announcing ‘Entry Forbidden’ - park here and cross the

sandy desert in a south-easterly direction to the speos, with the

old quarries behind to the north-east.

Good review?

(0)

Beni Hasan

Egypt

Added Nov 7, 2008

Beni Hasan is a small village, south of el-Minya, where an important

group of rock-cut tombs are carved into the high limestone cliffs on

the east bank of the Nile. The tombs date mostly to Dynasties XI

and XII, although there are a few smaller and less elaborate ones

belonging to Dynasty VI when provincial rulers had begun to

establish their independent power along the Nile Valley. The tombs

are reached via a long steep flight of stone steps up the hillside,

from where there is a magnificent view up and down the river valley.

The most important of the tombs belonged to provincial rulers of

the 16th Upper Egyptian nome. Of 39 tombs on the upper part of the

cliff, only 12 were decorated and four are currently open to visitors a

long with another undecorated tomb (BH18). These offer a rare

chance to see the distinctive style of mortuary art characteristic of

the early Middle Kingdom with their colourfully painted scenes

of daily life, recreation and military activities. The location of the

cemetery on the east bank of the Nile is somewhat unusual - the

west being the domain of Osiris. The necropolis was recorded by

several early explorers and between 1890 and 1894 was surveyed

by Percy Newerry on behalf of the Egypt Exploration Fund. John

Garstang excavated some of the Dynasty VI to Dynasty XII tombs

during 1902 to 1904 and Nina de Garis Davis copied wall-scenes

in 1931. In the early 1980s some of the Dynasty XII tombs were

cleaned of their grime by the Egyptian Antiquities Organisation,

restoring the wall paintings to their original bright colours.

Tomb of Baqet III (BH15)

The tomb of Baqet III is the earliest of the tombs which are

open. Baqet was provincial governor of Menat-Khufu (modern

el-Minya) during the later years of Dynasty XI. A large rectangular

cult chapel lies behind the plain tomb façade with two slender lotus

columns separating the front part of the chapel from the rear.

The north wall of the tomb has many painted scenes depicting

Baqet and his life in the provincial community, including the

desert hunt with many types of animals. Industrial scenes of

weaving and spinning, goldsmiths and sculptors are mingled with

scenes of country living - hunting and fishing in the marshes,

catching birds and gathering papyrus. Battle scenes are shown on

the east wall, along with wrestlers which seem to be a feature of the

decoration in tombs from this period. The south wall depicts more

traditional funerary scenes, with the deceased’s statue being

dragged on a sledge to the tomb, accompanied by offering-bringers,

but also includes recreational scenes of sports and playing senet.

There is also a small L-shaped statue chamber in the eastern side of

the south wall.

Tomb of Khety (BH17)

Khety, also a Dynasty XI governor, was the son of Baqet. The

architecture of his tomb is similar to that of his father’s, but with six

slender closed lotus pillars in the rear portion. The east and north

walls of the tomb are decorated with scenes of fowling and the

papyrus harvest, hunting in the desert and local industries below.

Khety and his wife are shown presiding over the activities and

watch women dancing and playing games. Clappers and dancers

and musicians are shown before Khety’s statue being dragged on a

sledge.

On the east wall there are long scenes of men practicing unarmed

combat or wrestling. The movements can be seen easily because

the bodies are painted in contrasting shades. Towards the

left-hand side, battle scenes show a fortress under siege, with piles

of slain bodies towards the right-hand side. The south wall

contains agricultural scenes including wine-making, ploughing

and processions of colourful cattle. The funeral rites are also

depicted, with the traditional boats as well as offering-bringers and

butchers on the west wall.

Tomb of Amenemhet (BH2)

The tomb of Amenemhet, who was called Ameni, dates to Dynasty

XII and is a little more elaborate than the earlier tombs. We

can be more precise than this, as the tomb-owner’s biographical

text is dated to year 43, month 2 of the season of inundation, day 15

of the reign of Senwosret I. Amenemhet was the last holder of the

hereditary title ‘Great Overlord of the Province of the Oryx’ at a time

when the government of Egypt was once more becoming

more centralised. The architecture of Amenemhet’s tomb differs from

the earlier style by having a courtyard and a portico with two

columns before the entrance to the tomb-chapel.

The tomb chapel is large and rectangular and contains four wide

polygonal pillars and two burial shafts. An elaborately decorated

ceiling is divided into three naves, each with a vaulted roof. The

wall-paintings contain themes similar to earlier tombs, with agriculture

and industries, hunting in the desert, military activities and funeral

rites with offering-bringers. A large offering list appears across the

top of the south wall, before Amenemhet who sits with his wife at a

table containing all the produce of his lands. These later tombs also

contain a small statue chamber, to the east beyond the tomb-

chapel. In Amenemhet’s tomb there are the remains of a statue

group which probably depicted the owner with his wife and mother,

with an offering table in front.

Tomb of Khnumhotep (BH3)

Khnumhotep II was a successor of Amenemhet and occupied one

of the latest of the Middle Kingdom tombs built at Beni Hasan.

Although he was a provincial governor, technically his power

would have been less than that of his predecessor as the Middle

Kingdom government of Egypt became stronger. His titles

include ‘Hereditary Chief’, ‘King’s Acquaintance’ and ‘One who is

Beloved of his God’.

Khnumhotep’s tomb follows the architectural style of Amenemhet’s,

with four polygonal columns in the tomb-chapel behind the impressive

façade and portico. The same themes are continued in the wall

decoration too, but the scenes are more colourful and lively and

make this perhaps the most interesting and distinctive of the

Beni Hasan tombs. On the north wall is a famous scene depicting a

caravan of asiatics in their striped robes bringing gazelles and

other items to trade. Two especially beautiful scenes dominate the

east wall - portrayals of Khnumhotep with his family, fowling and

snaring birds in the marshes in a papyrus skiff.

Khnumhotep’s well-preserved autobiographical text can be seen

running along the base of the walls, painted to simulate granite.

A statue chamber behind an elaborate doorway on the east side of

the tomb-chapel still contains the lower part of a statue of the

deceased.

How to get there

The tombs at Beni Hasan are on the east bank of the Nile, about 20km

south of el-Minya. A new rest-house has been recently constructed

(which serves very good coffee) and there is a ticket office at the

entrance to the site. Photography is no longer allowed inside any of

the tombs.

Good review?

(0)

Deir el-Gabrawi

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Near the village of Deir el-Gabrawi, on the east bank of the Nile north of Asyut is a cemetery of over one hundred rock-cut tombs dating to the late Old Kingdom and First Intermediate Period. Once part of the 12th Upper Egyptian nome, the site contains the burials of powerful provincial governors of the region, whose local deity was Anti, a falcon-headed god of war.

The tombs are cut into the hillside in two main groups, on an upper

and lower level and are linked by stone steps. Some of the high-status

officials buried here controlled a large region stretching from Deir

el-Gabrawi as far as Abydos, and held titles such as ‘Great

Overlord of the Abydene Nome’. The most important tombs on the

upper level belong to Ibi and Gawa, two high-ranking officials of the

early Middle Kingdom and these may be open by request. Scenes

within the tombs show the owners taking part in religious rites

and agricultural and industrial activities. Reliefs from these tombs

were stolen in the mid-1990s, but have now been returned and

replaced in their original positions.

Wall-scenes in the Old Kingdom tombs represent the owners

overseeing crafts, agriculture, fishing and hunting.

Norman de Garis Davis completed recording work at Deir el-Gabrawi

at the beginning of the 20th century for the publication of the

tombs on behalf of the Egypt Exploration Fund for their ‘

Archaeological Survey’, which was begun by Percy Newbury.

How to get there

Deir el-Gabrawi is on the eastern bank of the Nile opposite the town

of Manfalut, to the north of Asyut. The tombs are cut into the cliffs

on the edge of the desert.

Good review?

(0)

Hatnub Quarries

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Stone quarrying has a very long history in Egypt. The quarries at Hatnub, at least half a day's journey from the Nile in ancient times, are situated in the hills of the Eastern Desert, around 65km from el-Minya, to the south-east of el-Amarna. The area contained the principal quarries for travertine or calcite, usually known as ’Egyptian alabaster’ and was in use from as early as the Old Kingdom and intermittently through to the Roman Period. The name Hatnub means ‘Mansion of Gold’.

There have been many hieroglyphic inscriptions, graffiti and pottery sherds found at Hatnub which enable us to gain an understanding of the history of the site. There are inscriptions of Dynasty VI kings Teti and Pepi I carved into the quarried rock, but the site is perhaps immortalised during this period in the ‘Biography of Weni’ from the official’s tomb chapel at Abydos. In his biographical text Weni described a mission he undertook for Pepi’s son Merenre, in which ‘His Majesty sent me to Hatnub in order to bring a great altar of alabaster . . .’ presumably for use in the construction of Merenre’s pyramid. Pepi II’s name also appears in texts here.

Although the Hatnub quarries were, at least in the early days, exclusively for use by the king, later graffiti show that very wealthy families of the First Intermediate Period also exploited the valuable stone. Important topics addressed in texts from the quarries include the struggle of the Herakleopolitan rulers against the Theban rebels at the end of the First Intermediate Period. The Theban kings eventually gained in power and inscriptions of the Middle Kingdom rulers Mentuhotep III and Mentuhotep IV, are recorded on the rock walls. Mentuhotep IV’s texts suggest that some of the nomarchs of Middle Egypt might have been troublesome at this time. The nomarchs of the Heliopolitan nome were self-styled ‘kings’ who still held power during the Middle Kingdom, although now more closely supervised by the pharaoh’s officials. The ruler of the Hermopolite nome, Neheri, left inscriptions at Hatnub dated to his own ‘reign’ (although actually during the time of Mentuhotep IV), suggesting that he was seriously challenging the Theban pharaoh’s authority. Probably one of the last of the powerful nomarchs was Djutihotep of Dynasty XII, whose tomb at Deir el-Bersha contains a depiction of 172 men dragging a colossal alabaster statue over 6.5m high from the quarries at Hatnub.

There is evidence to suggest that the Hatnub quarries were much used in the New Kingdom, receiving attention from the time of Amenhotep I of Dynasty XVIII and it is likely that the colossal ‘alabaster’ sphinx in the precinct of the Ramesside temple at Memphis, was carved from calcite from the Hatnub quarries. It has been suggested that the sphinx may have originally been one of a pair who guarded an earlier monument at Memphis and may have been placed there by Hatshepsut, whose name has been identified on an alabaster jar fragment from the Temple of Ptah at Memphis. She was the first New Kingdom ruler known to have built monuments in Middle Egypt and presumably had access to the Hatnub quarries.

Hatnub had three principal quarrying areas and its main quarry (P) is a pit 55m by 85m in area and 16m deep. There were also settlements for the workers, characterised by drystone walls, windbreaks, and a transportation system of causeways and roads.

Hatnub was an important source for the precious stone which could be either carved so thinly that light would shine through it or used in the construction of altars, sarcophagi and beautiful shrines such as that of Senwosret I which has been reconstructed in Karnak open-air museum. There was nothing to equal its aesthetic qualities in ancient Egypt.

Good review?

(0)

Meir

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Meir lies at the edge of the cultivation, about 50km north-west of

Asyut. The modern town of el-Qusiya, about 8km to the east of

Meir, probably derives its name from the ancient Qis, classical Cusae

during Graeco-Roman times. Although Qis was capital of the

14th Upper Egyptian nome, there are few remaining traces of the

ancient town. It was in the necropolis at Meir that the provincial

rulers, or nomarchs of the region were buried in tombs high in the

hillside, with the more humble population further down the slope.

Meir has had little archaeological attention since the tombs were

first published by Aylward Blackman for the Egypt Exploration

Fund in 1914 and then excavated by Sayed Pasha Kabasha in 1919.

Reisner described model boats found at Meir and Daressy produced

a study of the coffins. Since then the area has been fairly inaccessible

to tourists but recently several of the tombs have been cleared and

opened to visitors. The cemetery has many important rock-cut

tombs dating to Dynasty VI and Dynasty XII, containing unusual

painted scenes, characterised by their naturalistic qualities. Many

of the tombs contain highly detailed scenes of daily life, including

industries and sports and have a distinct local style.

Tomb of Niankh-hpepy (Meir A-1)
Niankh-hpepy was also known by the name of 'Hepi the Black'

and his large tomb reflects his important status of Chancellor of

Pepi I during Dynasty VI. The tomb contains four chambers. In the

first and largest of these Niankh-hpepy and his wife are depicted

receiving offerings of cattle, birds, animals and food and observing

fishing and fowling, with the preparation of the catch. On the

western wall of the tomb there is a stela with an offering slab in

front. There are many shafts in Niankh-hpepy’s tomb, for the burials

of his family.

Tomb of Pepyankh (Meir A-2)
Pepyankh was the son of Niankh-hpepy and was called 'Heni the

Black'. His tomb, which adjoins that of his father, is larger, and

contains many scenes with details of industries and the harvesting

of various crops, including grapes, grain and flax. On the left-hand

wall of the western chamber are offering scenes which follow the

owner into a long corridor and a room with a large burial shaft. On

the right-hand wall Pepyankh is seen in a palanquin, shaded by a

fan-bearer, accompanied by his pet dog and monkey in registers

above. Another small offering chamber to the rear contains a false

door. The central chamber (the

Good review?

(0)

El-Badari Region

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

On the east bank of the Nile at the edge of the eastern desert

between Akhmim and Asyut, are a series of cemeteries which were

investigated by Petrie between 1922 and 1931. These ancient burial

grounds stretch from Qaw el-Kebir in the south to Matmar in the

north and served as burial grounds for the inhabitants of this

region of Middle Egypt from Predynastic times right through to the

Roman era. The whole area is generally known as the el-Badari

region and encompasses cemeteries at el-Hammamiya, el-Badari,

Mostagedda, Deir Tasa and Matmar.

Many of the sites were excavated during the early part of the 20th

century by Petrie, Guy Brunton, Gertrude Caton-Thompson and

others under Petrie's direction. The region's main importance was

that the finds from these areas form the original basis for dating

the Badarian Period (c5500 to c4000BC) which at the time

constituted the earliest phase of Egyptian Predynastic history.

The area covers 35km from south to north at the edge of the valley

plain and includes around 7000 recorded tombs. Artefacts

found during excavations were varied. A distinctive pottery type

was identified - especially black-topped, polished red vessels which

Petrie named Badarian ware. Terracotta vessels and stone vases,

ivory figurines, slate palettes and large quantities of flint tools were

also found around many of the graves.

From these excavated objects archaeologists have gained much

information about the Badarian Culture. The people were early

farmers in the Nile Valley, possibly originating from an area of Upper

Sudan (suggested by pottery styles). Skeletal remains suggest that

they were a tall people who wore their hair in plaits and garments

woven from flax or grass fibres and animal skins. They were also

hunters and fishermen, herded sheep and cattle and cultivated

cereals such as emmer and barley as well as lentils and tubers to

supplement their diet.

Although we do not have any remains of dwellings, post holes, pits

and ash hearths have been found at the edge of the valley. They

stored their food in large upright bins or jars placed in holes in the

ground. The Badarian people were the first in Egypt to

manufacture metal objects in the form of copper beads and pins

but they used flint and stone tools to create the beautiful

pottery we see today in museums. The best known pottery of this

period is the black-topped and burnished wares which was carried

on into the Naqada Periods. They were influenced by the world

around them, producing textured pottery in the form of baskets and

gourds and vessels in animal form.

Good review?

(0)

Qaw el-Kebir

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

On the east bank of the Nile, midway between the towns of

Akhmim and Asyut, is the necropolis and town-site of ancient

Tjebu, a town, once capital of the 12th Upper Egyptian Nome

and known in Graeco-Roman times as Antaeopolis.

A large limestone temple still existed at Antaeopolis in the 18th

century and was noted in the 'Description de l'Egypte' before being

swept away by a series of Nile floods in the early part of the 19th

century. Remaining blocks from the temple were subsequently

removed for the construction of the Asyut palace of Ibrahim Pasha.

The temple, dedicated to the god Anty, was built from limestone

blocks by Ptolemy IV Philopator and Arsinoe and enlarged by

Ptolemy VI Philometor. A large brick enclosure wall surrounded

the temple, which measured 45m by 60m. Surviving structures

include a granite naos from the sanctuary, which was fronted

by a pronaos containing eighteen palm columns. The temple

façade contained a lintel with a Greek dedication by Ptolemy VI and

Cleopatra.

Near to Qaw el-Kebir, on the eastern edge of the desert are the ruins

of a smaller mudbrick temple dating to the New Kingdom which was

built over an older First Intermediate Period structure. The temple

contains an altar court and two sanctuary chambers at the rear.

The necropolis at Qaw el-Kebir (often called Qaw, or Qau)

contains tombs ranging in date from the Prehistoric (Naqada Period)

right through to Roman times scattered throughout several cemetery

areas. Petrie directed excavations here during 1923 to 1924 and

in 1925 J L Starkey found a papyrus containing the earliest known

Coptic version of St John's Gospel wrapped in a cloth and buried in

a jar at the site.

The large southern cemetery at Qaw is thought to have been the

necropolis of the provincial capital of Tjebu, although the Dynasty

XII rulers are buried in rock-cut tombs slightly set apart from the

main cemeteries on terraces in the cliffs to the north. The most

important and most architecturally interesting of these are the

tombs of the provincial governors, Wahka I (hereditary prince

and mayor), Ibu, Sobekhotep and Wahka II (Mayor during the reign

of Amenemhet III). The tomb structures followed the basic plan

of a pyramid temple and consisted of a chapel with associated

valley temple, causeway and mortuary temple. The mortuary

temple contains a limestone pylon with a columned court behind.

Several porticoed terraces, connected by steep stairs, open

onto a series of underground chambers, containing the sarcophagi

of the nomarchs and their families. The antechambers of the

tomb-chapels were originally decorated with limestone reliefs, now

gone, but some of the statue chambers are still painted. Steep

ramps rise from the base of the cliffs to the tombs along which the

sarcophagi would have been dragged.

Good review?

(0)

Akhmim

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

The ancient town of Ipu was situated at Akmim, on the east bank of

the Nile opposite the town of Sohag. In pharaonic times it was

also known as Khent-Min, being the cult centre of the god Min.

It is thought that Tiye, the mother of Akhenaten, had extensive

estates in the area, which flourished as the capital of the 9th Upper

Egyptian nome in the Ptolemaic Period, when it was known as

Khemis. The Greeks knew the town as Panopolis, and the early Coptic

Christians called it Chmin.

Many of the ancient buildings of Akhmim were dismantled to be

used in later periods and today little exists in its original form.

In 1981 however part of a temple with a monumental gate believed

to date to the Graeco-Roman Period was unearthed during building

works on the north-eastern edge of the town. Archaeologists found

several statue fragments of Rameses II during excavations, as well

as a beautiful colossal statue of the king’s daughter and consort,

Meritamun, now re-erected in the centre of the area which has

become an open-air museum, several metres below the modern

ground level. The statue of Meritamun was a spectacular

discovery, although when it was found lying face-down before the

temple gateway, it was broken. Carved from limestone and now

restored, the queen who stands 11m tall, wears a close-fitting

pleated robe and is crowned with a modius (head-dress), decorated

with serpents and the double-feathers of the ‘God’s Wife of Amun’.

The museum also contains a beautiful Roman statue of Venus (Isis)

as well as many stelae and architectural elements form the

surrounding structures. There are also some large inscribed blocks

from el-Amarna which were probably re-used in the later temple

building.

The Graeco-Roman temple was dedicated to Min and Triphis

(Repyt), the goddess who was his consort at Akhmim. Apparently

the large temple, which was described as similar in style to the

Temple of Edfu, was still in good repair until the 14th century, when

it was dismantled to be used as building material. Beautifully

decorated stonework and two colossal statues in the temple of

Min were mentioned by Herodotus in his ‘Histories’.

More recent excavations in the town have uncovered yet another

temple, close to the Graeco-Roman site, beneath a modern cemetery.

This is a temple built by Rameses II , possibly his largest temple

yet found. A ruined colossal statue of Rameses II (probably one

of a pair) lies partly buried at what is thought to be the entrance

of a temple once known as ‘The Birba’ which is referred to in

Coptic and Arabic literature. The Egyptian government has agreed

to allocate EGP 5 million in order to begin proper excavation of the

site, relocating the old Muslim cemetery which partly covers the area

and the construction of a new one.

The necropolis at Akhmim has never been systematically excavated,

although recent discoveries include five tombs dating to the Old

Kingdom where a number of sarcophagi and plaques have been

found.

The modern town of Akhmim is also famous for its fine weaving

and tapestries - one of Egypt’s oldest industries. There are

several shops close to the open-air museum which demonstrate

the craft and sell the beautiful Akhmim textiles.

Nearby monuments

To the north-east of Akhmim there are decorated rock-cut tombs

at el-Hawawish, also known as Beit el-Medina, spanning the periods

from late Dynasty VI to early Dynasty XII. They were first

investigated by Percy Newberry in 1912 and belong to officials of

the town and Middle Kingdom nomarchs of the Panopolite nome.

During the 1990s more recent excavations have been undertaken by

the Australian Centre for Egyptology Studies, directed by Naguib

Kanawati.

At el-Salamuni, to the north-west of Akhmim, there are Graeco-

Roman rock-cut tombs in the high cliffs, some of which are

decorated with zodiac ceilings. There is also a small New

Kingdom rock-cut chapel dedicated to Min, and decorated by

Nakhmin, who held the title of ‘First Priest of Min’ during the

reign of Ay (Dynasty XVIII). Reliefs depict Tuthmose III

(Dynasty XVIII) as well as Ay and his wife Teye before local gods.

The shrine was later restored with added decoration by

Harma’kheru, another ‘First Priest of Min’ during the reign of

PtolemyII Philadelphus.

There are also ancient cemeteries to the north of Akhmim at Nag

el-Kilabat and el-Sawama.

How to get there

Akhmim is on the opposite side of the river from Sohag, across the

bridge. Visitors are currently escorted by the tourist police.

Good review?

(0)

Wannina

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Wannina is a town-site on the west bank of the Nile about 10km south-west of Sohag. In ancient times the town was called Hwt-Repyt and renamed Athribis by the Greeks when it began to grow in importance. The site was excavated by Petrie in 1900.

The main monument at Wannina is a temple dedicated to the lion goddess Repyt who was called Triphis during Greek and Roman times. A processional way leads to remains of a massive gateway built by Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II, who also began the construction of a temple against the slope of a hill, but there are few remains in situ. An older granite temple dated to King Haaibre (Apries) of Dynasty XXVI stands behind this. The temple of Apries was enclosed by a construction of Ptolemy IX Soter II (Physcon), with a pylon and an enclosure wall.

A Roman birth-house lies to the north-west, at right-angles to the axis of the main temple and this building was begun by Ptolemy XII Auletes (also called Neos Dionysos) and finished during the Roman Period by the Emperor Hadrian. The large birth-house, dedicated to Triphis, measures 45m by 75m and is fronted by a pronaos with two rows of six pillars, which is still in a good state of preservation. Behind the pronaos is an open court which may have been surrounded by a colonnade. Several Roman emperors had their names carved on these buildings, which were later quarried for use in the construction of the nearby 'White Monastery'.

On the side of the hill there is also a Graeco-Roman rock-cut temple dedicated to Asklepios. Its façade contained columns with palm-capitals and some remains of these are still in situ. A forecourt, two rock-cut chambers and a cult statue niche lay behind the façade.

In the nearby cemetery site there is a Ptolemaic tomb called the 'Zodiac Tomb'. Belonging to the brothers Ibpemeny 'the younger' and Pemehyt, this important tomb has two zodiacs on its ceiling and dates to the late 2nd century AD.

Good review?

(0)

Naga ed-Deir

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Naga ed-Deir, in the governorate of Sohag is a necropolis situated on the east bank of the Nile to the south of Akhmim. The tombs here date from the Predynastic Period through to the Middle Kingdom and have been well-excavated, primarily by the American Egyptologist George Reisner between 1901 and 1924. Reisner spent many seasons working in the Predynastic cemeteries, carefully recording and publishing details of each tomb before moving on to the Old Kingdom cemeteries in the 1920s.

The site spans several kilometres along cliffs at the edge of the narrow cultivation and has provided a great deal of information about the development of cemeteries from this period and burial customs in general. Work conducted by Reisner and later Albert Lythgoe at the Predynastic cemetery N7000 included the recording of many skeletal remains which were examined by Grafton Elliott Smith and have supplied modern biological anthropologists with a good database for further research into the subject.

It is considered likely that the Naga ed-Deir cemetery probably served the ancient town of Thinis, the principal settlement in the Abydos region during the Predynastic and Early Dynastic Periods. Although Thinis has never been located with any certainty, it is thought to have been close to the modern town of Girga or el-Birba, a little to the west. If this is so then Naga ed-Deir may have been its main necropolis before being abandoned in the late Predynastic Period. It was renewed as a major cemetery site during the Early Dynastic Period and the Old Kingdom.

One of the major finds, recovered from a Predynastic pit-grave at Naga ed-Deir was a body, curled up and wrapped in reeds and naturally preserved by the hot dry sand in which it was buried. Burial goods heaped around the body included clay jars containing food and drink for the afterlife and a slate cosmetic palette.

Reisner's excavations from the Old Kingdom cemetery area produced a 'letter to the dead' recovered from the Dynasty VI tomb of Meru. This type of letter, usually written on bowls or papyri, was a message to the deceased from his family. Many interesting artefacts were also found in the later cemeteries of the First Intermediate Period and the Middle Kingdom, including sarcophagi and stelae of officials and priests of this area. One of the stela found at Naga ed-Deir belonged to a lady named Senet-Inhert, whose name suggests that she was a priestess, of the god Inhert (Onuris). The stela was commissioned by the lady's husband who seems to have been a governor and lector priest during the First Intermediate Period.

Good review?

(0)

Beit Khallaf

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

In the desert to the north of Abydos there are several Predynastic and Early Dynastic sites which were investigated by John Garstang in the early years of the 20th century. Near the villages of Mahansa and Reqaqna, a little to the south of Sohag, Garstang discovered cemeteries of Dynasty III tombs, whilst in the low desert behind the village of Beit Khallaf, he found five monumental mudbrick mastabas, similar to other stepped mastabas of the Early Dynastic Period.

The most impressive of these huge tombs is known as mastaba K1, which Garstang originally attributed to Djoser Netjerikhet, who built the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. The royal burial ground at Abydos had been abandoned after the reign of Khasekhemwy, but mastaba K1 dwarfs even Khasekhemwy’s massive Abydos enclosure (Shunet el-Zebib). K1 covers an area of 45m by 85m and its sloping walls rise to a current height of around 8m. On the eastern side a ramp leads to the roof of the structure which was probably vaulted. From the top a steep entrance staircase was sealed by blocking stones and was covered by a vaulted ceiling over mudbrick arches. From the staircase the passageway turns to the south and consists of a wide corridor with several chambers leading off to the east and west, in which Garstang found huge numbers of stone and pottery vessels.

From an historical point of view, the most important finds at Beit Khallaf were seal impressions. Impressions of the Dynasty III kings Netjerikhet and Sanakht were found in the mastabas, which dated them to the Early Dynastic Period. A clay seal impression found in mastaba K1 names a Queen Nimaathap as ‘Mother of the King’s Children’, while impressions bearing the name of Netjerikhet were also found in mastabas K2, K3, K4 and K5, although none of these equals the size of K1. Current archaeological evidence suggests by the similarity of Khasekhemwy’s Abydos enclosure to the Saqqara Step Pyramid, Netjerikhet was the son and successor to Khasekhemwy, and probably performed his burial. Nimaathap was possibly related to Netjeriket in some way and may even have been his mother. The quantity of stone vessels found in the Step Pyramid and Nimaathap’s mastaba also contained identical ink drawings of the god Min, suggesting that they came from the same ‘heirloom’ collection.

An impression from mastaba K2 shows the name of King Sanakht opposite the lower end of a cartouche and has been identified as the earliest occurrence of a cartouche found to enclose a royal name. The seal also provides evidence for the Horus name of Sanakht (enclosed in a serekh) equating with the nesw-bity name of Nebka, which has been reconstructed from the ka-sign in the portion of hieroglyphs in the cartouche. The Turin Cannon gives the postion of a King Nebka between Khasekhemwy and Netjerikhet, but the archaeological evidence now suggests otherwise.

How to get there

The mastabas at Beit Khallaf are in an isolated site near the edge of the desert escarpment and some kilometres from the main road north to Sohag. I would recommend that a guide is necessary to find the site.

Good review?

(0)

The Garry Anderson Museum

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

This is the mansion of the British Egyptologist Garry Anderson. Its many rooms display very interesting artifacts of the traditional life of the Egyptian elites.

Good review?

(0)

Sultan Hassan Mosque

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

This mosque was originally raised by the Mamluk Sultan Hassan and was finished in 1363. It sits below the Citadel and next to the much newer Rifaii mosque. It may be the main representation of the Islamic Mamluk Dynasty. It is one of the largest mosques in Egypt and the Arab world. It has been used as a school for four different Islamic Sunni schools of thought. It also has a mausoleum.

Good review?

(0)

Rifaii Mosque

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

This mosque was built in 1911 and holds the tombs of many Egyptian aristocrat families as well as the remains of the last Shah of Iran, who retreated to Cairo after he was removed from power.

Good review?

(0)

Mohammed Ali Mosque

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

This was built inside the Citadel by Mohammed Ali, a famous Egyptian regent, between 1830 and 1848.

Good review?

(0)

Bayt al Suhaymi, " 19 Haret el-Darb el Asfar

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

This is situated somewhere behind the Khan el Khalili. It was originally an Ottoman merchant's house (16-17th C). It is only infrequently visited by tourists and is a very beautiful place.

Good review?

(0)

Al-Azhar Park

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

The Al-Azhar overlooks the Citadel and Darb al-Ahmar. Although originally built on a dumpsite, today its greenery makes it a pleasant glimpse of nature. From that, you can enjoy incredible Views of Cairo .It has a restaurant hosted in a modern castle-type building and it also has several good cafés. Its theater hosts musical events in the evening, almost daily.

Good review?

(0)

El Azhar Mosque

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

This mosque is open all day and charges no admission. Founded in 970, it is one of Cairo's oldest mosques. It is the world's oldest operational university.

Good review?

(0)

Midan Hussein and the Sayyidna al-Hussein Mosque

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

al-Hussein Mosque is not accessible to those who aren't Muslim. It is one of the most sacred Islamic sites in the country and in the whole Middle East. This is the place where the head of Ibn al-Hussein, Muhammed the Prophet' grandson, is supposedly buried. This building was built in 1870 and replaces the 12th-century mosque here previously. The square or Midan just before the mosque provides convenient access to the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar area.

Good review?

(0)

Modern Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Modern Cairo

National Cultural Center (The Opera)The new 7-story opera house at the Gezira Exhibition Grounds was inaugurated on March 10, 1988.

Designed by a team of Japanese and Egyptian architects, it is an architectural masterpiece of Islamic design.

The Opera

The Opera is equipped with the most sophisticated audio-visual system and comprises:

The Main Theatre, a closed hall comprising 1200 seats, used for opera, ballet and classical music performances.
The Second Theatre is also a closed hall comprising 500 seats, and is used for various purposes including film festivals and conferences.
The Third Theatre is an open one comprising 1000 seats.

There are other halls, some of which are used for training and rehearsals, in addition to the Museum and the Library, containing references pertaining to the most significant artistic works.

Cairo International Center for Conferences (CIIC)Located in Nasr City, it comprises three main conference halls, a fourth for receptions and a fifth for exhibitions. In addition, there are fully equipped secretarial offices and press centre.

Cairo Tower (Gezirah) Over 180 meters high, it is the most outstanding attraction of modern Cairo. The first of the top two stories has a rotating restaurant and cafeteria. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Cairo from the observation platform.

Pharaonic Village
Historical spectacle reflecting the style of life of ancient Egyptians. Visitors witness the daily activities of the ancient Egyptian, who has known the oldest civilization. The Village also contains a papyrus museum and offers adequate services to its visitors. The visit lasts two hours.

The Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square)
This museum is regarded as one of the most prominent museums in the world, for it offers visitors a chance to acquaint themselves with Egypt's ancient history over a period of 50 centuries. Its most significant showpiece is the magnificent Tutankhamun collection.

The Coptic Museum (Old Cairo)
The museum houses a rare collection of ancient Christian relics including remains of architectural works, textiles, icons and old manuscripts reflecting the history of Coptic civilization.

The Coptic Museum

The Museum of Islamic Art
(Bab al-Khalq Square)
It is regarded as the largest museum in the Middle East, housing 80,000 rare objects dating from the dawn of Islam to the Ottoman period.

The Military Museum (the Citadel)
The museum displays a magnificent collection of ancient weapons, statues, and uniforms in addition to other exhibits designed to show the art of warfare in Egypt from the earliest times.

Public Gardens / Parks
There are several spacious parks in modern Cairo, including the Zoological Gardens in Giza, the Andalusian Gardens overlooking the Nile, the Kanater Al Khaireya Gardens (the Good Barrage), about 25 kms from the capital, the Fish Gardens in Zamalek and the International Garden in Nasr City.

Cairo by Night
The nights of Cairo - when the magic of the East blends with the arts of the West- offer visitors a world of excitement, thrills and diverse entertainment.

Among the most remarkable outings is the Sound and Light Show at the pyramids.

Theatre houses and the cinemas offer a variety of national and international plays and the latest Arab and foreign films. The casinos and famous nightclubs provide a wide range of entertainment including oriental belly dancing, folklore and international shows.

Modern Cairo Shopping Centres
Shopping centres in and around Cairo appeal to most visitors. Egyptian products are so varied and meet various tastes and different levels of income.

Good review?

(0)

Fayyum Oasis - The Oasis of Peace

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Fayyum Oasis

After the noise and crowds of Cairo, the Fayyum oasis, which includes Lake Qaroun, is literally a breath of fresh air. It offers both Egyptian and foreign visitors a relaxing break from city life, a day at the beach and a chance to see oasis life without having to venture too far. It has ancient monuments as well.

A relaxing day or two in Fayyum is strongly recommended for those in Cairo who are beginning to feel claustrophobic. Access to Bahr Youssef, the canal bisecting Fayyum, by train, buses and taxis from Cairo; all terminate close to the canal in downtown near one of the city's 8 tourist offices.

Negotiate the price then take one of the Hantours (horse-drawn carriages) to your destination. Local buses and taxis serving the Fayyum oasis can be obtained from the Al-Hawatim terminal to the south of Bahr Youssef.

Fayyum City, the main town in the oasis, is located 85 km south of Cairo, 75 km from the Giza Pyramids and 105 km from Cairo Airport. Its name is probably derived from 'Fayyum', meaning water. Although usually described as an oasis, Fayyum is not fed by underground water, like the Western Desert oases further south west, but by water from the Nile transported to this natural triangular depression by a series of canals. Having irrigated the oasis, the water runs into Lake Qaroun which despite having dramatically shrunk over the past few thousand years, is at about 215 sq km and still Egypt's largest natural salt-water lake.

About 70,000 years ago the Nile flood first broke through the low mountains, which surround the large Fayyum depression and formed Lake Qaroun and the surrounding marshes. This is believed to be one of the first, if not the first, site of agriculture in the world, as plants that grew around the lake, were collected, land was fenced in, and dry and guarded storage areas were built. Even today, the Fayyum Oasis is still famous for fruit and vegetables and its chicken. To describe food as Fayoumi, means it's delicious.

The 12th Dynasty Pharaoh Amenemhet I (1991-1992 BC) first drained part of the marshes to develop the area for agriculture and also dug a large canal from the Nile controlled by a regulator at Lahun to the north west of Beni Swef. The result of this and further developments by Amenemhet III (1842-1797 BC), who showed great interest in the area and built a pyramid at Hawara, was lake Moeris (Great Lake), twice the present size and teeming with fish, and an agricultural area to the south renowned for its rich and varied crops.

The Romans, who called the Fayyum Oasis area Crocodilopolis (because of the crocodiles) changed Fayyum's previous system of crop rotation and forced the area to supply grain exclusively to the Roman market.

Muslims believe that Prophet Joseph developed the Fayyum Oasis area during his captivity in Egypt through the canalisation of Bahr Youssef River and by building the world's first dam. Although Fayyum's national strategic importance diminished with the canalisation of the Nile Delta, it remains one of the largest agricultural areas in the country.

The water level in Lake Qaroun had been falling for about 2,000 years; as it received less and less water until the construction of the Aswan High Dam led to greater stability in the level of the Nile.

By the middle Ages, the lake had become far too salty to sustain fresh-water fish and new species were introduced. The shrunken lake now lies 45 meters below sea level, since 70,000 years ago. It now appears that the water table is rising again as houses and fields at the lakeside have been flooded in recent years.

Good review?

(0)

Townhouse Gallery, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Cairo's most cutting-edge contemporary art space is spread between two buildings: an old Jewish mansion and a restored car mechanics' workshop, both opposite an abandoned 19th-century palace just off Talaat Harb Square. Exhibitions of photography, video installations, painting, and mixed media, along with lectures, experimental film, and music, often take on the challenge of defining a modern Middle Eastern identity. Ask to see work by the Islamic historian and artist Hoda Lutfi, who makes collages of old shisha pipe tongs, plastic dolls, and other found objects from Cairo's junk souks.

Open Saturdays through Wednesdays 10 am to 2 pm and 6 to 9pm, Fridays 6 to 9 pm.

Good review?

(0)

Townhouse Gallery, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Newly relocated to a 1930s villa in the Dokki district, Nagada helps solve Cairo's eternal fashion conundrum: how to stay cool in the heat. Lebanese-Swiss team Sylva Nasrallah and Michel Pastore transform handloomed village textiles—including a locally made Issey Miyake-esque pleated fabric used for women's veils—into brightly colored, asymmetrical, and subversively slinky skirts and tank tops. The unisex line draws inspiration from the djellaba, the traditional Egyptian farmer's wide-sleeved gown. Flowing silk gaucho pants and subtly fitted cotton sheath dresses are at once comfortable enough for daytime sightseeing, conservative enough for Cairo's Islamic districts, and stylish enough for a Western-style night on the town. A plus: The lightweight clothes pack easily and translate to other locales.

Open daily 9:30 am to 6 pm.

Good review?

(0)

Diwan, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

This cavernous shop facing the front gate of the Ibn Tulun Mosque is the place to go for the best of Egypt's village and oasis crafts, including many objects unavailable in the Khan elkhalili . Look for handcarved wooden platters from Luxor, handblown glass from Islamic Cairo, embroidered textiles from Siwa Oasis, ceramics from Fayoum Oasis, and gold-plated peasant jewelry. The French-managed shop carries useful maps of Islamic Cairo, 19th-century travel memoirs, and other interesting publications.

Open Mondays through Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm.

Good review?

(0)

Diwan, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Expats and locals head for this Zamalek bookstore for the latest English best sellers, translations of Middle Eastern novels, plus works on politics, art, and food. The in-house coffee shop serves a mean cappuccino and carrot cake, as well as mint tea and bread stuffed with cheese and zatar, Lebanese thyme. This is the place to pick up guidebooks and coffee-table tomes on Islamic or Pharaonic art. The media section stocks CDs and DVDs from across the Arab world.

Good review?

(0)

Diwan, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Around the corner from the Al-Azhar Mosque, across the busy Al-Azhar Street from Midan El-Hussein, Al-Khatoun is an artists' cooperative occupying a restored Ottoman dye house. Look for cotton textiles printed with Islamic calligraphy; antique Egyptian movie posters; jeweler Suzanne El-Masri's enameled silver earrings and necklace ensembles; and tasteful housewares of painted wood, hammered metal, Egyptian alabaster, and papier-mâché. During Ramadan, the gallery hosts musical evenings.

Open daily 11 am to 9 pm.

Good review?

(0)

Palace Walk, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Sufi dervishes whirl to live music Wednesday nights in an arched room at the mausoleum of Al-Ghuri in the historic Islamic district. The 7 pm show is free, but you must buy an entry ticket for the monument.

Good review?

(0)

Sakkara, Sakkara

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Sakkara was the main necropolis for Memphis, the capital of a united Upper and Lower Egypt. A 15-minute drive south from the Giza Plateaue, past villages and tranquil green farmland, the complex contains 16 primitive pyramids predating the Great Pyramid, and more than 200 tombs and temples associated with the pharaohs and their servants. It's estimated that as many as 10,000 tombs still lie unexcavated; the tombs of King Tut's wet nurse, a royal butcher, and a royal surgeon buried with his scalpels are among the latest discoveries. Architecture buffs come here to see the world's oldest stone monument and original stairway to heaven: the Step Pyramid, built in 2650 B.C. for King Djoser by the deified architect Imhotep, to whom a new on-site museum, inaugurated in 2006, is dedicated. The tomb of the vizier Mereruka is worth visiting for its carved scenes of daily life in ancient Egypt, such as fishing, duck hunting, and tending for pet hyenas. The real gem, however, is the small tomb shared by Niankh-Khnum and Khnum-Hotep, manicurists to King Unas. It's unclear whether they were brothers or lovers; their house of the afterlife contains exquisite carved and painted scenes of cattle, wild animals, breast-feeding mothers, women baking bread—and the two bare-chested men embracing. The Sakkara complex is far less crowded than the Giza Plateau, and it's easy to find an isolated spot where you feel you are alone in the desert with just wind and sand for company.

Good review?

(+1)

Palace Walk, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Sadly, the tenth-century palaces of the Fatimids (Shiites from Tunisia who gave Cairo its name, Al-Qahira, meaning "the victorious") no longer exist. However, three massive stone gates to their walled city, Bab Al-Futuh and Bab Nasr to the north, and Bab Zuwayla to the south, still stand. Linking them, Sharia Muizz Li Din Allah was the Fatimid main street known as Palace Walk. The newly declared daytime pedestrian zone is lined with working souks and 34 Islamic monuments, including the 13th-century hospital, mosque, and madrassa complex of the Mamluk sultan Qalawun; Beit Al-Sihaymi, a restored 18th-century Ottoman century house; and the 16th-century mosque, mausoleum, and caravanserai of the Mamluk sultan Al-Ghuri (a colorful figure who played polo into his 70s and died in a battle against the Syrians). The mile-long walk takes you past The Khan Elkhalili s copper souk and a women's clothing market selling Saudi-style black abayas as well as Frederick's of Hollywood–style teddies for brides' trousseaus. Continue south under the archway of Bab Zuwayla and you'll reach the tentmakers' souk, which originally outfitted pilgrims' caravan trips to Mecca and today sells canvas items appliquéd with Islamic and pharaonic motifs.

Good review?

(0)

Palace Walk, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Housed in a refurbished 19th-century printing plant, Makan is the home of the Egyptian Center for Culture & Art (ECCA), an organization founded in 2002 to preserve traditional forms of Egyptian music. Performances feature Nubian wedding singers; Coptic monks chanting liturgy; and Zar musicians, traditional healers who use drumming, chants, and body movement to cure ailments. Weekly Wednesday-night gigs at 8 pm attract a cross section of Cairo society.

Open daily 10 am to 2 am.

Good review?

(0)

El Sawy Culturewheel, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Reopened at the end of 2007 following a five-year, $15 million restoration, the museum houses one of the world's greatest collections of Islamic objects. The new state-of-the-art layout, conceived by French museologist Adrien Gardère with the participation of curators from the Louvre, reorganizes the material by Egyptian dynasties, concentrating on the Fatimid and Mamluk periods, when Cairo was the capital of the Islamic world and a magnet for its best artisans. Most of the 2,000 pieces come from Egypt, but there are rooms devoted to Pan-Arab themes of science, water, and astronomy, and to several Persian dynasties.

Open daily 9 am to 4 pm.

Good review?

(0)

Grand Mosques and Islamic Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Following the invasion of the first Arab army in 641 and the relocation of the capital from the Greco-Roman port of Alexandria to the site of present-day Cairo, Egypt was ruled by successive Islamic dynasties, each leaving an architectural legacy. Cairo has more than 600 registered Islamic monuments covering 14 centuries of history. In various states of repair, they are nonetheless an art lover's dream. You can visit the cenotaphs of such diverse figures as the charismatic 19th-century ruler Mohammed Ali, King Farouk, and a ninth-century boy sultan assassinated by his brother. There are also various architectural forms of charity, donated by the sultans, such as student hostels, caravanserai, and sabil kuttab (combined public fountains and Koranic schools). Egypt's mosques generally welcome non-Muslim visitors. Monuments with guardians are open 8 am to 5 pm; many do not require a ticket.

Good review?

(0)

El Sawy Culturewheel, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Located under the 15th of October Bridge in Zamalek, El Sawy has emerged as Cairo's most eclectic cultural space. Nightly 8 pm performances, accessible to non-Arabic speakers, include experimental theater, classical Arab stars such as Iraqi oud virtuoso Nassir Shamma and up-and-coming Sufi jazz groups Wust El-Balad and Ektiselaat. This was the venue the Arab-American comedy troupe Axis of Evil chose to launch their 2007 Middle East tour.

Good review?

(0)

Coptic Museum and Old Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Situated in two early-20th-century buildings within the walled Roman fortress of Babylon, the Coptic Museum contains such artifacts as funeral stelae carved with Coptic inscriptions, manuscripts, icons, textiles, and examples of ivory, wood, pottery, and glass. A bridge between the art of ancient Egypt and the Islamic era, Coptic imagery often fuses deities and motifs from the Pharaonic and Roman eras. The museum's most moving objects are frescoes found in monastery prayer niches, for example, a sixth-century image of Jesus being suckled by Mary in an echo of the Egyptian goddess Isis suckling Osiris three millennia earlier.

Just down the street from the museum lies Old Cairo, the local name for the original Coptic quarter. A warren of Roman-era walls, narrow alleys, churches, and the restored Ben Ezra Synagogue, the neighborhood evokes the Cairo of a simpler, pre-skyscraper age—not to mention showcasing the quite striking environment (these days) of Jews, Arabs, and Christians living together in relative peace in a Middle Eastern city. Morning mass in the Coptic language is held in the churches of Old Cairo on Friday, Sunday, and religious holidays. The elaborate Hanging Church is a three-part basilica dating to the seventh century and has the most seating. Art and history lovers should head for the dark and gloomy fourth-century church of St. Sergius, which displays icons, silver chandeliers, and votives left by ancient pilgrims who visited the crypt where the holy family is said to have stayed during its flight into Egypt. To see the faith in action, go to St. George's Chapel. Set in a Mamluk-era palace, the chapel contains an ancient iron collar and chain associated with the saint (the story of Saint George and the dragon has origins in the pharaonic myth of Horus slaying Seth, a desert monster). Every day you'll see worshippers lining up to touch and kiss the relics, still believed to have healing properties.

Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Good review?

(0)

El Sawy Culturewheel, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Don't just collapse into bed after a hot day visiting the Pyramids. Evening performances at the Cairo Opera House on Zamalek island feature international guest conductors, Egypt's national opera and ballet companies, and classical Arab music stars. The season, which runs September through June, includes an annual production of Aida, the Verdi opera originally commissioned to commemorate the opening of the Suez Canal.

Performances held daily at 9 pm.

Good review?

(0)

Sofitel El Gezirah Cairo Hotel

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Renovated in 2007 in an elegant, minimalist style by the French luxury-hotel chain, this round tower at the southern end of Zamalek island offers panoramic views from its 433 rooms. An oasis in the middle of the city, the hotel is isolated from the chaos of Cairo traffic and sits next to King Farouk's Old River Palace and its now public gardens, a ten-minute walk from the modern Cairo Opera House . The lobby lounge has the atmosphere of a vast private villa and leads to a floating river bar; an outdoor infinity pool that gives swimmers the impression they are dipping into the Nile itself; and El Kebabgy, an alfresco Nile-side restaurant popular with upper-class Egyptians for Friday lunch, and which serves some obscure dishes—such as megadera, a puree of black lentils and rice, and Om Hassan, a dessert of rose-flavored milk pudding with fresh fruit and grenadine syrup—among Egyptian and Lebanese favorites. The spa offers thalassotherapy and Moroccan hammam treatments with Egyptian aromatic oils. The newly opened Cairo Buddha Bar adds an extra splash of global cool.

Good review?

(0)

Nile Hilton, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Built in 1959, this blue-and-white 430-room hotel on the Nile's east bank just north of Tahrir Square has a convivial ambience and an unbeatable location next to the Egyptian museum . The grand lobby maintains a retro air of pharaonic kitsch; Nile-facing rooms have balconies perfect for sipping minibar beers while watching the sun slip behind palm trees, felucca sails, river bridges, and the flashing neon of Cairo's modern urban core. The new alfresco rooftop El Mojito bar (opened in 2007) and the Latex nightclub attract young Eastern and Western hipsters. Recently restored in a Belle Époque style, the glassed-in Rotisserie Belvedere serves French food and has impressive 360-degree city views. Car, horse cart, and pedestrian traffic along the Nile Corniche can get a bit noisy at night, but one of the hotel's enduring charms is to make guests feel the beating heart of Umm Al-Dunya, the city the Arabs call "mother of the world." Fitness fanatics will appreciate the in-house squash and tennis courts and the half-Olympic garden pool, ideal for cooling off after a hot day's sightseeing.

Good review?

(0)

Mena House Oberoi, Giza

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

One of the most famous hotels in the Middle East, the 486-room Mena House fuses two modern wings with a former royal hunting lodge built in 1869. Situated among 40 acres of gardens, the hotel is a mere 770 yards from the foot of the Great pyramid of khufu, perhaps the most coveted location in all of Greater Cairo. Agatha Christie, Charlie Chaplin, and Winston Churchill stayed here, while contemporary celebrities such as Ricky Martin continue to come for the breathtaking views, not just from guest rooms, but also from the swimming pool and private 18-hole golf course. Oberoi is an Indian-owned chain, and the hotel's ornate Moghul Room has the best Indian food in Egypt. More traditional Continental dishes are served at the opulent Al Rubayyat, whose window tables are perennially occupied by tour groups at lunchtime. Be aware that only 34 rooms in the historic and much coveted hunting lodge offer the world-famous views and so must be booked far in advance.

Good review?

(0)

Grand Hyatt Cairo Hotel

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

This sleek, white, Y-shaped tower looks out over the Nile from the northern tip of Roda Island—which is picturesquely set in the middle of the river. The 716 rooms and suites take full advantage of the location; almost all have private balconies for enjoying the vistas. Mostly modern in decor, they're spruced up with warm wood and subtly gilded pieces that recall Empire furnishings of the Napoleonic era. The service here is extremely friendly and helpful, and the plethora of dining options—including Italian, French, and tandoori restaurants, a food court, and dinner dances aboard a yacht—is a little overwhelming. If you're after an authentic Egyptian meal, try Nubian village ; for that on-top-of-the-world feeling, head to the Revolving Restaurant, 444 feet up and one of the highest in the Middle East.

Good review?

(0)

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo At Nile Plaza

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Across the river in the embassy and old palace district of Garden City, Cairo's newest Four Seasons hotel has become the city's see-and-be-seen business address. The high-ceilinged marble lobby, decorated with canvases painted by Egypt's culture minister, is the backdrop to various power hookups and leads into the Beyman department store (a.k.a. the Turkish Neiman Marcus), which carries European designers at European prices. Visiting foreign ministers and local industry titans often book dinner in the on-site steak house or Aqua seafood restaurant (which has a glassed-in VIP room). The 365 plush rooms are brighter and beiger than those at the Four Seasons by the Cairo Zoo. Rooms either look westward over the river and Roda Island or have eastern views over downtown toward Islamic Cairo and Saladin's citadel. In addition to having a spa and pool, the hotel is located directly across the street from a felucca rental dock where you can hire a captain and sailboat by the hour.

Good review?

(0)

Conrad Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Set on the east bank of the Nile opposite the northern tip of Zamalek island, this blocky white high-rise caters to the business crowd. The 617 rooms and suites are decorated in cookie-cutter international style—a tasteful mix of modern and neoclassical-repro pieces that do little to remind you you're in Egypt. Unless, that is, you look out the window. All the rooms technically enjoy Nile views, but those on lower levels and at the sides merely glimpse a sliver of water. The atrium, with its dramatic water sculpture and palm trees, is a cool, quiet place to relax; so are the hotel's six restaurants and bars. The fanciest dining option is Villa D'Este, where a chicly dressed dinner crowd enjoys upscale, candlelit Italian cuisine.

Good review?

(0)

Golden Pharaoh, Giza

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Yes, the whole dinner cruise idea is a bit cheesy, but it's a classic Cairo experience—for both locals and tourists—and it's actually fun. And if you're going to spend a small fortune to have dinner on one of the most mystical rivers in the world, it should be on this gilded barge, tarted up to look as if it sailed right out of King Tut's tomb, complete with live Nubian guardians decked out in white loincloths, spears, and golden headdresses. The buffet mixes Egyptian classics with plenty of international choices, while the floor show mingles musicians, Sufi dervishes, and Russian belly dancers. The best part is hanging out after dinner on the upper deck, feeling cool Nile breezes, as Cairo, in all its magnificence, slowly slips past.

Good review?

(0)

Nubian Village, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

With so many Cairene hotel restaurants cranking out workaday Italian, French, or international fare, the Grand Hyatt scores big by devoting one of its ten dining rooms to Egyptian cuisine with Lebanese and Moroccan influences. Dishes like moutabel (purée of grilled eggplant with sesame and lemon), mombar (homemade lamb sausage), and shish tawouk (grilled chicken marinated in yogurt, tomato, and garlic) are all top-notch. The restaurant offers one of the most atmospheric dining experiences in town; as well as an indoor dining room, there's a riverside terrace covered by a pavilion, which is lit by lanterns at night and enlivened by wandering minstrels playing traditional Takht music. The pavilion is also where the restaurant's traditional clay oven is located, so terrace diners are surrounded by the delicious aroma of fresh-baked bread.

Good review?

(0)

Sequoia, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Among Cairo's many Nile-side establishments, Sequoia, a tented restaurant on the northern end of Zamalek island, stands out for the quality of its food and the relaxed hipness of its Egyptian and expat clientele. Most people order a mixture of Egyptian and Lebanese mezes, but there is also an extensive pasta menu for guests tired of hummus. Perfect for a late-afternoon lunch, Sequoia morphs after midnight into a nightclub playing Arab techno and house music.

Open daily from 1 pm to 2 am.

Good review?

(0)

Felfela, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

A local favorite with a vaguely kitschy decor of hanging plants, skylights, and little tables made from tree trunks. The menu is an excellent introduction to Egyptian staples such as falafel, grilled meat kebabs, and koshari—a sort of Arab pasta dish made with noodles, rice, and lentils stewed with onions in a spicy tomato sauce. It's also a good place to try foul, the national dish of mashed beans. It's pretty bland on its own, but can be ordered with onion and parsley, cream and eggs, or other combinations. Think of it as the Egyptian answer to the coffee-shop omelet.

Good review?

(0)

Citadel View Restaurant, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Inaugurated in 2005 under the auspices of the Aga Khan Foundation, Al-Azhar Park sits atop a reclaimed medieval garbage dump just east of the wall marking the edge of the tenth-century palace city of the Fatimids. The 74 acres of green, interspersed with marble plazas, a reflecting pond, and shaded gazebos, have become Cairo's version of Central Park. On the park's northern promontory, in a Moorish palace purpose-built by local craftsmen, the Citadel View restaurant serves Egyptian and Asian dishes (but no alcoholic drinks), including pigeon soup and fattah, a layering of meat, rice, brown bread, and vinegar and garlic-spiced yogurt. The draw is less the food than the atmosphere on the terrace, which offers spectacular vistas not just of Saladin's fortress and the Mohammed Ali mosque but all of Islamic Cairo. Book ahead on balmy nights and for the popular buffet lunch following Friday noon prayers.

Good review?

(0)

Abou El Sid, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

The tremendously popular (and noisy) Abou El Sid is a nostalgic ode to Egyptian comfort food and Cairo's prerevolutionary heyday. The original, best-loved branch (there are now four) has dining rooms in an Art Deco apartment building on Zamalek island decked out with marble tables, gilded Louis Farouk furniture, brass lamps, and Andy Warhol–esque portraits of Cairo icons such as Singer Om kulthoom. Shisha pipes await a post- or preprandial smoke of scented tobacco (the extensive shisha menu includes apple, mango, and pineapple). The cuisine is mainly Egyptian with a few Lebanese and Ottoman dishes. Try molokhiyya, Egypt's famous garlicky, viscous stew of greens and rabbit or chicken; lemony grilled quail; and the Circassian chicken in walnut sauce. Egyptian wine and beer and foreign alcohol are served here—a fact you'll appreciate during the long wait at the bar should you fail to make a reservation. Watch out for the house cocktail, fresh sugarcane juice with a shot of tequila: It packs a wallop.

Open daily 1 pm to 2 am

Good review?

(0)

Abou Tarek, Cairo

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Despite the incursion of McDonald's and Pizza Hut, the most popular fast food in Egypt remains koshari, a delicious, hot, filling salad of short-grained rice, brown lentils, and stewed chickpeas topped with fried onions and either lemony garlic sauce or tomato and chile sauce. Abou Tarek, who started out as a pushcart street-food vendor in 1950, is famous across the city as the king of koshari. His modern and hygienic three-story restaurant, an easy walk from the Egyptian museum , serves nothing else except for a pistachio-infused rice pudding. A small portion of koshari will feed two people for about 40 cents.

Open daily, from 7 am to 12 am.

Good review?

(0)

Cairo Marriott Hotel And Omar Khayyam Casino

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

view web site
With 1,089 rooms, this Marriott on the Nile island of Zamalek is Cairo's largest hotel. The centerpiece of the property is a palace built for the French empress Eugénie's 1869 visit, when she came to inaugurate the Suez Canal. Sadly, you can't stay in the beautiful old structure, but you can wander through its gorgeously restored hallways, ballrooms, and mezzanines. You can also explore the palace's green, palm-studded gardens, home to a terrace café that's a popular local hangout. There are 14 bars and restaurants on site, including Egyptian Nights (serving regional fare) and JW's Steakhouse, but if you want to get out of the complex, several dining and drinking options are just a short walk away, in the upmarket residential district surrounding the property. Unfortunately, the guest rooms are housed in rather soulless modern buildings; furnishings were restored in 2007 in a red, green, and gold modern Egyptian Revival style in an attempt to evoke the historic palace setting

Good review?

(0)

Elhay Elafrangy

Bur Sa'id, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

A very nice place for shopping
because it is a very important port in Egypt .
the city it self has many nice beaches .

Good review?

(0)

Mohamed Ali Mosque

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Mohamed Ali Mosque is amongst the most interesting Mosques in Egypt. It stands proudly on the highest point inside the courtyard of the Citadel of Saladin, and is also called the Alabaster Mosque. The architect was Yousf Boushnaq, a Turkish man who had come over from Istanbul to build this great Mosque for Mohamed Ali, the ruler of Egypt from1805 until 1849.

He based his plans on the Sultan Ahamed Mosque in Istanbul, and the construction began in 1830 A.D. The work continued ceaselessly until the death of Mohamed Ali in 1849, and had to be finished during the reign of his successors. Mohamed Ali was buried in the tomb situated on the south-eastern side of Beit Al Salah, on the right side of the entrance that leads to the main section.

In 1899 the Mosque showed signs of cracking and repairs were undertaken, but some of these repairs were not adequate. Therefore, in 1931, during the reign of King Fuad I, a committee was set up, comprising of several great architects, which eventually presented a report recommending the demolition of the big main dome, the semi domes and the small domes, and then reconstructing them according to the original design. Between 1931 and 1939, the project, including demolition, building and rebuilding, painting and gilding, was undertaken; the total cost being 100,000 LE.

The main material used for the construction was limestone, but the lower parts of the Mosque, and the forecourt, are faced to a height of 11.5m with alabaster.

The Mosque is rectangular in shape and consists of two sections:

The Eastern Section, which is the main section, called “Beit al Salah" or “House of Prayer”.
The Western Section, called the “Sahn” "or “Courtyard".

The Eastern Section (The “Beit al Salah" or “House of Prayer”)

The eastern section is the part that was dedicated to prayer. It is square in shape, each side measure 41m, and has a roof with a central dome (52m in height) resting on four large arches supported by massive piers. Surrounding the big central dome there are four half domes, while there are four more small domes covering the corners.

The marble mihrab is covered by a half-dome at the lower level. The domes are pointed and covered with medallions and other motifs. The interior dome is impressive because of its size and shape, similar to the Mosques of Istanbul. There are 6 medallions around the dome, which include the names of Allah (God) and Mohamed (the Prophet), as well as the names of the four rightly guided Caliphs, namely Abou Bakr, Omar, Othman, and Ali.

Good review?

(0)

Alexandria

Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

When the name of Alexandria is mentioned, I feel my eyes lighting up, it is as if Alexander the Great has come back to life again. This great young leader came to Egypt to fight against the Persians, who had invaded Egypt a few years before.
In 333 BC Alexander entered Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, where he was welcomed and hailed as a King by the Egyptians. He was a quite clever diplomat, as he showed great respect and veneration to the gods of ancient Egypt, especially Ptah, the patron god of Memphis.
Afterwards Alexander decided to visit the famous Oracle Temple of Amon, located in the oasis of Siwa, in order to consult the seer about his destiny. He was marching parallel to the Canopic branch of the Nile when he stopped to rest at an old Egyptian village called "Re-qdt” (its Greek name is “Racotis”) between the Mediterranean Sea and the Lake of Mariott (its location today is the area of Tel Bab Sadrah or Karmouz). Alexander decided to build a town there, which became the chosen site of Alexandria. He had an architect named "Dinocratis" plan it – it was the birth of a great new city.

He continued on to Siwah, to consult the oracle and then left Egypt to fight the Persians in Asia. After his triumphal campaigns, Alexander the Great died in Babylon in 323 BC without ever seeing the city that bears his name.

In fact it wasn’t until the reigns of Ptolemy I, (Soter - the Saviour), and his successor Ptolemy II (Philadelphus) that the building of the city was completed and it became the main capital.

Dinocratis had planned the city in squares, like a chessboard. Two main streets interlaced vertically and horizontally extending from east to west as well as from north to south. Alexandria had 5 districts, each one named after a letter of the first five letters in the Greek Alphabet: A (Alpha); B (Beta); G (Gamma); D (Delta) and E (Epsilon). These 5 letters represent the initial letters of the text: "Alexander the king, the descendent of the gods, erected the city".

Alpha was the royal district where the royal palaces, the main Temple, the museum, the libraries, and the gardens were built,
Beta was the district of the Greek aristocracy.
Gamma was dedicated to the settlement of the Greek commoners.
Delta was the district of the foreign minorities such as the Syrians, the Persians, and the Jews.
Epsilon was the district for the native Egyptians.

Drinking water was supplied by a canal starting from the western Canopic branch of the Nile, at a point called "Shedia" about 27 km to the south of Alexandria. The water was stored in Cisterns; some of which remain into modern times.
At the beginning of the Roman period, about 30 BC, a new city was built here by the Romans, bearing the name of "Nicopolis" which means the city of Victory, in order to commemorate the victory of Octavian over Mark Anthony in Aktium in 31 BC. Most of it was destroyed or vanished for several reasons, including disturbances, civil wars, revolts, natural disasters, subsoil water and unplanned urbanization etc.

Among those fabulous monuments, mentioned by ancient Greek books, are the Enclosure Walls and the Gates of the City, the Lighthouse, the Great Library, the Royal Necropolis including the Tomb of Alexander and the Museums.
Today the remaining monuments of ancient Alexandria are different cemeteries scattered in many various locations, some of which date back to the Ptolemaic period: El-Shatby, Moustafa Kamel, El-Anfoushy, and El-Wardain. Others date back to the Roman period: the tombs of Kom El-Shouqafa (called the Catacombs), the tomb of Tigran, Pompeii’s pillar, Tomb of Silvago and the cemetery of El-Qabbary which was recently discovered.
There are other important monuments in the city that date back to various periods, such as the Serapium, the Roman Theatre, the Temple of El-Ras El-Souda, Citadel of Quaitbay, the Jewellery Museum, Mosque of El-Naby Daniel, Mosque of El-Moursi Abou El-Abbas and the Memorial of the unknown soldier.

Good review?

(0)

A Desert Camping Site

Al Qusaymah, Sinai Region, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

A desert camping site nothing more
may be you can hunt rabbits .

Good review?

(0)

Halabessa Drink

Kafr az Zayyat, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

The best hot drink in the winter .

Good review?

(0)

Ageeba

Marsa Matruh, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Its a very nice clean quite beach on the north coast of the meditranian sea .

Good review?

(0)

Sabah Elkhairat Fish Shop

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

My favourit fish shop .
they are very clean cliver .

Good review?

(0)

Qasr Baghdad

Qasr Baghdad, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

A nice place on my way to Ikwah elhessa .

Good review?

(0)

Oasis

Al Kharijah, Western Desert Region, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

One of the virgin places all over the world .

Good review?

(0)

Koshary Shops

Al 'Abbasiyah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Having many Koshary " Very famous egyptian food "
its nice place to spend time with friends .

Good review?

(0)

Almalika Schools

Kafr Tuhurmis, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

A very famous language school .

Good review?

(0)

Shaheen Coffee

Ad Duqqi, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

My favourit store for buying Coffee .

Good review?

(0)

Public Gardens

Abdin, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

Have many public gardens and public coffee places too.

Good review?

(0)

Alshattby

Ash Shatibi, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 31, 2008

A nice beach in Alexandria .

Good review?

(0)

The Sub Way Station

Al Marj, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

One of the few good places in there is the subway station .

Good review?

(0)

The Stone Factory

Mansuriyat al Farastaq, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

The big stone factory in there .

Good review?

(0)

Salah Mandour S House

Kafr Diyama, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very nice country house .

Good review?

(0)

The Big Mosque

Tala, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

I like the big mosque beside the train station .

Good review?

(0)

Tools Shops

As Sabtiyah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

If you need any kind of tools you have to go there .

Good review?

(0)

Olive Farms

Al Kharijah, Western Desert Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

An area gives the finest olive and dates quality .
and having many touristic places too .

Good review?

(0)

Alqanah Alsadesa

Sibirbay, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A local Tv chanell called Chanell 6 .

Good review?

(0)

Abuldahab Coffee Shop

Al Marj, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A 3 star coffee shop but the area is not good .

Good review?

(0)

Masr Eljidida Hospital

Misr al Jadidah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

I worked in this small beautiful high standard hospital for less than one year .

Good review?

(0)

Altawfeqya

At Tawfiqiyah, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A no beach area in alexandria.

Good review?

(0)

Fleming

Fleming, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A nice area in my favourit city " Alexandria " .

Good review?

(0)

The Ring Road

Al Marj, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very nice road connects both sides of Cairo .

Good review?

(0)

Shiekh Elbalad

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very nice resturant in ain shams .

Good review?

(0)

Alshortta Club

Tanta, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A nice club where i meet my friends .

Good review?

(0)

The Best View Of River Nile

Aswan, Nile Valley, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

The best view of River Nile "Elkorneesh" .

Good review?

(0)

Alfairooz Club

Al Isma'iliyah, Suez Canal Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very nice club on the beach .

Good review?

(0)

Desert Seeker

Al Qantarah al Gharbiyah, Suez Canal Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A nice place for camping in the desert .

Good review?

(0)

Meat Shop

Kafr Diyama, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

An area where you can buy tour meat from with avery good quality and low price .

Good review?

(0)

Arab Eltawaylah

Arab Abu Tawilah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very crowd area not touristic at all .

Good review?

(0)

Alaqsur Temple

Al Uqsur, Nile Valley, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

One of the most beautiful temples of Pharaohs .

Good review?

(0)

The Hanging Church

Misr al Qadimah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very important site of coptic civilization .

Good review?

(0)

Dar Elsalam

Dar as Salam, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very crowd area in Cairo .

Good review?

(0)

Industrial Area

Madinat al 'Ashir min Ramadan, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very nice area for cloths shopping with a cheap price .

Good review?

(0)

Alhadara

Al Hadrah, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A nice area of Alexandria .

Good review?

(0)

Bukla

Bulkeley, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A nice area in Alexandria .

Good review?

(0)

Alhammam

Al Hammam, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A virgin area having many nice beaches .

Good review?

(0)

Almaasara

Al Ma'sarah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A known area in Helwan .

Good review?

(0)

Abulhawa

Aswan, Nile Valley, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

One of the views on the other side of nile in Aswan .

Good review?

(0)

Waslet Abu Sultan

Abu Sultan, Suez Canal Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A mid road ways between cairo and other governorates .

Good review?

(0)

River Nile

Al 'Ajuzah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very beautiful view and places of River Nile
there is a common saying in Egypt says that the one who drinks from river Nile must come back again to it
and its well known upon Prophit Muhammad peace be upon him that River Nile is one of the paradise ( heaven ) rivers
i can say that its the butiest ever nile in the world
i will give another review about it soon ALLAH welling .

Good review?

(0)

Alajuza Police Hospital

Al 'Ajuzah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very high standard hospital .

Good review?

(0)

Ordinary Coffee

Abdin, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

An oriental place where mostly all egyptians meet each other .

Good review?

(0)

Almandarah

Al Mandarah, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A quite area in Alexandria .

Good review?

(0)

Abis

Abis al Mustajaddah, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

One of the entrances to Alexandria .

Good review?

(0)

Almaspatt

Dhahab, Sinai Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A cheap nice place to have fun , eat , relax in front of the sea .

Good review?

(0)

Alshatby

Ash Shatibi, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A nice area in great Alexandria .

Good review?

(0)

Alnoor Mosque

Ad Dimirdash, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very big nice mosque .
one of the biggest in Egypt .

Good review?

(0)

Algheetan

Ikhnaway az Zallaqah, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A place where you can relax .

Good review?

(0)

Alkarnak Temple

Al Karnak, Nile Valley, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

One of the greatest temples in the whole world .

Good review?

(0)

Almahroosa

Al Mahrusah, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A nice place to have drinks by the sea .

Good review?

(0)

Wardet Elasafra

Sidi Bishr, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very nice hotel in Alex .

Good review?

(0)

Safeya Zaghlol Street

Ar Raml, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very nice street for shopping .

Good review?

(0)

Alebrahimya

Al Ibrahimiyah, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very nice area in Alexandria .

Good review?

(0)

Abdeen Palace

Abdin, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

It was a royal palace .
very luxery palace .

Good review?

(0)

Elbar Dokha

Ikwah al Hissah, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very nice place for lake fishing .

Good review?

(0)

Ghamra Bridge

Ghamrah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very nice hanged bridge .
its a bridge over bridge hanged by steel robes .

Good review?

(0)

Shubra Elkhaima

Shubra al Khaymah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

industrial city having some places for fun .

Good review?

(0)

Shubra Elnamla

Shubra an Namlah, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

Land of apples its very good in there .

Good review?

(0)

Musturod

Musturud, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

Do not go there
not touristic at all
its industrial .

Good review?

(0)

Bulaq Bridge

Bulaq, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very old famous bridge its artistic piece .

Good review?

(0)

Mahroosa

Al Mahrusah, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A nice place by the sea .

Good review?

(0)

Qasr Elainy

Al Manyal, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

One of my favourit streets .

Good review?

(0)

Birma

Birma, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

Where you can find many chicken farms .

Good review?

(0)

Abu Fares Elsoory

Alexandria, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

One of may favorite resturants.

Good review?

(0)

Eltawheed Welnoor

Al Manyal, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

A very big store you can find nearly everything with a cheap price .

Good review?

(0)

Egyptian Museums

Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

Egyptian Museums

Egypt is rich with many museums, in fact there are more than

34 museums all over Egypt, and they are divided into:

1- National Museum:

They usually have collections from a specific period, or part of

the Ancient Egyptian history

Such as:

The Egyptian Museum:

In 1834 Mohamed Ali decreed an administration for

the antiquities. He also ordered constituting the first

museum in Al-Azbaquia. In 1858, August Mariette was

in charge of the Egyptian Antiquities Institution and he

built a museum in Bulaq, which opened in1863.

In 1891, the antiquities were transferred from Bulaq

to the Palace of Giza (Saray El-Giza). In 1902

the present museum was built. It has about 120,000

objects on display, and several hundred thousand

are still in the vaults.

The Coptic Museum
The Islamic Museum
The Greco-Roman Museum

2- Local Museum:

They are mostly located in the capital of a local province.

They usually have a collection of antiquities that have been

found within the borders of the area

Such as:

Elephantine Island Museum
Luxor Museum
Museum of Mellowi
Menia Museum
Beni Seuf Museum
New Valley Museum
Ismalia Museum:
Port Said Museum:
Tanta Museum

3- Contemporary Museums:

They exhibit relics from the era of Mohamed Ali and his family

Such as:

Mohamed Ali Basha Museum in Shoubra
Prince Mohamed Ali at Manial palace:
Museum of Gayer Anderson
Elguhara Palace Museum
Royal Chariots Museum at the Citadel
Royal Chariots Museum at Boulak
Police Museum
Royal jewellery Museum at Alexandria

4- Site Museums:

They are usually attached to specific sites, and are small in

size. They exhibit the artefacts that have been found around

the archaeological site, instead of keeping the finds in a local

antiquities store

Such as:

Tanis Museum (San EL Hagar)
Karnis Museum (Kom Oushim)
Solar boat Museum (southern side of Khufu’s Pyramid)

Theme and other miscellaneous Museums:

These museums were built to exhibit a particular type of

artefact

Such as:

The Nubian Museum
The Maritime Museum
The Military Museum.
Agricultural Museum
Islamic Pottery Museum

Good review?

(0)

--- Ottoman Empire ---

Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

The Ottomans replaced the Mamluks in Egypt. Under the Ottoman rule the fellahin had no rights, they cultivated the land and returned most of what they grew in taxes. Under the new system, much land had been granted to soldiers and religious leaders.

The Ottomans, however, improved irrigation systems and brought more land under cultivation.Tax collection was given over to tax farmers, who paid a certain amount to the Ottoman viceroy and kept the rest .

The Ottomans, however, improved irrigation systems and brought more land under cultivation. Tax collection was given over to tax farmers, who paid a certain amount to the Ottoman viceroy and kept the rest. Under the new landowning class, the fellahin had to pay higher taxes. Administration was placed in the hands of officials in each village, and the fellahin were responsible to them. This made the fellahin even more isolated from the ruling classes and the cities.

Good review?

(0)

Sinai and Red Sea

Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

Sinai covers an area of 64 ,000 Sq KM , it is located

in a very unique and strategic point. in ancient time

it was the pilgrims route, ground for many cultures.

Most of the peninsula is arid desert. The interior is

an arid moonscape of jagged mountains and ranges

that harbors Sinai most famous archeological

monument,St Catharine . it is where god give to Moses

the ten commandments.

However the south is is the most beautiful part of the

whole peninsula , it has the most exquisite coral reefs

and the best diving spots in the whole world

Among the most famous cities in Sinai are,

Sharm EL-Sheik, Dahab, Niewaba and the city of Taba.

if you arrived to the Sinai directly from home, and acquired

a an entry visa at the airport you will be given a Sinai visa,

which allows you to visit that section of the Sinai if you wish

to visit Cairo from Sharm or Ras Mohamed national park

make sure you have all Egypt visa

You can reach the Sinai through two ways:

Take a domestic flight by Egypt air, there is a flight
everyday, the flight duration takes about 30 minutes.
Take a bus

*east delta bus runs buses ever y hour to Sharm El-sheik,

it takes around 7-8 hours to arrive to sharm , you will

stop in the city of El tur.

( located around 100KM north of from Sharm).

Travel from Hurghada by ferry boat it should take
1-50 for the trip, click here to check the schedule
of the ferry boat.

The city of Sharm El-sheik is the the jewel of Egyptian

tourism industry now, the city is rich with wonderful places

of accommodation and tourist facilities

The city offer some of the finest places for diving and

snorkeling in the world, it offers great value for money if

compared with many diving spots in the world. It is also

an ideal place for open water diving, and gain a PADI or

CMAS certificate. If you decided during your visit the

Sinai to go diving , you must have a a an internationally

recognized certificate in order to rent tanks and take

diving equipment.

Most of the dive courses go for 5 days in open water,

if you want to acquire such license you have to complete

the course which usually starts with an introductory dive.

Places to dive in Sinai :

Shark bay	Ras um Elsied	Blue hole in dahab	Dunraven	EL gharkana	EL muquilila	Ras atantur	Ras Abu Galuom Ras nosarani	Ras umm sied
Sun pool	thistle groom	Ras el Mamleh	Maganna beach	Ras Mohammed national park	Tiran island protected area

Good review?

(0)

The Cairo Tower ("al Borg al Qahira")

Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

Built during the presidency of Gamal Abdel Nasser with Soviet assistance, this 187m-high slender tower on an island in the Nile offers spectacular views of Cairo. Its concrete lattice work with a fluted lotus flower finial is unique.

The Cairo Tower	The Cairo Tower

Good review?

(0)

The pyramid of Meidum

Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

Unfortunately this is one of the forgotten sites of Egypt. Rarely will you find it included in the regular tourist itineraries, as most of the visitors nowadays follow a very traditional and established itinerary, which mainly includes Pyramid sites such as the Pyramids of Giza, and the Step Pyramid of Sakkara! I have noticed, in the last few years, that some travel agencies are starting to organize trips, to the

Pyramid of Meidum and the Pyramid of Dashur, in a one-day trip.

We just hope they keep doing this, as this Pyramid has a special magic! In my opinion, a visit to this collapsed Pyramid is very worthwhile! It is one of those sites that had, and still keeps, lots of secrets!!

Meidum Pyramid is located 65 Km to the south of Sakkara. To visit to it you simply drive along the road that takes you to Sakkara, go pass that site, and continue straight on for about an hour until you see the Pyramid. There is another way to reach Meidum that is a little longer, but a lot faster. You take the road to the Fayoum Oasis and then join the Assyut desert road. After about 77Km you will see the Pyramid on your left side. There is an admission fee of 25LE.

In the last few years I have led special groups to this Pyramid. Every time I go there I am overwhelmed with it, as well as having a feeling that there are still dozens of secrets in this site still undiscovered! I class it as a virgin site because Egyptologists have never really done a proper investigation here.

Good review?

(0)

Church of St. Barbara

Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

The church of St. Barbara is one of the oldest and

the most remarkable churches in Cairo. It is situated

on the eastern part of the Babylon fort and dates

back to the 5^th Century, though it was rebuilt around

the 11^th Century. It was named after St. Barbara,

who was born in the beginning of the 3^rd Century in

Nicomedia in Asia Minor. She converted to Christianity

and refused to marry any of the aristocratic young

men in Alexandria, devoting herself to serving God.

Her father was a Pagan, who continually tortured her,

and then he complained about her to the Roman

governor Marcianus, who in turn severely tortured

her, but she resisted and refused to leave Christianity.

Finally she was killed, together with her companion

Juliana.

The Church takes a shape of a Roman Basilica,

comprising of an entrance, a narthex, a nave,

2 aisles and 3 Sanctuaries that are located in the

east wing of the church, the middle Sanctuary is

the main one, dedicated to St. Barbara. After

entering, from the narthex, there are 5 marble

columns, with palm leaf capitals, which separate

the nave from the 2 aisles. In front of the middle

Sanctuary there is a semi-circular choir, which

consists of 7 steps.

From the southern Sanctuary, of the church, visitors

can enter through a doorway to a rectangular hall,

which contains a chapel dedicated to St. Barbara,

and is one of the very recent modifications to the

church. From the northern Sanctuary there is a

doorway that leads to the small church, which was

consecrated to St. Cyrus and St. John.

This small church has 3 Sanctuaries. The middle one

dedicated to St. Cyrus and John, the right one

dedicated to St. George while the third one is used

today for baptisms.

The most precious item, found inside this church, is

a sycamore door that dates back to the 5^th Century.

The church has many icons, the most remarkable

dates back to about the 13^th Century. The main

icons depict Christ surrounded by Angels.

There are other icons on the southern aisle of the

church, representing the Virgin Mary and Jesus when

he was a child, Jesus entering Jerusalem and the

baptism of Christ.

Good review?

(0)

Church of St. Sergio ( Abu Serga )

Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

The church of St. Sergio (also known as St. Sergius or Abu Serga) was built in the centre of the Ancient Roman fort of Babylon. The church is considered as one of the sites visited by the Holy Family during their escape from King Herod to the land of Egypt.

Abu Serga

The church most probably dates back to the 5^th Century, although some historians believe that it was actually built in the 8^th Century. We are not sure of the origin of Saint Sergius, as in the history of the Coptic Church there are two Saints with the same name. The first one was an Egyptian who died, together with his father and sister, during the intense Christian persecution. People today celebrate his memory every year on the 7th of February. The second one was a servant of the Roman Emperor Maximilian, and he was martyred in Syria at the beginning of the 4th Century.

The Church takes the shape of a basilica with a narthex, a nave, and 2 aisles, which are separated from the nave by 12 columns with Corinthian capitals, 10 of stone, one of marble and one of rosette granite. There are 3 Sanctuaries on the east side; each Sanctuary contains an altar, with a wooden dome, supported by 4 marble columns. The dome of each altar has religious scenes of Christ, Angels, and the 4 evangelists. There is a pulpit on the northeast side of the nave, which is made of marble, though originally it was made of wood, incrusted with ebony and ivory.

The pulpit is used once, each year, in the prayer of Great Friday. The central Sanctuary has a wooden screen, which dates back to the 13^th Century, incrusted with panels of ebony and ivory. The frieze and the icons of the church are remarkable, most date back to the 15th and 16th Centuries, some were damaged and restored later.

Good review?

(0)

The Synagogue of Ben Ezra

Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

(Other names: El-Geniza Synagogue, El-Yaho church)

The Synagogue of Ben Ezra was originally named El-Shamieen Church, and is situated behind the “hanging church”. The Synagogue once had an old copy of the Old Testament, and it was said that Ezra the Prophet (Al-Azir) had written it.

It is believed that the site of the Synagogue was where the box of Baby Moses was found. ”. In the Encyclopaedia Britannica, a Synagogue is described as “A prayer place for the Jews”. In old Greek it means: “The ben ezra synagogue usual place where the Jews assemble to receive religious teachings and to worship” Some of these Temples were built close to a source of water, as much as for protection from any attack, not just for ablution!

The Ben Ezra Synagogue was originally a Christian church that the Copts had to sell, to the Jews, in 882A.D in order to pay the annual taxes imposed by the Muslim rulers of the time, and therefore Abraham Ben Ezra, who came from Jerusalem during the reign of Ahmed Ibn Tulun, bought the church for the sum of 20,000 dinars.

Through the centuries, the Synagogue received extensive restorations and renovations until it reached its present state. The present building dates back to 1892; the original one had collapsed and a new one was built, echoing it.

Good review?

(0)

The Pharaonic Village

Egypt

Added Oct 30, 2008

The Pharaonic Village

The Pharaonic Village was founded by Dr.Hassan Ragab
Ph.D., who was the person who rediscovered the ancient
Egyptian art of paper – making (Papyrus).

The Pharaonic Village is Egypt's historic park. It's a unique

place where Egypt's entire history is explained in 2 to

3 hours including our ancient history as well as our modern

history. Visiting The Pharaonic Village is recommended to

be at the beginning of the trip to Egypt. It is located on an

island in the Nile, just 3 miles south of the center of Cairo.

In this village you are transported by floating amphitheaters,

and a hundred actors and actresses demonstrate scenes from

ancient Egypt (Papyrus making, sculpting, home building…

.etc.).

In addition, the village has a complete replica of king

Tutankhamun's tomb with all its treasures as well as 12 new

museums, 4 related to ancient Egypt (mummification and

medicine, pyramids building, arts and beliefs, ancient

Egyptian boats) and 5 museums related to other periods in

Egyptian history (Cleopatra's museum, Coptic history,

Islamic civilization, Napoleon's expedition to Egypt, Egypt's

modern history museum). There are also 3 museums related

to our late three presidents, Mohamed Naguib, Nasser and

Sadat).

Also the village is a wonderful place for children as it includes

an interesting amusement park "Tut land", and an "Art Center"

. Also you can go on our Yacht "Nefertari" with which you

can make a pleasant trip on the Nile.

The village is a must for all visitors to Egypt. It's Open from

9 am – 6 pm daily (9 am - 9 pm from 25/6 to 31/8).

Please visit our website: www.pharaonicvillage.com or

e-mail us at pharaonic@pharaonecvillage.com or call us

at: +202- 35722533 or +202 – 3571 86 75 /6 / 7

Good review?

(0)

Tomb of Aniba

Egypt

Added Oct 29, 2008

The tomb belongs to one of the officials who lived at the time of Ramses II and was called Pennut; he was overseer of the province of Aniba.

The tomb is a rock cut toms and consist of antechamber that niche where there are the remains of three destroyed statues.

The chamber has scenes of Pennut offering to the gods, and others represent the funeral, and the final judgments.

Good review?

(0)

Temple of Dekka

Egypt

Added Oct 29, 2008

The temple was built by the Nubian Agh Amon who ruled at the time of king Ptolemy II, and later additions were added during the Greco-Roman times.

The temple is originally goes back to the 18^th dynasty, during the time of Thutmosis III, Hatshepsut and Seti I and Merneptah.

Like most of the other Nubian monuments it was converted into a church during the Christian era.

The temple is decorated with many religion scenes and important relief.

Good review?

(0)

Temple of Wadi Es-Sebua

Egypt

Added Oct 29, 2008

it is located 150 km south of Aswan, it has a temple

built by the famous king Ramsis II and it is considered

the seconded biggest temple of

the Nubian temples after the great temple of

Abu- Simbel,

The temple is known with Es-Seboua meaning in

Arabic "lions, as it has an avenue of sphinxes at its

entrance.

The temple was dedicated to the worship of god

Ra- Hor-Akhty, Amon, and Ramsis II as a defied

person.

The temple is built out of stones except the

sanctuary, and the inner vestibules which hare fully

craved into the bed rock.

The temple consists of an entrance with a pylon

then an open court yard then a hypostyle hall and

then inner sanctuary.

The walls of the temple are decorated with many

religion scenes and important relief,

During the Christian area many parts have been

converted in to a church.

This temple like most of the other Nubian monuments

have been rescued and relocated 4 km north from

its original location to escape the rising water of Lake

Nasser.

Good review?

(0)

Nubia

Egypt

Added Oct 29, 2008

The area to the south of Kom Ombo until the Sisal Mountains in the south of the Nile valley is basically known as Nubia, Nubia is divided into two parts:

Upper Nubia which is part of Sudan now, and lower Nubia which the most southern part of Egypt and ends up in to Wadi Halfa

It was in our modern time that attention was given to this part of Egypt since the construction of the Aswan first dam and then flowed by the Aswan high dam, ever since that time the eyes of the Egyptologists over the world turned to this site.

The etymology of the name of Nubia is uncertain but some researchers believe it is derived from the ancient Egyptian word Nbu, meaning gold, referring to the gold mines for which Nubia was famous. .the ancient Egyptian texts have no reference to this name, but they referred to Nubia generally as Ta-seti, meaning the land of the Bow, a clear reference to the weapon favoured by the Nubians

Since the old kingdom time in the ancient Egyptian history and Nubian is a very important commercial route for African trade, it was rich with gold, fine stones and temper.

At the times of the 6^th dynasty ancient Egyptians send expedition to upper Nubia to trade and to bring more of Nubian people who have been employed into the army.

At the time of the middle kingdom the more military expedition were sent to control bigger areas of Nubia and prevent immigrants to come t Egypt expect for trade.

T the time of the new kingdom especially at the 18^th dynasty, more of these campaigns were sent to Nubia to secure the northern borders of Egypt. Kind Thutmosis II took over the city of Dongula which is located at the fourth cataract , he added a new principality to the country by appointed new ruler for Kosh, it was also the time where many of the Egyptian monuments where constructed ,

At the end of the new kingdom the province of Nubia was controlled directly by the priests of god Amon. They established cult centre in the city of Nabat for god Amon Ra.

At the seventh century AD the capital of Kosh moved from the city of Nabata to the city of Morei, and the influence of the ancient Egyptian civilization stated to fade gradually

At the Greco-Roman times, the area had once again flourished, and many temples were built or rebuilt at this time

In the roman times the many roman emperors have sent military campaigns to suppress the Belimy tribes who have waged many raids on the southern provinces of Egypt.

When Christianity became the prevailing religion in Egypt many christen monasteries were built down in Nubia and many of the Nubian monuments were converted into churches. Including the temples of Philae and the temples of Dendour ,Tafa, Beit EL Wali, Gerf Housian, and Wadi Es-sebua.

With the spread of Christianity through Nubia pagan believes began to dwindle together with Morai culture, a new age was beginning, in which the Christianity played an important rule, during the eight and ninth, Nubia enjoyed growth and prosperity in both political and cultural sphere, at the rate which had not been enjoyed for a longtime.

Since Nubian church was affiliated at that time to that of Egypt, the Coptic patriarch at Alexandria was acknowledged as its head many churches, monasteries and cathedrals were built often modeled on the basilica type which was common in the Byzantine Empire

At Kasr Ibrim , the ruins of a church probably dating from the second half of the fifth century AD, yielded some Coptic texts on fragments of papyrus and parchment dating fifth to tenth century AD, Qasr Ibrim was the seat of the patriarch of Nubia .

Good review?

(0)

Kharga Oasis

Egypt

Added Oct 29, 2008

The Kharga Oasis must be one of the most beautiful places in the world, especially at sunset; everything you see at this “green island in the middle of a yellow ocean of sand”, is natural! Whether you are sleeping under the stars, or just relaxing between the high palm-trees, you will find a feeling of integration with the environment. The first time I saw the El-Kharga Oasis, a bright light came to my eyes and I could not overcome the emotion, even I wondered “what better place to go than El-Kharga Oasis?” During my short stay in this splendid place I realized that I did not look at my watch as often as I usually do in Cairo, since it seemed that time did not matter here; I even walked around more than I do in the city, the fantastic, pure, atmosphere encouraging me to explore, as I found that I was feeling less tired than normal. No doubt the stay in that wonderful place was a kind of recuperation from the gloomy crowded life of the Egyptian capital. Everything around me was clean, quiet, and simple, and for a moment a thought came into my head about buying a house there.

El-Kharga Oasis is about 550Km from Cairo, but it is nearer to Luxor than any other Egyptian town, and was called the Oasis of Thebes by the Ancient Egyptians. There are several monumental sites here, the most important being the Temple of Hebes. It is situated 3Km north of the Oasis, and was dedicated for the worship of the Triad of Thebes, Amon, Mut and Khonso, dating back to the 26^th Dynasty.

Another one of the interesting monuments in the area is El-Zayan Temple, which is situated near the small village of and dates back to the Ptolemaic Period. It was dedicated for the cult of Amon-Ra, the God of El-Kharga at the time.

The cemetery of El-Bagawat also deserves a visit; situated behind the Temple of Hebes, these tombs date back to the Early Christian Period, and on the some of the walls there are very interesting coloured scenes, depicting religious events such as: the Exodus, Adam and Eve, various Prophets, Angels, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus.

The Oasis of El-Kharga was a prosperous place during ancient times and was linked with the Nile Valley by many routes. The Greek historian Herodotus mentioned that the great Persian King, Campuses, sent a huge army (about 50,000 men) from Thebes in order to destroy the Oracle Temple of Amon-Zeus at Siwah. The huge army reached the El-Kharga Oasis, was provided with food and water, and then they continued their march towards Siwah, but the campaign vanished and no one can tell what really happened, even today! Some historians suggest that the Persian army was lost in the desert and were sunk in the Great Sea Of Sand, which extends along the borders between Egypt and Libya.

Nowadays El-Kharga is famed for the large number of palm-trees, pigeon-houses, farms, fields, monuments, wells, artisans, traditional handcrafts, and honey-coloured hills, which can be found here. There is also another attraction - riding camels, which is considered by many tourists and visitors, an adventure in itself. On the rocks of some sites some graffiti, left by tourists to commemorate their visit to that beautiful Oasis. Pure springs and natural wells completely unpolluted by chlorine or other chemicals are scattered in several locations in the Oasis. The local people seem to be “at your service“; they are very kind and give visitors the feeling that they are very welcomed. The life there is simple, but extremely satisfying!

There are no sophisticated communications at the Oasis, but who needs technologies there anyway? On the other hand it suffers from the lack of many fundamental services and needs.

Good review?

(0)

The houses of Rosetta

Egypt

Added Oct 29, 2008

Each house consists of 3 or 4 floors, with multi-level, wooden corbel ceilings for added strength. They were built of moulded, grouted bricks, and in the façade, for decoration purposes, these bricks were alternatively painted red and black. Also the Mashrapiyas and windows, of a different type of turned wood whether Sahrili or Maymouni, also decorate the façade.

1

-The ground floor usually contains the “caravansary” or storehouse, the stable, a Sabil (or fountain), and the cistern.

-The 2^nd floor was reserved for men. It often has a separate door and a courtyard surrounded by a number of rooms.

-The 3^rd floor was reserved for women called Al-Hadir (the place of sleeping); it consists of a main hall (iwan) surrounded by several rooms, and a private bathroom.

These houses often include a room on the 3^rd floor called the “Al-Aghany” room (room of songs), in which the women of the house sit, listening and watching the entertainment, out of sight of the men. This room contains cupboards in one of its walls, with Klaw Khowarnaqates and partitions of turned wood. These wooden cupboards are often inlayed with ivory and mother of pearl. In some houses, the walls of the Al-Aghani room were covered with tiles with floral decorations in yellow, red, and green bearing an Andalusi effect, as in the houses of Mouharam an Olwan

Arab Killy House (the National Museum of Rosetta)

This is one of the most famous houses in Rosetta, and the biggest. It dates back to the 18^th century (XII A.H) and was the residential house of Arab Killy who was an Ottoman governor of the city.

It consists of 4 floors:

1-The ground floor, which includes:

A storehouse with cross-vaulted ceiling
A cistern
A “Sabil” (or fountain)

2-The 2^nd floor, reserved for the men, which includes:

A courtyard, surrounded by a number of rooms with windows of iron grills, below holes of Maaqali turning

3-The 3^rd floor, the domain of the women, which includes:

A courtyard, surrounded by a number of rooms with windows of iron grills
The Al-Aghany (see above), this room contains a beautiful cupboard, inlaid with mother-of-pearl

4-The 4th floor, which includes:

The flat roof

Good review?

(0)

Rosetta

Egypt

Added Oct 29, 2008

The city of Rosetta (Rashid) is situated on the western bank of the branch of the Nile called “Rashid”, and is located 65km northeast of Alexandria. Rosetta stone

It is thought that a Temple for Amon was built during the New Kingdom Period. In the Greco-Roman Period the city was called Balbotine and the Nile branch then was known as “the Balbotine Branch”

In the Islamic period, Rosetta was still known by this name, but it was less important than Alexandria. The Sultan Qaitbay built a fortress there, surrounded by ramparts for defensive purposes; the Sultan Al Ghouri later built a wall around the city.

After the Ottoman conquest in the 16^th century, and after the decline of Alexandria, Rosetta became the principal port of the northern coast until the 19^th century, but retained its importance serving the trade between Egypt, Turkey and other countries. Many Wikalahs and merchant houses were constructed.

Rosetta is considered as a large open-air museum for Islamic architecture. The great number of Islamic monuments found here does not exist in any other city, except for Cairo. Unfortunately most of these unique monuments are neglected, modern buildings surround them, and the unplanned urbanization also affects them badly, causing much damage. Therefore it is necessary for a great national effort to be made to save them, in order to revive the historical character of the city.

Today Rosetta’s worldwide fame is because of the finding of the “Rosetta Stone” during the French occupation of Egypt. In 1799, while extending a fortress near Rosetta, a young French officer named Pierre-Francois Bouchard found a block of black basalt stone. It measured 3ft 9in long, 2ft 4.5 in wide, and 11in thick, and it contained three distinct bands of writing. The most incomplete was the top band containing hieroglyphics; the middle band was in an Egyptian script called Demotic and the bottom one was in Ancient Greek. He took the stone to the scholars and they realized that it was a royal decree that basically stated that it was to be written in the 3 languages used in Egypt at the time.

Upon Napoleon's defeat, the stone had become the property of the English, under the terms of the Treaty of Alexandria (1801), as well as other artefacts that had been found by the French. The stone was taken to England and copies were made so that other people could attempt to translate it. Scholars began to focus on the Demotic script in the middle band, because it was more complete, and it looked more like letters than the hieroglyphic pictures in the upper band. It was essentially a shorthand version of hieroglyphics that had evolved from an earlier shorthand version of Egyptian called hieratic script. Thomas Young (1773-1829), an English physicist, was the first to show that some of the hieroglyphs in the top band were the sounds of a royal name - Ptolemy. Then the French scholar Jean-François Champollion (1790-1832) realized that the hieroglyphs were actually the sound of the Egyptian language and therefore laid the foundations of our present day knowledge of the Ancient Egyptian language and culture.

Good review?

(0)

Karanis (Kom Oushim)

Egypt

Added Oct 29, 2008

Karanis (Kom Oushim) is situated 30Km north of the city of El-Fayoum. In old Greek documents this region was called Karanis and it contains 2 Temples in the north and another in the south, both dating back to the Ptolemaic Period, as well as some cisterns, public baths and houses etc. The Kelsey Museum houses more than 45,000 objects from Karanis, but this large figure does not include all of the finds. The University of Michigan, between 1924 and 1935, excavated this Greco-Roman site, dividing the artefacts with The Egyptian Government when the excavations were finished. Next to the two Temples there is a modern museum, which also exhibits some of the finds.

The plan of the 2 Temples is similar to the plan of all the Ancient Egyptian Temples of the New Kingdom with the same elements, the only difference is that the 2 Temples of Karanis contain offering tables (Altars) and burials for the mummies of the crocodile, which was the sacred animal symbolizing the God Sobek. Each Temple consists of a pylon and 3 small halls, then the sanctuary. To the western side, at the front of the Temple, there is an aquarium, which was dedicated to the followers of the crocodiles. They were constructed during the reign of the Emperor Nero, but restored during the reign of the Emperor Commodes. Like the southern Temple the northern one was consecrated for the cult of Sobek but also to other deities such as Amon, Serapes, Zeus, etc.

A dwelling area was discovered in Karanis, the houses built out of mud-bricks, and red bricks, with vaulted roof and stairs, gates, windows, kitchens, and stables. Some walls were painted and covered with colourful decorations.

To the east of the city there is a cemetery, which also dates back to the Ptolemaic Period. Recently a great number of artefacts were found, including: ostracas, jars, glassy vases, and coins, as well as a large number of papyrus, written in Greek, and of great value, which provide us with details about the aspects of life during that period, like trade deals, taxation documents, and civil contracts. Remains of Public Baths, built of burnt brick, were also discovered.

Good review?

(0)

EL-Fayoum

Egypt

Added Oct 29, 2008

The province of El-Fayoum is located about 70Km southwest of from Cairo, easily found on the map because of the large lake (Lake Qaroun), which is close by.

This region is extremely rich in many archaeological sites, such as the old City of El-Fayoum (Crocododopolis). It is in a natural depression in the desert, linked to the River Nile by a branch called “Bahr Yousuf”, whose name was probably derived from the ancient Egyptian Word “Baym”, which means sea or lake. It contains a lake that was known by the Ancient Egyptians as “Mr-Wr”, which means “the great sea”, and in Greek it became “Moris”. Today, in Arabic, it is called “Qaroun Lake”.

The word Baym was most probably the origin of the word El-Fayoum. In Ancient Egypt it was called “shedt” and it was a great city during the Middle Kingdom.

Hawara Pyramid, which is considered to be in one of the most important sites of the province, was the Pyramid of King Amenemhat III who ruled during the Middle Kingdom, but unfortunately nothing is left of his huge and fabulous mortuary Temple, which was called the Labyrinth.

One of the most famous areas in El-Fayoum is Kom Mady (Narmouthis); this is because of the remains of the old Temple, which dates back to the XII Dynasty and was dedicated to the God Sobek, the Goddess Isis, and the Goddess Renen-Wetet. Actually there are several historical and archaeological sites that are scattered in different locations throughout this province such as Kom Oushim (Kranis), Um Al Athl (Bachias), Batn Ahryt (Theadelphia), Philadelphia, Qasr, Qaroun (Dionysius) and others.

Today the Oasis, with its lakes and sanctuaries, pristine desert areas (which includes fossil remains of world importance), various cultural sites, plus the rural quietude, forms an amazing and unique site of adventure, and beautiful scenery.

Good review?

(0)

Sultan Hassan Madrassa and Mosque

Egypt

Added Oct 29, 2008

This is one of the extraordinarily wonderful Islamic Monuments In the Islamic World. If Ancient Egypt is proud of the Pyramids of Giza, Islamic Egypt has to be proud of the Sultan Hassan Madrassa. The founder of this gigantic monument is the Sultan Hassan, son of the great Mamluke Sultan Al-Nasser Mohamed Ibn Qalawoun. Sultan Hassan ruled twice, the first time in 1347, when he was 13 years old, only to be dethroned by the other Mamluke princes and generals. The second time was in 1356A.D, and before he had time to put an end to the power of the princes and high officials, they revolted against him, and the chief of the army with other generals attacked him. It said that he escaped from the Citadel and hid in Cairo; but he was found and imprisoned, never to be seen again! Most probably he was murdered 16 years after his ascension to the throne. Either way, he left 10 sons and 6 daughters.

The Sultan Hassan gave order for the construction of this Madrassa to be under the supervision of Prince Mohamed Ibn Baylik Al-Muhssani in 1361A.D, and the work continued for 4 years. The Mosque was almost complete when Sultan Hassan disappeared or was killed. It was finished by one of his functionaries whose name was Bashir Al-Gamdar. The site of the Madrassa was previously known as Souk Al-Khayl or the Horses Market. The Madrassa was built of stones, but some internal parts and details were built of bricks, faced with stones.

The Madrassa-Mosque was built according to the cruciform, an open courtyard surrounded by 4 iwans. It contains 4 Madrassas or religious schools and is 7,906 square metres big. It is very distinguishable due to its many sides. It has 4 façades, the most important being the 2 main façades.

The most remarkable façade is the northeast one. It is 145m long and 38m tall! Its shear wall has 4 pairs of windows set vertically, and at the top of the wall is a massive cornice of 5 layers of stalactites, projecting about 1.5m.

The Sahn, or the court, of the Mosque is almost square, about 34m long and 32m wide, with a large ablution fountain in the centre, which is covered with a wooden dome, carried on 8 marble columns around its capital decorated with a band of inscriptions of The Qur’an (the verse of Al-Kursi). At each corner of the sahn is a door that leads to one of the 4 Madrassas (schools); the biggest one being the Hanafiyya Madrassa, which occupies an area of 898 square metres. hassan mosque

The quibla iwan is the biggest of the 4 iwans of the Mosque. In its wall, 2 windows in recesses, and an oculus above the mihrab, the pointed-arched mihrab is fine, and covered with marble, and there are small double columns supporting the frame with complex joggled voussoirs.

On the rectangular outer frame is a band of Naskhi inscription. Flanking the Mihrab are windows with bronze grills. The marble Minbar is covered with coloured panels of marble decorated in its upper part by floral motifs.

The Dekkat Al-Mouballegh or the bench of the repeater is situated at the front of the quibla iwan, and it is made of marble, raised on 8 pillars and 3 piers. There are 2 doors opened in the Quibla wall leading to a mausoleum dome behind the mihrab, where the Sultan is supposed to be buried. The Mausoleum dome is 21 square metres and its decoration is similar to that of the quibla iwan.

The grave itself has an Iwan in the centre with a coffin of coloured marble, surrounded by a small wooden screen. It was intended to be a tomb for the Sultan Hassan but it contains the bodies of 2 of his sons named Al-Shehab Ahamd and Ishmael.

Actually 4 minarets were intended to be built in the original plan but only 3 were erected, The one over the entrance fell in the year 1361A.D and now there are only 2 minarets. One dates back to the Ottoman period in the 17^th Century, while the bigger, and the most beautiful one, is the original, which is 81.6m high. This remarkable minaret stands at the southern corner of the eastern façade, and is still one of the amazing features of this elegant structure.

Good review?

(0)

The Pyramids of Dahshour

Egypt

Added Oct 29, 2008

The Pyramids of Dahshour always evoke in me a great part of the history of Ancient Egypt. Although this area is not a major tourist site, like the Giza Plateau, it seems to me like a wonderful book, which tells us great, glorious, events of Ancient Egyptian History.

Dahshour is one of the most important cemeteries, which belonged to the vast necropolis of the great Ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis .

Located about 30Km to the south of the Giza pyramids, and in the southern wing of Saqqara, this area contains Pyramids of the IV and the XII Dynasties. Here you will find the Pyramid of Amenemhat II, and the Pyramid of Amenemhat III, called the Black Pyramid.

In fact the great King Snefru (2680-2656 B.C), the founder of the IV Dynasty, was the first to choose the area to build his royal tomb, as it was close to the capital, Memphis.

bent pyramid He first built the southern Pyramid, or what we call today the Bent Pyramid. The architect actually made a mistake when building this Pyramid, not realising it until the height reached about 48m (with an angle of 54 degrees). He changed his original plans to make it safer (hoping to prevent what had happened at Meidum), and finished it by modifying the angle to just 43 degrees! And that is the reason behind the strange shape of this Pyramid and why, today, it is called the Rhomboid or Bent Pyramid. Analysing the reason behind the change, Egyptologists think that the angle of 54 degrees was going to result in a very huge and high Pyramid, which would have been very unstable, especially when cracks started to appear, which were later filled with gypsum.

The Pyramids of Dahshur

The Southern (Bent) Pyramid of Dashur was built of local limestone and cased with fine, Turah limestone. It is about 101m in height while the length of each side is 188.6m. The original entrance of the Pyramid is on the northern face as usual, but Professor Ahmed Fakhry (1905–1973), during his works in 1951, discovered another entrance on its western side.

One of the most remarkable features about the Pyramid is the existence of cedar beams, which had probably been imported from Lebanon. At the east of the Pyramid is a small Mortuary Temple consisting of a small shrine. A small subsidiary Pyramid lies to the south of the Pyramid, cleared in 1947 by the Egyptologist Abd El-Salam Hussein.

entrance of dahshour

About 2Km away to the north of the Southern Pyramid, another Pyramid was built for King Snefru. This time his architect avoided all the previous mistakes by following the same angle from bottom to top - 43 degrees, and in doing so created the first, perfect, complete Pyramid in history. This became the “blueprint” for all the Pyramids, which appeared during the IV, V, and VI Dynasties. It is known as the Northern Pyramid because of its location, and the Red Pyramid, as the builders had used a very special kind of rosette limestone to built the inner burial chamber. It is 99m in height, and each side of the base is 220m in length.

red pyramid

28m above the ground, on the northern face of the Pyramid, you will find the entrance to the inside. A steep, 60m long, passage leads down to the 1^st chamber, which is in turn connected to the 2^nd chamber by a low, rectangular passageway. Both of these chambers are about the same size, with high walls, and a corbelled ceiling. At the far end of the 2^nd chamber is the entrance to the burial chamber; a wooden ladder takes you up to the entrance, which is about 8m above the floor level, and a wooden bridge spans the burial chamber itself. About 16m above you is the high, corbelled ceiling (Useful tip – A flashlight will enable you to see everything here, the illumination is very poor!)

On the eastern side of the Pyramid, is the mortuary Temple of King Snefru. Though totally ruined, you can still see how it was originally laid out, and you will also be able to see some of the original fine, Turah limestone casing stones. Also situated here is what is thought to have been the capstone of the Pyramid, though many dispute it, as the angle of slope is different to that of the Pyramid.

The cemetery of Dahshour contains other Pyramids, smaller in scale, built out of mud bricks, and dating back to the XII Dynasty. These belonged to Amenemhat II, Senusert III, and Amenemhat III. Inside the Pyramid of King Senusert III, a very precious collection of jewels and gold were found, and now they are in display in many museums, all over the world, especially the collection that belonged to some of the Princesses of the XII Dynasty.

Many tombs have been discovered in the area of the Pyramids, but were either in very bad condition, or not even completed.

Good review?

(0)

Safaga

Egypt

Added Oct 29, 2008

Safaga is to be found 65 Km south of Hurghada. A marine port, connected by a cruise shuttle service line with Jordan and Saudi Arabia, Safaga city is considered an extremely important centre as special medical researches helps contribute to the potential of attracting international tourism to Safaga.

The resort is reputable for its unpolluted atmosphere, black sand dunes and mineral springs, which have acquired specific characteristics for the remedy of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

Good review?

(0)

Al-Qusseir

Egypt

Added Oct 29, 2008

It is 80 Km south of Safaga and is an excellent site for camping. Recently, several hotels of different categories have been established. Tourists can practise water sports. It is an important port for exporting phosphate, and is connected to Qena city by a road that is 220 Km long.

Good review?

(0)

The Monastery of Saint Catherine

Egypt

Added Oct 29, 2008

Monasticism

Ever since the early Christian Period, South Sinai was a great attraction for the Christian monks. The Monasticism was an escape from the Roman violence which spread in the 4^th Century A.D. Especially in Firan Valley, El-Tur, and Mount Moses, those who fled the Roman persecution have taken shelter in various area in Egypt, particularly those areas near water sources.

The Monastery of Saint Catherine

Who was Saint Catherine?

She lived in Alexandria during the persecution of Christians during the reign of Maximinus in 305-313 A.D, and when she converted to Christianity the Roman tortured her severely, finally beheading her in 307 A.D.

Five centuries later, a monk saw a vision in which her body was carried by Angels, gently placing her on top of the peak of the highest mountain in Sinai, so the monks carried her relics to the Church of Transfiguration, which it was named then, next to the monastery that was formerly called “The Virgin”, and ever since then, the name of the monastery has been known as Saint Catherine.

The Monastery

In 342 A.D The Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, built a monastery, including the chapel known as the Virgin Mary, at the Burning Bush site; where it is believed that Moses received the two tablets. In the 6^th century A.D the Emperor Justinian ordered the building of the church known today as the Church of Transfiguration; both the church and the monastery were later named for Saint Catherine. Justinian also ordered the building of a high enclosure wall, with towers to protect the monastery, and it is said that he provided it with 200 Roman soldiers to protect it against the attacks of the Bedouins.

The monastery lies at the foot of “Moses Mountain”, a beautiful site, on a high location about 1570 feet above sea level, with a good climate and plenty of fresh well water. To the west of it is the El-Raha Valley.

The most important Elements of the Monastery are:

1-The Enclosure Wall and the Gate

2-The Great Church

3-The Burning Bush Chapel

4-The Fatimid Mosque

5-The Library

6-The Wells

7-The Oil Press

8-The Garden

9-The Monks Cells

10-The Guests Dwellings

11-The Two Mills

12-The Grain Stores

Good review?

(0)

The hotels in Cairo and Egypt

Egypt

Added Oct 29, 2008

5 star hotels:

Four Seasons Hotel: By far, the best hotel in Cairo, fabulous views of the pyramids, a great spa and cheerful staff providing excellent service.

Mena House Oberoi:

very classy hotel with an excellent international reputation. Facilities include a conference centre, nightclubs, swimming pool and excellent cuisine including an Indian restaurant. It has the best view of the pyramids. Americans love it.

Meridian Pyramids Hotel:

Nile Hilton:

Another great hotel that has an excellent view of the pyramids, it has a lovely swimming pool and a multitude of restaurants. With more than 500 rooms, it has a great reputation among many tour companies. If you need to book this hotel, contact me and I can get you a preferential rate. click here TO Ask

Conveniently located next to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and within walking distance of the vibrant nightlife of Downtown Cairo, it has superb views of the river Nile. It also boasts a great shopping mall and offers a variety of cuisines.

4 star Hotels: 3 Pyramids Hotel: Popular with budget travelers, it has narrow rooms but it is located within walking distance of the Giza Pyramids. Flamingo Hotel:

Located on the luxurious but busy island of Zamalek, it has lovely views of the river and comfortable rooms.

3 star hotels:

Cosmopolitan Hotel: Right in the middle of Downtown Cairo, it is surrounded by shops and offers easy access to all sites. Limited facilities but cheap prices.

Salma Hotel: In the very quite and lovely area of Mohandessen, it has decent rooms and very cheap prices. Popular with the budget traveler. The staff are very friendly and a choice of restaurants are nearby .I like it Indiana Hotel:

Another hotel patronized by budget travelers and agencies like Travel- bag, Explore Travel and Imaginative Travelers, it is located in a good area, not far from Downtown. The staff are friendly and restaurants are nearby.

Santana Hotel: Located next to Indiana Hotel, it is popular with budget travelers seeking cheap prices. I didn't like it.. Concorde Hotel: In front of the Sheraton Cairo and not far from Downtown, it is a very good budget hotel with a lovely restaurant.

Good review?

(0)

Egypt fact book

Egypt

Added Oct 29, 2008

Egypt Fact book

Population:
Population:	77,505,756 (July 2005 est.)
Age structure:
	0-14 years: 33% (male 13,106,043/female 12,483,899)
	15-64 years: 62.6% (male 24,531,266/female 23,972,216)
	65 years and over: 4.4% (male 1,457,097/female 1,955,235) (2005 est.)
Median age:
	total: 23.68 years
	male: 23.31 years
	female: 24.05 years (2005 est.)
Population growth rate:
Population growth rate:	1.78% (2005 est.)
Birth rate:
Birth rate:	23.32 births/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Death rate:
Death rate:	5.26 deaths/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Net migration rate:
Net migration rate:	-0.22 migrant (s)/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Sex ratio:
	at birth: 1.05 male (s)/female
	under 15 years: 1.05 male (s)/female
	15-64 years: 1.02 male (s)/female
	65 years and over: 0.74 male (s)/female
	total population: 1.02 male (s)/female (2005 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
	total: 32.59 deaths/1,000 live births
	male: 33.31 deaths/1,000 live births
	female: 31.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2005 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
	total population: 71 years
	male: 68.5 years
	female: 73.62 years (2005 est.)
Total fertility rate:
Total fertility rate:	2.88 children born/woman (2005 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:	less than 0.1% (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:	12,000 (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
HIV/AIDS - deaths:	700 (2003 est.)
Ethnic groups:
Ethnic groups:	Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%, 1% Greek, Nubian, Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and French)
Religions:
Religions:	Muslim (mostly Sunni) 94%, Coptic Christian and other 6%
Languages:
Languages:	Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes
Literacy:
	definition: age 15 and over can read and write
	total population: 57.7%
	male: 68.3%
	female: 46.9% (2003 est.)

Area:
	total: 1,001,450 sq km
	land: 995,450 sq km
	water: 6,000 sq km
Land boundaries:
	total: 2,665 km
	border countries: Gaza Strip 11 km, Israel 266 km, Libya 1,115 km, Sudan 1,273 km
Coastline:	2,450 km
Maritime claims:	territorial sea: 12 nm
	contiguous zone: 24 nm
	exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
	continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate:	desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters
Terrain:	vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta
Elevation extremes:	lowest point: Qattara Depression -133 m
Elevation extremes:	highest point: Mount Catherine 2,629 m
Natural resources:
Natural resources:	petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zinc
Land use:	arable land: 2.87%
	permanent crops: 0.48%
	other: 96.65% (2001)
Irrigated land:
Irrigated land:	33,000 sq km (1998 est.)
Environment - international agreements:	party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
Environment - international agreements:	signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Environment - international agreements:	party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
Environment - international agreements:	signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Country name:	conventional long form: Arab Republic of Egypt
	conventional short form: Egypt
	local long form: Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah
	local short form: Misr

Government type:	republic
Capital:	Cairo

National holiday:
National holiday:	Revolution Day, 23 July (1952)
Constitution:
Constitution:	11 September 1971; amended 22 May 1980
Legal system:	based on English common law, Islamic law, and Napoleonic codes; judicial review by Supreme Court and Council of State (oversees validity of administrative decisions); accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage:
Suffrage:	18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch:	chief of state: President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14 October 1981)
	head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed NAZIF (since 9 July 2004)
	cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
	elections: president elected by popular vote for six-year term; note - a national referendum in May 2005 approved a constitutional amendment that changed the presidential election to a multicandidate popular vote; previously the president was nominated by the People's Assembly and the nomination was validated by a national, popular referendum; last referendum held 26 September 1999; first election under terms of constitutional amendment held 7 September 2005; next election scheduled for 2011
	election results: Hosni MUBARAK reelected president; percent of vote - Hosni MUBARAK 88.6%, Ayman NOUR 7.6%, Noman GOMAA 2.9%
Legislative branch:	bicameral system consists of the People's Assembly or Majlis al-Sha'b (454 seats; 444 elected by popular vote, 10 appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms) and the Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura - which functions only in a consultative role (264 seats; 176 elected by popular vote, 88 appointed by the president; members serve six-year terms; mid-term elections for half the members)
	elections: People's Assembly - three-phase voting - last held 7 and 20 November, 1 December 2005;(next to be held November-December 2010); Advisory Council - last held May-June 2004 (next to be held May-June 2007)
	election results: People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NDP 311, NWP 6, Tagammu 2, Tomorrow Party 1, independents 112 (12 seats to be determined by rerun elections, 10 seats appointed by President); Advisory Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA
Judicial branch:	Supreme Constitutional Court

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ACCT, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, BSEC (observer), CAEU, COMESA, EBRD, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, ONUB, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOMIG, UNRWA, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; the national emblem (a gold Eagle of Saladin facing the hoist side with a shield superimposed on its chest above a scroll bearing the name of the country in Arabic) centered in the white band; design is based on the Arab Liberation flag and similar to the flag of Syria, which has two green stars, Iraq, which has three green stars (plus an Arabic inscription) in a horizontal line centered in the white band, and Yemen, which has a plain white band

Good review?

(0)

Luxor Travel Information

Al Uqsur, Nile Valley, Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

History of Luxor:
Luxor was the ancient city of Thebes, the great capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom, and the glorious city of the God Amon Ra. The city was regarded in the Ancient Egyptian texts as T-APT (meaning “the shrine”) and then, in a later period, the Greeks called it tea pie, which the Arabs later pronounced as Thebes. The importance of the city started as early as the 11th Dynasty by King Mento-hotep

The city of Thebes was the capital of the fourth Nome of Upper Egypt. The main local god was the God Amon Ra, who was worshipped with his wife, the Goddess Mutt, and their son, the God Khonsou, the God of the moon. Thebes was also known as “the city of the 100 gates”, sometimes being called the southern city, to distinguish it from Memphis, the early capital of the Old Kingdom.

Thebes also played a great role in expelling the invading forces of the Hykos from Upper Egypt. From the time of the 18th Dynasty, through to the 20th Dynasty, the importance of the city had risen as the major political, religious and military capital of Ancient Egypt. Such importance faded during the Late Period, but the God Amon Ra remained the main God until the Greco-Roman period.

Good review?

(0)

The Unfinished Obelisk

Aswan, Nile Valley, Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

The Unfinished Obelisk lies, in its original location, in a granite quarry in Aswan. It is 42m in length and was most probably abandoned when some cracks appeared in the rock, during its construction. Had this obelisk been completed, it would have been the heaviest obelisk ever cut in Ancient Egypt, weighing nearly 1100 tons! It is believed that it was constructed and abandoned during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut (18^th Dynasty).

During the earliest ages, the Ancient Egyptians knew the so-called “ Pn-pn”, which was a pyramidal stone with a pointed top and according to their beliefs the “Pn-pn” symbolized the primeval hill from which the world first appeared. Then, in the course of time, this Pn-pn evolved to be an obelisk usually made of granite with a pyramidal shape on top.

During the 5th Dynasty, the obelisk began to play an important role inside the temples of Ra; the obelisk being a sacred symbol of the cult of the sun. They were erected on a great base in an open court, and then as the suns rays fell on its pyramidal top, the bright light filled the Temple, giving the people a symbol of the power of the sun.

One of the most important obelisks, which still stand in pride in the district of El Mataraya, was erected in front of the entrance of the vanished temple of Re at Heliopolis. King Senwosret I, to commemorate the ceremony of the “Heb-sed”, dedicated it to the temple.

In the New Kingdom, especially at the time of the 18th and 19th Dynasties, the Kings used to erect obelisks in front of the different temples for religious and political reasons.

Good review?

(0)

The High Dam

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

The High Dam of Aswan is a great project. In fact it

was one of the most important achievements of the

in the last century in Egypt, even for many years it

was a symbol of the New Era of the Revolution of

1952. It provided Egypt with water and electricity

and secured the country of the risk of the destructive

inundation.

The Aswan High Dam was a great project! In fact it

was one of the most important achievements of the

last century in Egypt, for many years symbolising the

New Era of the Revolution of 1952. It provides Egypt

with water and electricity, and secures the country

from the risk of the destructive inundation

of the River Nile.

After the revolution of July 1952, President Nasser

announced his proposal for building the High Dam,

but was met with Western refusals to co-operate,

so he turned to the Soviet Union for both

technological and financial aid. The result was the

present rock-filled structure. The work began on

the 9^th January 1960 and the completed dam was

opened in the spring of 1971. This gigantic building is

111m tall, 3.5Km in length and about 1Km wide! It has

a Hydro-electric plant, with 6 turbines, capable of

producing 2.1 million kilowatts.

As a result of its construction, a great lake was
formed, Lake Nasser, which is about 10 km wide in
some places, and 500km long. extending between
Egypt and The Sudan – the worlds largest man-made
lake! This lake also has an immense fish population,
which is commercially exploited. Because raising the
water caused the damage, and loss, of so many of
the Nubian monuments, great efforts were made by
the Egyptian Government, aided by UNESCO and
other countries, to save the most important
monuments of Nubia .

Good review?

(0)

Valley Of The Queens (Biban Al-Harim)

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

The Valley of the Queens is an isolated cemetery,

at the southern part of the vast necropolis of

Thebes, on the west bank of Luxor. It contains

about 70 tombs, mainly belonging to Queens,

Princesses, Princes and Nobles, who lived during

the XIX and XX Dynasties.
In general, these tombs are smaller than the

ones of the Kings. The plans of these tombs

usually consist of a small antechamber, a long

narrow corridor with several side chambers,

and at the end - the burial chamber.

One of the most important tombs in the valley is

the one that belongs to the famous Queen

Nefertari, the principal consort of King Ramses II.

This beautiful tomb was in a bad condition

because of the salt crystals seeping through its

poor quality limestone. It was restored and

reopened for visitors, though nowadays it is

closed to the general public because of the high

CO2 levels, and water in breath particles, which

were damaging the beautiful artwork. Her tomb

consists of a stairway leading down to a hall,

where on the walls, there are representations

of the Queen with different Gods and Goddesses.

This hall leads to an inner side chamber decorated

with religious scenes such as Queen Nefertari

burning incense, and giving offerings to the Gods

Osiris and Atum. A corridor then leads to the

burial chamber, whose walls are decorated with

scenes of the “Book of the Gates”.

Also located in the valley, are the tombs of three
of the sons of King Ramses III, who were also
buried there.

Tomb 55 is considered to be one of the most

important tombs amongst them. It was dedicated

to Prince Amon-khopshef, a son of King Ramses

III who had died at an early age. Among the most

beautiful scenes in this tomb, are on the walls of

the 1st chamber. It is a scene representing the

Prince, with his father, with the

King making offerings to various deities.

The large hall is decorated with some scenes

of the “Book of the Gates”.

Tomb 44 belongs to Prince Khaem-waset, who

was another son of Ramses III. It consists of 2

long corridors, with 2 side chambers, and a

square burial chamber. The walls of this tomb

are decorated with various painted scenes,

some of them representing the Prince with

different deities, and with his father in front

of the deities of the after world.

Good review?

(0)

Vally of The Kings

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

The Valley of the Kings was the royal cemetery for 62 Pharaohs , and is located on the west bank at Luxor. The only entrance to this place was a long narrow winding path. This was a secret place, where sentries were placed at the entrance of the Valley, as well as along the top of the hills, in the hopes of discouraging tomb robbers, who had in the past plundered all royal tombs, including the treasures of the Pyramids! Some thefts were probably carefully planned, but others were spur of the moment, as when an earlier tomb was accidentally discovered while cutting a new one and workmen took advantage of the opportunity. This may have happened when KV 46 was found during the cutting of KV 4 or KV 3 nearby. The tombs in the Valley range from a simple pit (e.g. KV 54), to a tomb with over 121 chambers and corridors (KV 5)

John Gardiner Wilkinson first established the present numbering system, in 1827, as part of his preparation of a map of Thebes. Wilkinson painted the numbers 1 through 21 at the entrances of the tombs that were then visible. The numbers were assigned geographically, from the entrance to the Valley southward. Since Wilkinson's day, tomb numbers have been assigned in chronological order of discovery, KV 62 (Tutankhamen) being the most recent. Wilkinson's is not the only system of tomb designation that has been used in the Valley though. Several explorers assigned numbers, letters or descriptive labels to the tombs, as the accompanying chart indicates, but Wilkinson's is the only system that is still in use. There are two main wings to the Valley of the Kings, west and east! You will find that eastern side has the majority of the tombs, the western part having very few, but including the tombs of Amenhotep III and Ay.

A list of the KV's discovered (so far!)

KV 01 Ramses VII
KV 02 Ramses IV
KV 03 Cache of Ramses III
KV 04 Ramses XI
KV 05 Sons of Ramses II
KV 06 Ramses IX
KV 07 Ramses II
KV 08 Merenptah
KV 09 Ramses V / VI
KV 10 Amenmeses
KV 11 Ramses III
KV 12 Unknown
KV 13 Bay
KV 14 Tausert / Setnakht
KV 15 Seti II
KV 16 Ramses I
KV 17 Seti I
KV 18 Ramses X
KV 19 Mentuherkhepshef
KV 20 Hatshepsut
KV 21 Two Queens
KV 22 Amenhetep III
KV 23 Ay
KV 24 Unknown
KV 25 Akhenaten (?)
KV 26 Unknown
KV 27 Unknown
KV 28 Unknown
KV 29 Unknown
KV 30 Unknown
KV 31 Unknown
KV 32 Unknown

KV 33 Cache of Tuthmosis III
KV 34 Tuthmosis III
KV 35 Amenhetep II
KV 36 Maiherperi
KV 37 Cache of Tuthmosis III
KV 38 Tuthmosis I
KV 39 Unknown
KV 40 Unknown
KV 41 Unknown
KV 42 Hatshepsut-Meryetre
KV 43 Tuthmosis IV
KV 44 Anen (?)
KV 45 Userhet
KV 46 Yuya and Thuya
KV 47 Siptah
KV 48 Amenemopet
KV 49 Maya (?)
KV 50 Animals
KV 51 Animals
KV 52 Animals
KV 53 Unknown
KV 54 Cache of Tutankhamen
KV 55 Tiye, Akhenaten or Other
KV 56 Unknown
KV 57 Horemheb
KV 58 Cache of Ay
KV 59 Unknown
KV 60 Two Women (Setri In?)
KV 61 Unknown
KV 62 Tutankhamen
KV 63 New Tomb - Unknown

The earliest known tomb of the New Kingdom within the Valley of the Kings, is that of Tuthmoses I, who started to use the valley as a royal burial site. It is located in a desolate part of the valley, which is supposed to add greater protection as it was small enough to be closely guarded. The good quality of the stones gave the ancient Egyptians the chance to cut many tombs close to each other.
Most of the tombs were found already plundered! A few, like the tomb of Tutankhamen (KV 62) or that of Yuya and Thuyu (KV 46), contained thousands of precious artefacts. Some tombs have been accessible since antiquity, as Greek and Latin graffiti will attest. Some were used as dwellings, or as churches during the Greco-Roman and Byzantine Periods. Most of them have been discovered in the past two hundred years.

Some, like KV 5, had been "lost," and their locations only recently rediscovered. The very well known Egyptologist, Kent Weeks, who is still working in the valley, on many projects, among them the Theban mapping project, Kent spent more than 6 years exploring and trying to uncover the secrets of this massive tomb. KV5 is the largest tomb ever found in the valley! Re-excavated in 1995, it contains at least 121 chambers and corridors! Mr Weeks believes that it was built for the children of Ramses II. If you wish to see KV5’s location (it is closed to the public!), on your way to the inner side of the valley, if you look to your left you will see "a sketch Plan of KV5" as well as the locked, gated entrance to the tomb.

Since 1922, and Howard Carter’s discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamen (KV 62), there had been no new tombs discovered in the valley until, on February 9, 2006, the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt announced the discovery of a new tomb. Designated the number KV63, it was discovered by a joint effort between the University of Memphis (in the USA) and the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt. This is one of the smaller tombs that have been found, consisting of a vertical shaft with an adjacent chamber at the bottom. Some artefacts have been found, but as this is an ongoing project, the details are still to be released

Good review?

(0)

The Colossi of Memnon

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

On your way to visit the west bank of Luxor, the first monument that you will encounter, before you get to the area ticket office, is the two gigantic statues known as the Colossi of Memnon The Greeks gave them their name, after the Trojan hero Memnon, who was killed by Achilles.

These two, gigantic figures of Amenhotep III were originally situated in front of his Mortuary temple, which was destroyed for unknown reasons! The two colossi are made of sandstone, which during ancient times was brought from Gabal El Silselah. Each colossus, including the pedestal and the crown, is about 21m tall and represents King Amenhotep III seating on his throne, wearing the Nemes, or royal headdress, with the divine cobra protecting his forehead. On the sides of the colossi there is a representation of the Nile god Hapi, bending together the lotus and the papyrus plants, symbolizing the union of Upper and Lower Egypt.

Parts of the northern statue cracked and fell during an earthquake in 27 BC.

This site became a popular resort in the Roman Period. Many famous Romans, and other travelers, wrote verses and poems about these massive statues, and they also left epigrams on the stones.
They reason that they became famous during the Roman period is that they were said to have sung! Some theories attribute this phenomenon to the expansion of the stone, when the sun warmed it during the day, and then the natural contraction in the cool of the evening.

Good review?

(0)

The pyramid of menkaure

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

The Pyramid of Menkaure:

Khafre’s son, Menkaure, built the smallest of the 3 main Pyramids on the Giza Plateau. This one was only a mere 65.5m (215ft) tall, nowadays 62m (203ft), with sides of only 105m (344ft) and an angle of 51.3 degrees. It is thought that this Pyramid was altered during its construction, and made a lot bigger than originally planned. The original, smaller Pyramid had a simple descending corridor and burial chamber, but when it was enlarged, a new corridor was built with 3 portcullises and a small panelled chamber. Later still, another burial chamber, along with a storeroom were added at a lower level. This Pyramid, like its 2 neighbours, has a north facing entrance.

Apart from the size, Menkaure’s Pyramid differed from the other 2 in the choice of casing stones. Whereas the Pyramids of his father and grandfather were completely cased in fine, white, Turah limestone, Menkaure’s Pyramid was only partly cased in Turah limestone, from about 15m up! The first 15 metres was cased with pink granite, which had come from Aswan, the last of which was taken by Muhammad Ali Pasha (1805-1848) who used them to construct his arsenal in Alexandria.

Good review?

(0)

The pyramid of khafre

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

The Pyramid of Khafre

Khafre’s Pyramid, or the 2^nd Pyramid, is easily recognisable by the layers of its original casing stones that still remain near its summit and this, along with the fact that it actually stands on a higher part of the plateau, gives the impression that it is taller than the Great Pyramid. An optical illusion, as it is only 136m (446 ft) tall, with sides of 214.5m (704ft), a surface area of 11 acres and an angle of 53 degrees. It also has lost some of its original height through the years, once being 143.5m (471ft) tall.

The only similarity to his father’s Pyramid is the entrance in the same, north facing side. There are no corridors leading into the heart of this Pyramid, the burial chamber being underground, and a long descending passageway has to be negotiated to reach it. This entrance is 50 feet (15m) above ground level, leading to the narrow passage, which descends at a 25-degree angle into the large burial chamber, which measures 14.2m by 5m by 6.9m (46.5ft by 16.5ft by 22.5ft). To take the weight of the pyramid, the roof of the chamber is set at the same angles as the pyramid face. A large, black sarcophagus is found in this room.

A lower corridor is directly under the upper corridor, and once contained a portcullis that could be lowered to prevent entry as well as an unfinished burial chamber, which was cut from the bedrock and, it is thought, unused. Like the upper corridor, this one has a 25-degree slope, it then levels out, climbs slightly, and eventually the 2 of them join together. The united passageway then leads to the burial chamber.

Good review?

(0)

Eltahreer Cinema

Ad Duqqi, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

A nice cinema to watch movies with your friends .

Good review?

(0)

The great pyramid of Khufu

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

The Great Pyramid of Khufu is by far the most famous Pyramid in Egypt, the biggest, tallest, and most intact. After its construction it became one of the “Seven Wonders Of The World”, and today, it is the only one of them remaining. For a period of 4300 years, the Pyramid was also the tallest building on earth, until the French built the Eiffel Tower in 1889 to take that accolade.

Khufu’s Pyramid is built entirely of limestone, and is considered an architectural masterpiece. It contains around 1,300,000 blocks ranging in weight from 2.5 tons to 15 tons and is built on a square base with sides measuring about 230m (755ft), covering 13 acres! Its four sides face the four cardinal points precisely and it has an angle of 52 degrees. The original height of the Pyramid was 146.5m (488ft), but today it is only 137m (455ft) high, the 9m (33ft) that is missing is due to the theft of the fine quality limestone covering, or casing stones, by the Ottoman Turks in the 15 Century A.D, to build houses and Mosques in Cairo.

You will find that the entrance of the Pyramid is located at the northern side, the same as almost every Pyramid in Egypt. On this side there are actually 2 entrances, one is the original, and is 17m (55ft) above ground level, and the other one is a man-made forced entrance located below it. Created in the 9^th Century A.D by Khalif El-Mamoun, who was seeking the treasures that he thought might have been kept inside the Pyramid. He sent out stonemasons to open up an entrance, and they cut it midway across the centre of the northern side. Their tunnel goes almost 35m into the Pyramid, and was crudely cut, and at the end it connects with the original inner corridors of the Pyramid. Nothing was found inside, as it was plundered in antiquity. Nowadays visitors, to the site, use Mamoun’s entrance to gain access into the Pyramid, as it is actually considered to be a shortcut.

Please Note: If you attempt to go inside the Pyramid, you will have to bend down all the way till you reach the burial chamber!

From the main entrance of the Pyramid there is a long narrow corridor with low roof that descends for more than 100m (330ft), which takes you to a chamber, located about 24m (79ft) below ground level, which is an unfinished burial chamber with very little fresh air inside, and is inaccessible today.

Almost 20m (66ft) from that descending corridor there is another corridor connected to it, which takes you up into the heart of the Pyramid. This ascending corridor ends up at one the great parts of the Great Pyramid, the “Grand Gallery”! It is a large, long, rectangular hall, which is 49m (161ft) long, and 15m (49ft) high, with a long tunnel, at the bottom, that takes you the 2nd chamber, which is famously known as the “Queens Chamber”. It actually has nothing to do with a Queen, and was given this name by the early Arabs, who went inside the Pyramids and gave it its name. It is commonly believed that it served as a magazine, or a storeroom, inside the Pyramid.

When you ascend the “Grand Gallery”, you will find, at its end, an entrance to the 3^rd chamber, which was the real burial chamber of King Khufu, and this is where you will find his stone sarcophagus, which was made out of one block of granite. You will find this chamber to be really amazing, it is rectangular in form, has a flat roof, and is built out of granite that was brought from the city of Aswan, which is located 1000Km (625 miles) away. The roof consists of 9 slabs of granite; each one estimated to be around 50 tons in weight! Above the roof of the burial chamber, the Ancient Egyptians built 5 small relieving chambers so that the huge pressure, of the weight above, would not cause the burial chamber to collapse. These 5 chambers are also made of granite, and are about 1m (3 ft) above each other. The tops of the first 4 are flat, the 5^th one having a pointed top to divert the enormous pressure of weight away from the burial chamber.

Both the northern and southern walls of the burial chamber have two small tunnels with rectangular entrances. They are small, and once were thought to go all the way through the outer sides of the Pyramid, though no exterior openings have been found, and are believed to be “star shafts” that served a certain purpose in the ancient cult connecting the King with the stars.

If you need to know more about these small tunnels, and their connection to the stars, it is a long story! I guess you will need to come to one of my lectures!!!

One last point! The Great Pyramid is the Pyramid of the great Egyptian King, Khufu. The name “Cheops” is also associated with this King and his Pyramid, the name being given to him by the Greeks. Though both names are generally accepted, Khufu was used in this description because it was his birth name! The same goes for Khafre (Chephren in Greek) and Menkaure (Mycerinus), and their Pyramids are described below.

Good review?

(0)

The Roman Amphitheatre In Alexandria

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

Every town in ancient Rome had an amphitheatre, which means, "double theatre". They were grand and impressive, shaped in a half circle, open to the sky, and might have held 100.000 people. The stage had no curtain; it was just a stone platform.

Imagine yourself in ancient Alexandria, in the Roman theatre on a hot afternoon. All you can smell is the Mediterranean mist; all you can see are wild beasts, driven in through the tall doorway, and the fighters coming in from all around the floor. Famous jockeys and gladiators are walking in, and then the excitement begins.

The Roman theatre is located in the modern area of Kom El-Dikaa, which is almost in the centre of the city of Alexandria, Egypt bordered by Horrya street from the north, Nabi Daniel street from the west, Abdel Moneim street from the south, and Saphia Zaghloul street from the east.

Dating from the 2nd century A.D it has a large auditorium, about 42m in diameter. The outer face of this building was probably adorned with columns located in several storey. In later times the theatre was rebuilt and its auditorium was diminished to 33.5 m in diameter. It then counted 16 rows of marble seats

Good review?

(0)

The Catacombs in Alexandria ( The Royal Cemetery of Kom El-shouqafa )

Alexandria, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

The Catacombs in Alexandria are so called because the design was very similar to the Christian Catacombs in Rome. Most likely it was a private tomb, later converted to a public cemetery. It consists of 3 levels cut into the rock, a staircase, a rotunda, the triclinium or banquette hall, a vestibule, an antechamber and the burial chamber with three recesses in it; in each recess there is a sarcophagus. The Catacombs also contain a large number of Luculi or grooves cut in the rock

After decreasing the level of the subsoil water in 1995 the 2nd level was opened to visitors, but the lowest level is still submerged. The entrance leads to a spiral staircase of 99 steps that goes around a shaft, which was used to lower the body of the deceased, by means of ropes, to prevent any damages to it. Some slits were cut into the sides of the shaft to allow the daylight through to the staircase that was used by the visitors. The staircase leads to a vestibule with two niches on both sides. The top of each niche is in the shape of a shell, while the inferior part contains a half round bench, cut into the rock, which was used by the visitors to take some rest after descending the stairs of the tomb.

The vestibule leads to a circular hall called the "rotunda". In the centre of this hall a shaft was cut leading to the 2nd storey of the tomb and surrounded by a small enclosure wall called the "parapet", on top of which is a dome, supported by 6 pillars. Between the pillars there were some figures of human heads, some of which were discovered and transferred to the Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria. To the left of the rotunda, is a vestibule, which leads to a chamber, which was also cut into the rock. Its ceiling is supported by 4 pillars, and it contains 3 benches, again cut in the rock, and takes the shape of the letter U. This chamber was called the “Triclinium”. Most probably, the room was dedicated for visitors, where they would have dined.

Before accessing the main chamber there are 2 corridors, one in the east and the other in the west, each one leading to a large number of Luculi. After you descend to the hall that passes the Rotunda there is a small hall in front. In this vestibule, we see to the east a statue of a man inside a niche; while to the west there is a statue of a woman inside a niche. Both statues were sculpted in the Egyptian way, with some features of Greek art. 2 composite columns, containing a mixture of Egyptian and Greco-Roman elements, support the façade of this hall. Among the Egyptian elements; is the winged sun disk, the Falcon God Horus and the Uraeaus or the cobra, while the Greco-Roman elements are represented in the pediment, at top of the chamber.

The façade of the main burial chamber is decorated with some Greek elements, such as the shield of the Goddess Athena, on top of which is the head of Medusa, and as we know, according to the ancient Greek myths, Medusa was able to petrify anyone who looked into her eyes. The representation of Medusa here was to protect the tomb.
Under Medusa is a huge serpent with a double crown. Once we enter the burial chamber, which was completely cut into the rock, we see 3 large recesses, each one containing a sarcophagus. The burial chamber has a vaulted roof supported by 4 square pillars whose capitals take the shape of Papyrus.

The sarcophagus and its lid are cut completely from one block of rock. The body of the deceased was placed into the s

Good review?

(+1)

The Temple of Philae

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

The Temple of Philae

Philae Island was a rocky island in the middle of the River Nile, south of Aswan. It was called in Hieroglyphic “Apo” which means Ivory. It was also known by the Greek “Elephantine”, most probably because it was an important centre of trade, especially for ivory.

The Ancient Egyptians built a beautiful and magnificent Temple on this island for the Goddess Isis, but the Temple became submerged after the first Aswan dam was built in 1906, and it was not until the seventies that many nations attempted to save the Temple. All these countries, together with UNESCO, selected a suitable place, but they had to wait until the completion of the High Dam, in 1971, which would stabilize the level of the water around their chosen island. The new island was called Egilica (also called Agilika), and it was completely reshaped to imitate Philae Island as closely as possible.

Firstly, a cofferdam was built around the Temple and the water was drained. Next, the Temple was dismantled and transferred, stone by stone, from the submerged Philea Island to the redesigned Egilica Island. Each and every stone had to be numbered, and then replaced, in the same position, in the new location. It was a massive, and very complicated, project taking over 9 years to be accomplished.

The Temple of Philae was reopened in 1980!

The Temple of Isis

The Temple of Isis is one of the greatest Temples in Egypt and it occupies about a quarter of the island. It is the main Temple on the island, with its huge, complete, pylons and beautiful scenes.

The construction began during the reign of King Ptolemy II, and then other Ptolemaic Kings (Ptolemy’s IV, V, VI, VII and XI) contributed by adding more parts to the main Temple.

The Temple is built in the same style as the Temples of the New Kingdom, as well as some other elements, which appeared in the Greco-Roman period, such as the Mamisi (the House of the divine birth of Horus), and a Nilometer.

The Temple of Isis consists of The 1st Pylon, which is a great traditional pylon with two towers, and an open forecourt, which leads to the 2nd pylon.

On the left side of this court is the Mamisi, which has scenes depicting the birth of the God Horus by his mother Isis.

The 2nd Pylon leads to a Hypostyle Hall with 10 columns, and then 3 vestibules leading to a sanctuary.

The oldest remains, of the Temple of Philae, date back to the reign of King Taharqa (25th Dynasty), who built the first chapel for the Goddess Isis.

In addition to the main Temple of Isis there are other monuments here, such as The Kiosk of Trajan, the Chapel of Osiris, The Temple of Horus, The Temple of Hathor, The Gateway of Tiberius, the Gateway of Diocletian, and the Temple of Augustus.
<

Good review?

(0)

The Temple of Kom Ombo

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

The Temple of Kom Ombo stands on the east bank of the Nile, right next to the river, about 4Km from the town. It was dedicated to two Gods, Horus and Sobek

The Temple was mainly dedicated to the God Sobek, the crocodile God, together with his wife, in another form of the Goddess Hathor. The Temple is of Greco-Roman structure, dating back to the year 119 BC, when Ptolemy VI, who started the construction, built it out of limestone. Neos Dionysus finished most of the building, while the Emperor Augustus added the final touches.

The left side of the Temple was dedicated to the God Horus the elder, God of victory; Horus was known as the good doctor here! The Temple became famous for its healing power, becoming a major pilgrimage site. A healing cult was developed and the Temple became a sanctuary for many patients who were seeking help, and treatment, by the priests; they would fast for a night in the Temple precinct.

You can enter the Temple from the eastern side, where there is an ancient gate built by Ptolemy XII (Neos Dionysus), who was the father of Cleopatra VII (yes, the famous one!)

To your right, after crossing the gate, you will find a small room that was built and dedicated to the Goddess Hathor. Nowadays it is used to display mummified crocodiles, which were found in the vicinity of the Temple.
The first pylon of the Temple is now destroyed and only stones from the foundation, and part of the wall remain. The court here was the construction of Tiberius.

Good review?

(0)

The Temple of Edfu

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

Edfu Temple consists of traditional elements of Egyptian Temples of the New Kingdom, together with a few Greek elements, such as the Mamisi, which is situated to the west of the main entrance of the Temple (Mamisi means “house of the divine birth”). It consists of an entrance, a court and chapel. The walls of the mamisi are decorated with scenes showing the story of the divine birth of Horus the child, in the presence of the Goddess Hathor, the God Khenoum and other deities who were concerned with pregnancy and birth.

The Temple has a Pylon that is considered the highest among surviving Temples in Egypt today. It is 37m high and is decorated with battle scenes, representing King Ptolemy VIII smiting his enemies before the God Horus.

Next there is an open courtyard that contains columns with floral capitals on three sides. This open court was open to the public and was known as the court of the offerings, being the place where people could give their offering to the statue of the God.

The Hypostyle Hall is rectangular and 12 columns support its roof. On both sides of the entrance to this hall stands a statue of Horus of Behdet, in the shape of a falcon. This hall is also known as the outer Hypostyle Hall.

An entrance beyond the 1st Hypostyle Hall accesses the Inner Hypostyle Hall. 12 columns to the right support its roof, and on the left there are 2 rooms; one was used as a library that once contained a large number of manuscripts. The other was used as a storeroom or magazine for the utensils and the tools of the Temple.

There are 2 consecutive vestibules; the outer one called the “hall of the offerings”, where the walls are decorated with various scenes representing the different deities and offering scenes of the different Ptolemaic Kings. The inner vestibule was called the “rest house of the Gods”.

At the end of the Temple is the sanctuary, which includes a niche of grey granite where a statue of the God is supposed to be placed. In front of the dais is a pedestal for the resting of the divine boat. The sanctuary is surrounded, on the outside, by 12 rooms, where many religious scenes were depicted on their walls. Some of these rooms were used as storerooms, while the others were dedicated for different religious purposes.

One of the most remarkable elements of the Temple is the existence of a Nilometer, as well as a chapel, which was dedicated to the Goddess Nut.

On various walls of the Temple, there are many battle scenes, as well as the famous scene of the ritual of the Temple foundation.

The northern wall of the court shows the divine marriage of Hathor and Horus of Behdet, which was celebrated twice every year; once at the Dendera Temple and the second time at the Edfu Temple. The Journey of Hathor, from Dendera to Edfu and the vice versa, can also be seen on this wall.

Another scene, on the inside of the outer corridor of the western side of the Temple, depicts the legend of the conflict between Horus and Seth, the victory of Horus over his uncle, and his coronation to rule the world.

Good review?

(0)

The Temple of Abydos

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

The Temple of Abydos is located to the west of El-Baliana, which is a town in Sohag Governorate. In ancient times it was called Abdu, and the Greeks called it Abydos. The 8th province in ancient Egypt, this area is considered to be amongst the most famous archaeological sites. It was the city were Menna, the unifier of upper and lower Egypt, came from, and from the 11th Dynasty onwards, a burial in Abydos was the ultimate wish, and honour, for any local to have.

In Abydos, many tombs were found belonging to the 1st and 2nd Dynasties. Also, many Kings built Temples here, including King Pepi I, King Ahmose I, King Seti I and King Ramses II.

Ancient Egyptians believed that the tomb of Osiris, the “God of the Dead”, was located in Abydos, and it is also where his head was buried.

The Temple of Seti I:

The Temple was built in the reign of King Seti I and was finished by, first, his son King Ramses II and then his son, King Mern-Ptah

It is unique in design as it is in the shape of an “L”, and it also contains the most complete lists of Kings and Gods. The Temple contains 7 shrines dedicated to 7 Gods: Osiris, Isis, Horus, Amon Ra, Ra HorAkhty and Ptah, and Seti I as a deified King. You will also find the best-preserved painted reliefs and texts from the 18^th Dynasty.

The Temple of Abydos was constructed with white marble and once had a large pylon built by Ramses II. The front of the Temple is a square columned façade and there are 12 rectangular pillars with decoration of Ramses II welcoming the Gods Osiris, Isis and Horus. The Temple originally had 7 gates leading to 7 shrines originally constructed by Seti I, but Ramses II made additional parts to the construction, and only there is one gate open now.

Good review?

(0)

The Temple of Dendara

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

The Temple is located about 4KM from the River Nile, on its west bank, roughly opposite the city of Qena, the capital of the province and governorate of Qena (population - 2,000,000), which is inhabited by both Coptic and Muslims. This town is very famous for the manufacture of water pots, called “gula” jars in Arabic. The holy Muslim Sheik, Abdel Raheeem El-Kenawi, who spent all of his life in this town and died in 1170 A.D, founded the modern city. The birthday of this saint is celebrated every year, and a great number of pilgrims come from all over Egypt for the festivities. The name of the city goes back to the time of the pharhos , and was taken from the ancient Egyptian word Qeny, which means, “to bend”; the River Nile has a huge (and famous) bend here.
The Temple of Hathor was built in the 1st century B.C and it is one of the best-preserved Temples in the whole of Egypt! Ptolemy VIII and Queen Cleopatra II built it, and then later, Roman Emperors continued to decorate it and honour the Goddess Hathor; the Goddess of maternity, love and music. The Greeks identified the Goddess Hathor as Aphrodite.

The first gateway, built by Roman Emperor Domitian in 80 A.D, leads to the great hall of the Temple, which is decorated with Hathoric columns (columns with the face of Hathor on them) and is in a very good condition. The upper, front edge of the cornice is decorated with the winged sun disc, while stone screens between the columns and the scene, which represent the Roman Emperor Tiberius and other Roman rulers who present votive offerings to the Goddess of the Temple, enclose the front portion. Hathor is chiefly represented with the horns of the sacred cow protruding from her head, supporting the solar disc of the sun, and in her hands she is holding an “Ankh”, the symbol of life, and a sceptre. Sometimes she is also represented with the head of a cow.

The interior walls of the great hall have remarkable scenes that mainly depict sacrifices being made to the Goddess of the Temple. The amazing ceiling, with its astronomical representations, is very interesting! The ceiling is divided into 7 divisions

Good review?

(0)

Temple of Esna

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

Esna is about 485 miles (776Km) south of Cairo and lies on the west bank of the Nile. It was the ancient city of Senat, called Latopolis by the Greeks. The “city of the fish” where the Nile perch was worshipped. Today it is very famous for its river barrage and as a result, it is a stop over for most of the cruise boats. The Temple of Esna, which was buried beneath its own debris for many centuries, is located in the centre of the town, close to the River Nile and only a short walk from your boat, through the local market.To reach the Temple you have to descend a flight of steps, but be careful! They are very steep!

The Temple is dedicated to the ram headed God Khnum, the God of creation. Tuthmosis III laid the foundations of the Temple in the 18th Dynasty, but Ptolemaic and Roman Emperors, from 40-250 A.D, completed it, and their names are recorded all over the Temple walls.

The remains of the Temple contain a hall of columns, with 24 pillars, beautifully decorated with lotus and palm capitals. The walls are covered with 4 rows of relief’s, showing Ptolemaic and Roman Emperors dressed in Pharaoh costumes, sacrificing to the God of the Temple. On both sides of the Temple entrance there are chambers that were used by the priests and keepers of the Temple as storerooms.

Flanking the entrance to each room, you will notice the Emperor Trajan, carried in a litter by six Priests, with jackal and hawk masks of the Gods.

Good review?

(0)

Temple of The Ramesseum

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

Ramses II built the Temple of the Ramesseum as a funerary Temple in 1304-1207 B.C, and it was dedicated to the God Ra. Most of the Temple is in a very bad condition nowadays, or in ruins. The entrance to the Temple once had two pylons that have now collapsed. In the first courtyard, of the Temple, there is only a colonnaded hall that has survived.

In front of the ruins of the first pylon, there once stood a colossal statue of Ramses that was more than 1000 Tons in weight and 18m high! You can still see the remains of it today.

Many other Kings have superimposed monuments in the Ramesseum such as Mernptah and Ramses III.
The Greeks identified this as the Temple of Memnonium (they associated the colossal statue in front of the Temple with their legendry hero, Memnon, the son of Aurora who's mother, Eos, was the Goddess of dawn. Also they sometimes called it “the tomb of Ozymandias”, a name that might have be derived from the ancient Egypt word “User-Maat-Ra”.

Good review?

(0)

Temple of Madinat Habu

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

The Temple of Medinat Habu is one of the largest memorial Temples in Egypt. It measures 320m in length (east to west) and about 200m in width (north to south). It was built to commemorate Ramses III, after his death, by orders of the King himself. A huge mud brick enclosure wall surrounds the Temple.

This building basically consists of a huge gate, which takes the shape of a Syrian fort, and is decorated with battle scenes of the King’s wars in Syria. After accessing the gate there is a shrine, which dates back to the 18^th Dynasty, on the right hand side. There is also a wide-open court that leads to a huge pylon, which has both towers decorated with battle scenes. On one tower the King, wearing the red crown with his “Ka” or “double”, smiting his enemies in front of Re-Horakhty. On the other tower, the King is represented with the red crown of Lower Egypt, smiting his enemies in front of the God Amon Ra.

One of the most wonderful scenes engraved on the back of the southern tower, is the oxen hunt, which depicts Ramses III, leading his chariot, hunting wild oxen. Here you will notice that the sculptor was very skilful in showing the pain of the wounded animals.

Good review?

(0)

The Temple of Deir El-Bahri

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

This unique Temple reflects clear ideas about the serious conflict between Hatshepsut, and her nephew and son in law, Tuthmosis III, since many of her statues were destroyed, and the followers of Tuthmosis III damaged most of her Cartouches, after the mysterious death of the queen.

The Temple consists of three imposing terraces. The two lower ones would have once been full of trees. On the southern end of the 1st colonnade there are some scenes, among them the famous scene of the transportation of Hatshepsut’s two obelisks.

On the north side of the colonnade there is a scene that represents the Queen offering four calves to Amon Ra.

The 2nd terrace is now accessed by a ramp; originally it would have had stairs. The famous Punt relief is engraved on the southern side of the 2nd colonnade. The journey to Punt (now called Somalia) was the first pictorial documentation of a trade expedition recorded, and discovered, in ancient Egypt; until now. The scenes depict in great detail, the maritime expedition that Queen Hatshepsut sent, via the Red Sea, to Punt, just before the 9th year of her reign (1482 B.C) This famous expedition was headed by her high official, Pa-nahsy, and lasted for 3 years. His mission was to exchange Egyptian merchandise for the products of Punt, especially gold, incense and tropical trees.

Good review?

(0)

Luxor Temple

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

Amenhotep III built Luxor Temple. The architect and overseer of the works of construction was the genius Amenhotep, son of Habu. The Temple run close and parallel to the river Nile from north to south. It was constructed on the site of a small Temple of Amon, built by kings of the 12th dynasty. At the time of Amenhotep III the Temple was only 190m in length and 55m in width. Basically, Luxor Temple was consecrated to Amon Ra in his fertility aspect.

Ramses II, with the help of his architect Pak-in Khonso, added the front part and completed the Temple. He also added the present large forecourt, and a Pylon at the (northern) front of the Temple. Kings Merenpetah, Seti I, Ramses III, Ramses IV and Ramses VI built many more small additions. Alexander the Great rebuilt the Sanctuary.
During the Christian era, the inner section was converted to a church. The Muslims built a Mosque in the 10th century, which is known as the Mosque of Abou El-Hagag.

King Nektanebo built the Sphinx Avenue in front of the Temple that leads to the entrance. In front of the Great Pylon of Ramses II, there once were 2 obelisks. Only one of them remains standing! The other was transported, in 1819, to La Place de le Concorde in Paris, as a gift to King Philip Louis of France by Mohamed Ali (who ruled Egypt 1805-1850 A.D), after he was given a French clock, which has never worked properly - even to this day!

There were 6 standing statues in front of the Pylon, only one of them, on the western side, is still in place.

Flanking the gate of the first pylon, which is 24m high, there are two seated colossi representing King Ramses II, seated on his throne, with all the royal features. Both towers of this pylon were once decorated with relief’s depicting the Battle of Kadesh, fought between the armies of Egypt and the Hittites, in present day Syria. The 1st open court has double rows of 32 papyrus bud columns.

To the right side of the open court there is an old triple shrine made by Queen Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III, dedicated to the sacred boats of the “Triad of Thebes”. To the left is the Mosque of Abou El-Hagag.
The open court of Ramses II leads to the Colonnade, which was built by Amenhotep III, and decorated by Tutankhamen and later, Horemheb; Seti I, Ramses II, and Seti II all recorded their names there. It consists of two pairs of large open papyrus columns, which are arranged to make a long processional avenue. The walls of this colonnade are decorated by scenes of the Opt Festival, special ceremonies for the visit of the “Triad of Karnak” to the Temple of Luxor. This feast lasted for about 24 days, including the return to the Karnak Temple.

Good review?

(0)

The Karnak Temple

Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

This great Temple of Amon Ra was known during the Middle Kingdom period as Ipt-Swt, which means the Selected Spot. It was also called Pr-Imn, which means the House of Amon. The name Al-Karnak in Arabic was derived from Karnak, which means fortified village, probably because the Arabs found many Temples and buildings in the area when they entered it for first time.

On your way towards the entrance you will find a ram-headed avenue of Sphinxes, which was built to protect the Temple. There are 20 rams on each side, extending from the small harbour to the 1st Pylon, which was built during the time of King Nektanebo I (30th Dynasty). As you cross this pylon, it takes you into an Open court, whose dimensions are100m long by 80m wide, built during the 22nd Dynasty, and containing rows of bud papyrus columns.
In the middle of the 1st Open court, there is a huge column, which is 21m high and has a bud papyrus capital. This part is known as the kiosk of Taharqa who ruled during the 25th Dynasty. This is the only column left from a colonnade that once had 10 columns.
On the left side of this Court there are 3 chapels, which were built by King Seti II for the “Triad of Thebes”. On the right side is the Temple of Ramses III. This Temple consists of a small pylon, an open court and Hypostyle hall, leading to the sanctuary.

Horemheb built the 2nd Pylon during the 18th Dynasty, though it is now badly damaged. Ramses I, the founder of the 19th Dynasty, later completed it. Passing the 2nd Pylon, we enter the Great Hypostyle Hall, which measures 103m in length and 52m in width. It contains 134 papyrus columns; each column is about 22m in height and 3.5m in diameter. Amenhotep III built it and Ramses I, Seti I, and Ramses II decorated it, while King Seti I erected the other 122 columns in 14 rows.
The ceiling in the centre is higher than the laterals, and it allows light into this spot, which was the processional avenue of the Triad during the festival of the Opet. The scenes of the Hypostyle Hall represent King Seti I, in front of different deities, making offerings, while the southern wall is decorated with scenes of Ramses II, making offerings to the different deities or worshipping the Triad of Thebes.

The Hypostyle Hall leads to The 3rd Pylon, which was built by Amenhotep III. It is remarkable that stones from previous periods were found incrusted in that Pylon, for example, the marble alabaster of Amenhotep I!

Crossing the 3rd Pylon, you come to an open, rectangular court, which is known as the Court of Tuthmosis I. In this court, Tuthmosis I erected 2 obelisks, as most probably this area was the main entrance of the Temple during his reign. Unfortunately, only one obelisk has survived: 19m high and around 310 tons in weight.

From the Court of Tuthmosis, we reach the 4th Pylon, which Tuthmosis I also built; beyond this is a rectangular colonnade, which he built as well. When Hatshepsut ascended to the throne she built 2 obelisks in that colonnade, the left one is still in its original position: 29.5m in height, 322 tons in weight and made of red granite!
After the death of Queen Hatshepsut, King Tuthmoses III built a high, long wall around these 2 obelisks to hide them.

The 5th Pylon, yet again built by Tuthmosis I, is damaged and on both sides of the entrance,Tuthmosis III built two small rooms.

We are now at the 6th Pylon, which was built by Tuthmosis III. Beyond this pylon Tuthmosis III built his famous hall, which is known as the Ancestral Room. The original Sanctuary was built by Tuthmosis III, but Philip Arrhidaeus, the half brother of Alexander the Great, later rebuilt it.

The sanctuary was built of granite, and it was dedicated to the sacred boat of Amon Ra. Behind the sanctuary you will see a court, dating back to the time of the Middle Kingdom. It is a wide-open courtyard

Good review?

(0)

Abu Simbel Temple

Abu Sunbul, Nile Valley, Egypt

Added Oct 28, 2008

The Temples of Abu Simbel are amongst the most interesting Pharaonic Temples. Located close to the southern border with the Sudan, it is 280 km south of Aswan and consists of two, rock-cut Temples, which both date back to the reign of King Ramses II (1290-1223 BC). Unfortunately these unique Temples suffered from the raising water of Lake Nasser while the High Dam was being built. Other countries, with the help of UNESCO, assisted Egypt to help save them.

The two Temples were cut in to many pieces, and then they were reconstructed again on a site 65m higher than the original location, and 200m back inland, to escape the rising water level. This great rescue operation began in June 1964 and finished in September 1968.The first Temple was built by King Ramses II and is dedicated to the God Re-Hor-Akhty, Amon, Ptah, and King Ramses II as a deified King. Its façade is 35m long and 30m high. The façade has four seated colossi of the King; each one is 20m tall and represents the King seated on his throne wearing the double crown, accompanied by 3 small figures of his wives, daughters and sons flanking his legs.

Above the entrance stands the figure of Re-Hor-Akhty, while near to the summit of the façade there are number of baboons.

Inside the Temple there is a hall, supported by Osirid shaped pillars which were cut into the rock, with walls that are decorated by battle and offering scenes. There are some side rooms leading from the hall, which are also decorated with various scenes. At the far end of the Temple is the sanctuary, which contains four statues; Re-Hor-Akhty, Amon-Re, Ptah and the deified Ramses II.

Good review?

(+1)

Hurghada

Egypt

Added Oct 27, 2008

The city of Hurghada is another of the major

tourist attraction in Egypt. This city draws more

than 2.5 million visitors every year, and yields

more than 3 billion dollars to Egypt’s economy.

Hurghada is located on the Red Sea coast,

almost 550 Km from Cairo. Egyptian’s used

to call it Ghardaka, from which the name of

the city was derived.

Good review?

(0)

A Very Nice Mountains

Bagram, Kabul & Eastern Afghanistan, Afghanistan

Added Oct 27, 2008

It shows how Great ALLAH is .

Good review?

(-1)

The Hanging Church

Misr al Qadimah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 27, 2008

The Hanging Church is considered the oldest church in the area of Al-Fustat (Old Cairo).

It is known as Al-Muallaka (the hanging) because it was built on the ruins of two old towers that remained from an old fortress called the Fortress of Babylon. It was dedicated to The Virgin Mary and St. Dimiana.

It dates back to the end of the 3^rd Century A.D and the beginning of the 4^th Century A.D, but it has been reconstructed and renovated several times since. Some historians believe that it was built earlier, and it might have been a Roman Temple that was later converted to a Roman Church, and at a later date still, it became a Coptic Church. This was proved by the discovery, in 1984, of the scenes, on the western side of the right aisle of the church, which contained pagan Roman Gods, but layers of plaster had covered them.

Good review?

(0)

The Qaitbay Citadel In Alexandria

Alexandria, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 26, 2008

Qaitbay was so fond of art and architecture that he created an important post among the administrative system of the state; it was the Edifices Mason (Shady Al-Ama'er). He built many beneficial constructions in Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. In Egypt there are about 70 renovated edifices attributed to him, among them are Mosques, Madrasas, Agencies, Fountain houses (Sabils), Kuttabs, houses, military edifices like the Citadels in Alexandria and Rosetta (Nowadays the city of Rashid). These Citadels were built to protect the north of Egypt, mainly against the Ottomans, whose power was increasing in the Mediterranean.

Qagmas Al-Eshaqy, The Edifices Mason, was the architect of the Citadel. Before his arrival in Egypt he was a Mameluke of Djakmaq in Syria. During the rule of Qaitbay he became the edifices mason, and then the Viceroy of Alexandria. He was appointed governor of Syria (Damascus), built a Mosque outside the gate of Rashid (Bab Rashid) as well as a Cenotaph and a Khan. He also renovated the Mosque of El-Sawary outside the gate of Sadrah (Bab Sadrah).

Qagmas was intelligent and modest, as well as the overseer of many constructions during the time of Qaitbay. In 882 H. (1477 A.D) the Sultan Qaitbay visited the site of the old lighthouse in Alexandria and ordered a fortress to be built on its foundations. The construction lasted about 2 years, and it is said that Qaitbay spent more than a hundred thousand Dinars for the work on the Citadel.

Ibn Ayas mentioned that building of this fort started in the month of Rabi Alawal 882 H. He said that the Sultan Qaitbay travelled to Alexandria, accompanied with some other Mameluke princes, to visit the site of the old lighthouse and during this visit he ordered the building of the Citadel.

In the month of Shaban 884 H, the Sultan Qaitbay travelled again to Alexandria when the Qaitbay Citadel construction was finished. He provided the fort with a brave legion of soldiers and various weapons. He also, as Ibn Ayas mentioned, dedicated several waqfs from which he financed the construction works as well as the salaries of the soldiers.

Throughout the Mameluke period, and due to its strategic location, the Citadel was well maintained by all the rulers who came after Qaitbay.

The Sultan Qansoh El-Ghoury gave the Citadel special attention. He visited it several times and increased the strength of the garrison, providing it with various weapons and equipment. It included a large prison made for the princes and the state-men whom the Sultan kept away from his favour for some reason. In the episodes of

Good review?

(0)

Egypt s Map

Egypt

Added Oct 26, 2008

This is supposed to be the map of EGYPT
hope it works hope you like it .

Good review?

(0)

Saqqara/ Sakkara pyramids

Egypt

Added Oct 26, 2008

Do not miss this site .

Good review?

(0)

Sama Elareesh Village

Al 'Arish, Sinai Region, Egypt

Added Oct 26, 2008

A very great big touristic village have everything in it .

Good review?

(0)

As Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque

As Sayyidah Zaynab, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 26, 2008

One of the nice mosques in Cairo .

Good review?

(0)

المحروسه

Al Mahrusah, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 26, 2008

ِA very nice cafe in Alexandria .

Good review?

(0)

Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tulun

Egypt

Added Oct 26, 2008

One of the most important Islamic mosques .

Good review?

(0)

Korneesh Elmanyal

Misr al Qadimah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 26, 2008

A very nice place to fish .

Good review?

(0)

Elmassbatt

Dhahab, Sinai Region, Egypt

Added Oct 26, 2008

A very cheap place oriental place nice place to have food spend time .

Good review?

(0)

Elkorneesh

Kafr az Zayyat, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 26, 2008

Wonderful place to hang out with my friends in front of the magnificient river Nile .

Good review?

(0)

Madinet Nasr

Madinat an Nasr, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 26, 2008

Alborg resturant

one of the finest fish resturants .

Good review?

(0)

Almahrusah

Al Mahrusah, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 26, 2008

A very very nice place to set in front of the dream beach of Alexandria .

Good review?

(0)

Kafr Elzayat

Kafr az Zayyat, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 26, 2008

A fishing area for locals .
its a river fishing .

Good review?

(0)

Fleming

Fleming, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 26, 2008

ِA very nice area in Alexandria .

Good review?

(0)

My Private Dental Clinic

Hada'iq al Qubbah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

My private dental clinic .

Good review?

(0)

Tanta = طنطا

Tanta, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

My home city
Where my parents live
I like it too much but I am living in Cairo
Tanta has a museum nice one .

Good review?

(0)

Al Mansurah

Al Mansurah, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

Its a nice city on the river Nile having one or two historical castles .

Good review?

(0)

Kafr Az Zayyat

Kafr az Zayyat, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

Its a good city for fishing , Its midway between my city and Alexandria .

any way its not a city for travelers .

Good review?

(0)

Al Qubbah S Palace

Kubri al Qubbah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

Im not sure if it is allowed to go go inside the palace or not .

Good review?

(0)

Alexandria = الأسكندرية

Alexandria, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

If you like beaches ordinary beaches just to be with the people or fancy beaches crowd beaches quite beaches
you have to go there .

Good review?

(0)

Al Muntazah Palace

Izbat al Muntazah, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

If you went to Alexandria do not miss it
its a very nice great old palace
it was a royal palace
sure you are gonna like it .

Good review?

(0)

Mishlah = مشله

Mishlah, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

Its a village if you like the country .

Good review?

(0)

Ad Daljamun = الدلجمون

Ad Daljamun, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

Nothing to see in there .

Good review?

(0)

Ad Dimirdash = الدمرداش

Ad Dimirdash, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

It has a very beautiful big modern Mosque .

Good review?

(0)

Bab Al Luq = باب اللوق

Bab al Luq, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

Actually its a very nice area .

Good review?

(0)

Kafr Diyama = كفر ديما

Kafr Diyama, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

Nothing important to see in there .

Good review?

(0)

Al Fayyum = الفيوم

Al Fayyum, Nile Valley, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

It has a very beautiful lake called Qaroons lake and some other historical places and sites to see .
its good for fishing .

Good review?

(0)

Madinat An Nasr = مدينة ناصر

Madinat an Nasr, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

You can call it the modern Part of Cairo .
it has the ministries buildings and organizations etc .

Good review?

(0)

Tala = تلا

Tala, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

A small city in the Egyptian country green distant areas
no thing important to see .

Good review?

(0)

مسطرد

Musturud, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

Its an industrial just industrial city .
Dont go there .

Good review?

(0)

الدلجمون

Ad Daljamun, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

Its a small city on the way to Alexandria .

Good review?

(0)

Mahmashah = مهمشه

Mahmashah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

Its midway between Ramses square and Shubra .

Good review?

(0)

المنيا

Al Minya, Nile Valley, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

من أجمل مناطق الصعيد المصرى و النيل بها تحفه .
one of the most beautiful cities of upper EGYPT
and from the most nice spots to enjoy The NILE .

Good review?

(0)

دهب

Dhahab, Sinai Region, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

The cheapest touristic place in EGYPT .

Good review?

(0)

مهمشة

Mahmashah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

Midway between Ramsis and Midtown .

Good review?

(0)

مدينة المقطم

Madinat al Muqattam, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

أهم المعالم جبل المقطم و بها أماكن للتأمل فى عظمة الخالق
It has a big mountain but its very dangerous because many landslides happens there. .

Good review?

(0)

مصر القديمة

Misr al Qadimah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

من المناطق الأثرية بالقاهرة بها الكنيسة المعلقة و غيرها من المناطق الأثريه
a very rich city full of historical places .
Dont miss it .

Good review?

(0)

إخناواى

Ikhnaway az Zallaqah, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

The home village of my dear colleague Dentist / Sharqawy .

Good review?

(0)

الإبراهيمية

Al Ibrahimiyah, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

A very nice area in Alexandria .

Good review?

(0)

سبرباى

Sibirbay, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

A village beside my home town Tanta .

Good review?

(0)

أكوة الحصة

Ikwah al Hissah, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

Mom s birth city actually its a village more than a city .

Good review?

(0)

جبل المقطم

Madinat al Muqattam, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

Almoqattam mountain have very modern quite section and also popualr ordinary section means variety .

Good review?

(0)

Misr al Jadidah= مصر الجديدة

Misr al Jadidah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

One of the most beautiful cities in Egypt so many classic and modern and artistic places and buildings .

Good review?

(0)

مدينة ناصر

Madinat an Nasr, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

A very modern city very civilized very rich .

Good review?

(0)

مصر العتيقة

Misr al Qadimah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

Its a very rich area contains one of the most beautiful royal palaces .

Good review?

(0)

المعادى

Al Ma'adi, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

ِA very nice classic artistic city .

Good review?

(0)

العاشر من رمضان

Madinat al 'Ashir min Ramadan, Egypt

Added Oct 25, 2008

ِِA very big industrial city .But very nice city too.
i wish live in there .

Good review?

(0)

شبرا النملة

Shubra an Namlah, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

The best land for apple planting and buying .

Good review?

(0)

الكوم الأخضر

Al Kawm al Akhdar, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

Actually its the best city you can stay to be near to all Giza monuments and historical sites you have to see .

Good review?

(0)

قنا

Qina, Nile Valley, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

One of the most beautiful cities and having many great views of the river Nile .
You can enjoy fishing , boating , taking feluka , many things actually its nice city .

Good review?

(0)

السبتية

As Sabtiyah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

Its a trade city i worked there for some time in a small clinic
lies near to The River Nile .

Good review?

(0)

مصر العتيقة

Misr al Qadimah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

A nice city rich of historical sites .

Good review?

(0)

محطة الرمل

Ar Raml, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

Its a very nice amusing place to shop from .

Good review?

(0)

كفر الدوار

Kafr ad Dawwar, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

On your way to Alexandria .

Good review?

(0)

المقطم

Madinat al Muqattam, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

Its a very good camping site .

Good review?

(0)

Masr Elqadeemah

Misr al Qadimah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

A city having many touristic religious historical places .

Good review?

(0)

Almattareyah

Al Matariyah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

a very crowd vicinity .

Good review?

(0)

Berma

Hissat Birma, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

It has the biggest chicken farms in the country .

Good review?

(0)

Sedy Jaber

Sidi Jabir, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

One of the public Beaches in Alex .

Good review?

(0)

Deyama

Kafr Diyama, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

My late Uncle s home village .

Good review?

(0)

Almaasara

Al Ma'sarah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

I went there and attended a meeting in there
i remember that i took the subway
it was very crowd .

Good review?

(0)

Kafr Meshlah

Kafr Mishlah, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

Actually it lies in front of MY mom s village and when i was young i walk the whole distance to bring some medication from this village its wonderful memories .

Good review?

(0)

Tala

Tala, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

The home city of My Wife s family .

Good review?

(0)

Ikwah Al Hissah

Ikwah al Hissah, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

My Mom s home village .
a nice place to go always .

Good review?

(0)

Abu Hammad

Abu Hammad, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

It was on my way to work .

Good review?

(0)

Qantara

Al Qantarah, Sinai Region, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

A valuable part of our victorious land .

Good review?

(0)

Qasr Elqobba

Hada'iq al Qubbah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

One of the Historical royal palaces on a very distant piece of

land .

Good review?

(0)

An Old Clinic Of Me

Tunub, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

One of my first Clinics may be after a little period after
i graduated .

Good review?

(0)

Masjid Al-Tawheed

Madinat al 'Ashir min Ramadan, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

One of the blessed Mosques .

Good review?

(0)

Amr Ibn El-Aas Mosque

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

The first Mosque built in Egypt and Africa .

Good review?

(+2)

Elkorneesh

Al Manyal, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 24, 2008

It is a great place for relaxing , fishing .

Good review?

(0)

Qaroon S Lake

Al Fayyum, Nile Valley, Egypt

Added Oct 23, 2008

A nice place to go and relax and fish too .

Good review?

(0)

Masjid Eltaqwa

Al Marj, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 23, 2008

I like this Mosque too much too too much .

Good review?

(0)

Elsayad Cocktail

Al Mahallah al Kubra, Nile Delta, Egypt

Added Oct 23, 2008

a very nice cocktail drink .

Good review?

(0)

Egyptian Museum

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 23, 2008

Great places you must see .

Good review?

(0)

Beaches

Alexandria, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Added Oct 22, 2008

Alexandria is full of beaches and many historical places to .

its wonderfull .

Im looking forward to move there .

Good review?

(0)

Mahmeyet Wadi Degla

Al Ma'adi, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 22, 2008

Protected desert lands
Distance from Cairo: 10 km

The valley of the Degla valley from the major east-west length of about 30 kilometers, passes
Limestone rocks deposited in the marine environment during the era Aloiossiny the Eastern Desert ( 60 million years), that are rich in fossil, with a high rock on both sides of the valley about 50 m and is a series of valleys on both sides. The valley of a group of organisms
Animal species, including mammals such as: - deer - Alteatel - Rabbit Mountain - Red Fox - mouse
Tail feathers - eggs - mouse Abu Shouk - Abu Bats and other small tail, and insects:
Parkinson - Abu Eid - Tiger bed - a lion ants and many other species have been recorded 18 species of
Reptiles. Affected by rain water dripping from the waterfalls of water on the limestone rocks
Over the ages where she formed the so-called Degla Canyon-like to some extent "States Grand Canyon
The United States.

Good review?

(0)

Mosque of Sultan Hassan

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 22, 2008

Sultan Hassan Madrassa and Mosque

This is one of the extraordinarily wonderful Islamic
Monuments In the Islamic World. If Ancient Egypt
is proud of the Pyramids of Giza, Islamic Egypt
has to be proud of the Sultan Hassan Madrassa.
The founder of this gigantic monument is
the Sultan Hassan, son of the great Mamluke Sultan
Al-Nasser Mohamed Ibn Qalawoun. Sultan Hassan
ruled twice, the first time in 1347, when he was
13 years old, only to be dethroned by the other
Mamluke princes and generals. The second time
was in 1356A.D, and before he had time to put
an end to the power of the princes and high officials,
they revolted against him, and the chief of the army
with other generals attacked him. It said that he
escaped from the Citadel and hid in Cairo;
but he was found and imprisoned, never to be
seen again! Most probably he was murdered
16 years after his ascension to the throne.
Either way, he left 10 sons and 6 daughters.

The Sultan Hassan gave order for the construction
of this Madrassa to be under the supervision of Prince
Mohamed Ibn Baylik Al-Muhssani in 1361A.D, and
the work continued for 4 years. The Mosque

Good review?

(0)

Saladin Citadel

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 22, 2008

The Citadel of Saladin (EL-Qala)

The construction of the Citadel of Saladin was started by King Saladin

in 1170 A.D, and completed by his brother, King El-Addel.

It is located on a high hill that overlooks the old city of Cairo.

Saladin built this fortress to protect the old city of Cairo, and it mainly

consists of enclosure walls and watchtowers, as well as many,

many gates! As every 120m there are gates into the Citadel

that were built at various times in history.

The architectural plan of the fortress resembles

many of the ones that were built in Syria and Palestine

at the time of the Crusades. Later on, the Citadel became a major

training centre for the Egyptian army.

The Citadel was neglected until the Mamluke Period,

in the 14^th Century, when they used it as a residence for the Sultan.

Also, in that Century, the Sultan El-Naser Mohamed added

many buildings, including a Mosque, inside the castle.

During the Ottoman times, the Turks installed further reinforcements,

and used it as a residence for the Turkish Viceroy,

as well as increasing the number of garrisons in the Citadel.

Under Mohamed Ali, there were other monuments added

to the Citadel, among them the great alabaster

Mosque of Mohamed Ali.

saladdin map

Places you should visit in the Citadel:
The Mosque of Mohamed Ali
The Mosque of EL-Nasser Mohamed (The Mosque with the green dome!)
The Military Museum

Good review?

(0)

Cairo

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 22, 2008

It is one of the best blaces you can ever travel to
many historical different blaces to go
many civilizations like Pharoes , coptic and Islamic cultures .
very kind people very much hospitality to .
River Nile is magnificent .

Good review?

(0)

Cairo

Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt

Added Oct 22, 2008

It is one of the best blaces you can ever travel to
many historical different blaces to go
many civilizations like Pharoes , coptic and Islamic cultures .
very kind people very much hospitality to .
River Nile is magnificent all the time day and night .
The sun is always in the sky .
terrific climate "weather ".

in one word it is the best .

Good review?

(0)

The Egyptian Hospital

Bagram, Kabul & Eastern Afghanistan, Afghanistan

Added Oct 21, 2008

I was the chief of dental & oral surgery departement at the

Egyptian hospital in Bagram .

Good review?

(0)