Cairo & Giza
The capital of Egypt. Cairo has everything. Cairo has great hotels, entertainment, restaurants, all manner of monuments from through out the history of
Egypt and it is offer the entry point for most people visiting Egypt. The Zoo at Giza
Egypt and it is offer the entry point for most people visiting Egypt. It also has bowling allies and several golf courses to choose from. There are many Places of interest like The Egyptian museum of pharaonic monuments, the three Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx & Solar boat museum, ruins of Memphis ( ancient capital of Pharaonic Egypt ), old Cairo, famous churches like St. Sergius, the Hanging Church Coptic museum, Citadel of Salah El Din & Mohamed Ali, Alabaster Mosque, the Islamic museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Sound & Light shows at the Pyramid. Cairo is an Arab city that enjoys a remarkable standpoint among other cities of the world. It goes deep in the human cultural history. Cairo occupies a unique site that enabled it to exchange culture with other civilizations. Now, it constitutes a cross point of Arab and Islamic cultures. Besides its ancient glories, modern Cairo reflects the great renaissance achieved by Egyptian people. Cairo is the only city in the world that hosts antiquities of four civilizations: Pharaonic, Romanian, Christian and Islamic. Pharaonic Cairo It is a human and urban entity that always moves with life. The site of this city goes back long before it was named Cairo. It started at the west bank of the river Nile, at about 4225 B.C. Inhabitants of the eastern district of the Delta chose a location that lies a few miles away from the northern part of Cairo. It is the ancient "Oun" town known by Greek as "Heliopolis". Now it is named by Cairenes as "Ain Shams". That city witnessed the flourishing of astrology, medicine and engineering. It became a significant center to the ancient religions. Revolution of 
When "King Mena" ruled Upper Egypt, he successfuly united lower and upper Egypt. Mena established a new capital called "Menf" that lies at about 22 km,away from the south of Cairo. That city was known as "the White Wall" up to the 26th century B.C. Later, Egyptians came to call it "Men Nefer", the same name was changed by the Greek to be "Memphis". Islamic Cairo The Islamic era in Egypt was generally the golden age for arts and architecture. Examples of such revival can be seen in the building of several mosques, fortresses and city walls, in addition to the flourishing of decorative arts. They were most evident in the construction of al-Fustat, the first capital of Egypt, where Amr Ibn el-Aas built the first mosque in the country. The Nile meter on the island of Rodha in modern Cairo, built by Abbasid Caliph al-Mutawakel Billah in 245 AH, is known to be the oldest Islamic monument in Egypt. Islamic architecture also flourished mainly in al-Qatay’ city and Ahmed Ibn Touloon mosque which was built in the same style of Amr Ibn el-Aas mosque, with the addition of a fountain, minaret, props and the foundation sign board. The minaret of Ahmed Ibn Touloon mosque is known for its unique shape in Egypt that was derived from the Persian temples known as “Zigurat”.
The Fatimid period also witnessed the development of local Islamic architecture. Al-Azhar, al-Anwar and Al-Aqmar mosques are famous examples of Fatimid architecture in Egypt. Al-Geoshi Mausoleum is a model for dome structures and mosques built around the tombs of eminent men of religion. During the Ayyubid period, further advances were made in the field of architecture. Salah ed-Din’s (Saladin’s) Citadel still stands out as a lofty, striking example of Islamic architecture. The Mamelukes were no less advanced in this field. They also left behind a great wealth of finely designed and decorated mosques, domes, mystics’ houses, palaces, schools, khans (inns), fortresses and public drinking fountains. Egyptians under Islamic rule adopted the same techniques and styles of art and ornamentation prevailing in the preceding periods. Most notable arts of this period were wood engraving and ornamentation, assembled dove tailed and lathed wood work. Islamic style textiles, porcelain and stained glass were also widely known during this period. Modern Cairo
By virtue of all his up-to-date all encompassing reforms, Muhammad Ali is truly considered the founder of Modern Egypt. He encouraged and sponsored men of learning, scientists and artists. He built a powerful army as well as a military academy. A ship building industry was started in Boulaq, Cairo together with a shipyard in Alexandria. He specially attended to the administration of government affairs. During the first half of the 19th Century, a full-scale economic revival was in full swing. Special attention was given to agriculture and irrigation, where barrages, dams and canals were built. In industry, Muhammad Ali adopted a policy of dispensing foreign-made products, and creating national factories and plants to meet the needs of the army and the public.
In trade, he sought to provide security for internal trade routes and create a foreign trade fleet. During his reign, trade flourished. At the same time, Muhammad Ali was enthusiastically interested in spreading education to cater to the government ’s manpower needs. Schools of various levels and specialties were built and educational missions were sent to Europe to transfer modern sciences to Egypt. After his death, Muhammad Ali’s successors tried their best to follow his suit by attempting to catch up with European civilization. During the reign of Khedive Ismail, Egypt witnessed an awakening administrative reform, while agriculture, industry, construction and architecture prospered. His most notable achievement was the establishment of the Opera House, railroads and the Suez Canal which was opened to international navigation in 1869. During the 19th Century there was a drive enlightenment, rediscovery of the Egyptian power system and development of human wealth. By the end of the century, Egypt witnessed many revolts against the foreign intervention. The nationalist movement grew stronger and several popular revolts took place. However, the Orabi Revolution (1882 AD) ended up with Egypt being occupied and declared a protectorate by Britain in 1914. Accordingly, Egypt officially broke off from Ottoman suzerainty. Thus, Egypt entered the 20th Century under the British colonialist rule that plundered its resources. Popular resistance and national movements soon escalated under the nationalist leaders: Mostafa Kamel, Muhammad Fareed and Sa’ad Zaghloul, leading the 1919 Revolution calling for independence. The British occupation of Egypt came to an end and the country was declared as an independent state in 1922. The first Egyptian Constitution was issued in 1923. Later, a period of economic revival led by the great nationalist economist Tala’at Harb emerged which led to the establishment of an industrial, productive and services base in all sectors of the economy. Memphis and Saqqara Memphis Memphis, the oldest capital of Egypt, was built by King Menes, and lies 24 kms south-west of Cairo, in Al Badrasheen. What to see in Memphis. • The colossal statue of Ramses II., exhibited in the museum. This is the most beautiful representation of Ramses II. It is made of fine-grained limestone, 13 metres long, and weighs 120 tons. • The Temple for Embalming the Sacred Apis Bull, which shows the various steps of embalming.
• The Alabaster Sphinx of King Tuthmosis III. Saqqara
Saqqara is the oldest Ancient Egyptian cemetery. It lies on a desert plateau, south-west of Cairo. Above rises the step-pyramid and mortuary compound, built by the engineer Imhotep for King Zoser the first of the III Dynasty pharaohs. It is of the mastaba-type. The pyramid is composed of six receding mastabas on top of each other. The later pyramid builders developed this concept into the familiar even-sided pyramids. The step-pyramids measures 123.5 by 107 ms, at the base and about 59 ms in height. Important Sights of Saqqara The Pyramid of Unas
South of the Step-Pyramid, lies the Pyramid of Unas, last of the V Dynasty pharaohs. This pyramid is noted for its tomb chamber, whose walls are inscribed with what is known as the "Pyramid Texts", and whose ceiling is decorated with stars that seem to sparkle above the royal mummy. Near to the Pyramid of Unas lies the Persian Shaft, a tomb of XXVI Dynasty known as the "Persian Dynasty" The Shaft is 25 ms deep and at the bottom lie several tomb chambers. The Mastabas
Saqqara is noted for the mastaba-type tombs of the nobles, the most prominent of which are the tombs of V and Vl Dynasty nobles. The tomb walls bear inscriptions showing the daily life of Ancient Egyptians, such as: farming, animal breeding, hunting, as well as religious rites and the offering of sacrifice to the dead. The most important mastaba tombs of the nobles are:
The Mastaba of Ptah-Hotep
Lies south-west of the Step-Pyramid and contains numerous mural paintings and inscriptions portraying daily, religious and funerary rites, as well as religious texts. The most important scene shows Ptah-Hotep a renowned Pharaonic philosopher- being entertained by a band of musicians.The Mastaba of Kagemni
This tomb is noted for its mural reliefs especially the scene of bird hunting.The Mastaba of Mereruka
Contains 33 chambers, the walls of which are filled with inscriptions portraying scenes from daily life, farming handicrafts, hunting. One important scene shows the veterinary treatment of animals. The Serapeum
Only the lower corridors remain, measuring several hundred metres, in length, and containing the tombs of the sacred bull, Apis. It was first begun by the XVI I Dynasty. Close to the Serapeum lies the Greek Philosophers Circle, which contains statues of Plato, Heraklites, Pythagorean and Pindar.
The Pyramids of Giza
They are situated about 10 kms from Cairo, and comprise:
The Great Pyramid
The most famous structure in the world was built by King Cheops (IV Dynasty) around 2650 B.C., on an area of 13 feddans. Its height now is 137 ms (original height: 146 ms).
Almost 2.5 million blocks of stone were put into building this pyramid, which measures 230 ms square at the base. All this, however, dwindles when compared to the precision and astounding ability of the ancient Egyptian in building this pyramid. Close to the eastern flank of the Pyramid of Cheops lie three small pyramids dedicated either to his wives or family members. The Second Pyramid
Built by Kephren, south-west of his father’s pyramid though lower in height: 136 ms, it still retains, on some of its upper parts, the remains of the limestone that had once covered it all. At the base, it measures 215.5 ms square. Its interior is simple, with two entrances on the north side. The Second Pyramid, like all other pyramids, had an exterior covering of fine-grain limestone. Now, only a small part of this covering remains. The visitor can also still see the remains of his mortuary temple, the Temple of the Valley, and rising causeway. These temples witnessed the religious rites during the embalming of the body. The Third Pyramid
Built by Mycerinus (Menkaure), south-west of the Great and Second Pyramids. It is much smaller than either one (62 ms). It is distinguished by the fact that the lower parts of its sides still retain their granite slab coverings.
The Ancient Egyptians, it must be noted, built the pyramids to be tombs to preserve the bodies of their dead kings, especially that they believed in resurrection and immortality. The three Pyramids of Giza are surrounded by several small pyramids, and hundreds of mastaba-tombs of the royal family, nobles and high-ranking people. The Sun Boats (The Boats of Cheops)
The Ancient Egyptians carved spacious areas in the rock, near the Pyramids. There they placed wooden boats, to be at the disposal of the King when he went on his journey of Day and Night with the sun god, Ra, in the after world. Early excavations have discovered three such sun boat sites, on the east side of the Great Pyramid. Two other sites were discovered on the south side. When the huge stone slabs were removed, they revealed parts of a large boat, made of cedar wood, in very good condition. There were also other implements, such as oars, ropes and a kiosk for sitting. The boat was 43.5 ms long, the prow and stern were 5 ms and 7 ms high respectively. The boats are now housed in a special museum, south of the Pyramid of Cheops. The museum is open from 9-4 daily, for a fixed fee. The Sphinx
On the way to the Temple of the Valley, (of the pyramid of Kephren), lies the large statue of the Sphinx. It is one of most famous monuments in the whole world. It is, indeed, a legendary statue for it has the body of lion and the face of a man. It is 70 ms long and 20 ms high.
Scholars and scientists are of the opinion that the face of the Sphinx closely resembles that of King Kephren. The Sphinx, and the Three Pyramids, are regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A small fee is to be paid when visiting the Pyramids area. Christian Monuments
Most of the old churches are located in the Old City on the ruins of the Fortress of Babylon. AL-Kaneesah Al-Mu’allaqah Church (Hanging Church)
Dating to the late 4th and early 5th Century, this basilica was named "Al-Mu’allaqah" because it was built on top of the south gate of the Fortress of Babylon.
Church of Abu Sergah (Church of St. Sergius)
Dating back to the beginning of the 5th Century, this basilica is built on the cave in which the Holy Family stayed and is regarded by visitors as a source of blessing.
Church of Sitt Barbara (Church of St. Barbara)
Founded in the 5th Century, it was rebuilt in-the 10th C. and still retains its wooden door which constitutes a magnificent example of fine art. Church of St. Mina
Located in the Old City, it was built in the 6th Century AD. Church of Al-A’dra (Church of Virgin Mary)
Dating back to the 8th Century, this church contains some precious icons and has three haykals behind ivory-inlaid wooden screens.Church of Virgin Mary in Zaytoun This church gained special significance after the appearance of the Apparition of the Virgin above one of its domes. The Cathedral of St. Mark
This, the largest church in Africa, was built recently in Abbassia and reflects the evolution of the art of architecture. The remains of St. . Mark, the first to preach Christianity in Egypt, were moved to this Cathedral. Church of Marie Guirgis (Church of St. George)
Built on the ruins of an ancient church, this basilica has a unique hall dating back to the 3rd Century AD. The Virgin’s Tree This is the tree where the Virgin rested with the Child Jesus when they came to Egypt.
Islamic MonumentsMosque of Amr lbn Al-’Aas (Al-Fustat) It was the first mosque built in Egypt. It is simple in design and represents schools of architecture from different periods. Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tuloun The third mosque built in Egypt, it is characterized by its spacious grounds and its unique minaret, spiral, and a large collection of gypsum decoration. Al-Azhar Mosque
The first Fatimid mosque in Cairo, it was founded in Midan Hussein by Gawhar al-Sikilli in 971 AD (361 H) as both a mosque and Madrasah (school), after Fatma al-Zahraa, the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed. It is considered to be the oldest Islamic University, the first lecture having been delivered in 975 AD. Mosque of Al-Mu’ayid
Located in Al Mu’ez St., Gammaleya, it was built in 1474 AD (823 H), its minaret rising above one of the City gates built in 1091 AD. Mosque and Madrasah of Sultan Hassan Located at the end of Al-Qala’ (citadel) St., it was founded by Al-Malek Al-Nasser Hassan Bin Mohammed Ibn Qalawon to be a mosque and madrasah for the four schools. The Blue Mosque
Located in Tibbanah Street, it was founded by Prince Aqsunqur Al-Nassery in 1347 AD. It was so named because of the splendid blue mosaic on its walls. The Alabaster Mosque (Mosque of Mohammed Ali)
It was built in 1830 AD (1246 H) on the northern elevated part of the Citadel, visible to all parts of Cairo. It was so named because its walls are faced with alabaster on both sides.Other Islamic Monuments Fortress of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi (The Citadel)
Built by Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi in 1183 AD overlooking the city of Cairo from the Muqattam Hills, it houses a number of important monuments including the Mosque of Soliman Pasha, the Alabaster Mosque, the 90-meter deep Bir Yusuf (Joseph’s Well) and Al-Gawhara Palace. House of Al-Seheimi
Located in Darb al-Asfar, it was founded in 1796 and constitutes another example of Islamic architecture. House of Gamal al-Din al-Dhahabi
Located in Al-Ghoureya, it is an example of Arab buildings of the early 17th Century AD.Attractions of Modern Cairo National Cultural Center (Opera House)
The new 7-story opera house at the Gezira Exhibition Grounds was inaugurated on 3.10. 1988. Designed by a team of Japanese and Egyptian architects, it is an architectural masterpiece of Islamic design. It is equipped with the most sophisticated audio-visual system and comprises:
The Main Theater, a closed hall comprising 1200 seats, is used for opera, ballet and classic music performances.
The Second Theater is also a closed hall comprising 500 seats and is used for various purposes including film festivals and conferences.
The Third Theater 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 ( CICC )
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 center.
- Main Hall: 2,500 sq.m., 2,500 seats.
- Second Hall: 840 sq.m., 800 seats.
-Third Hall: 900 sq.m., 600 seats.
-Receptions Hall: 1,600 sq.m.,1,250 seats.
-Exhibition Hall: 2,500 sq.m.
For information Tel. (202)2634637
Fax. 2634640Cairo 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. Sound and Light Show
In an enchanting atmosphere, with sound, light, and music, the show 
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)
It is regarded as one of the most prominent museums in the world for it offers visitors a chance to aquaint 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 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. There are other museums and modern landmarks in Cairo that are also worth seeing. Public Gardens / Parks
There are several spacious parks in 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. The Azhar park . Al-Azhar Park
If you had to choose one color to symbolize Cairo, it would probably be brown: the color of desert sand, camels and centuries-old buildings. The opening of Al Azhar Park came as a refreshing addition to an otherwise monochrome city, with more green than people have seen in a long time. As you walk through the gates of this 30-hectare park you’re greeted with wide-open spaces, sloping grassy hills, rows of trees, blossoming orchards and amazing views of the city. Away from the usual hustle and bustle -a striking contrast to the rest of Cairo-visitors will be pleased to find a lot of room to walk, run and just breathe. The park comprises gardens, pedestrian paths, promenades and pavilions in the classical, geometric Islamic style, while orchards line the tiny streams cascading from a large man-made lake. In the north corner is a large playground for children with swings, slides and jungle gyms. A wide variety of plant life has taken root in the park, some of which are exotic botanicals, others more local; many species are especially suited to Egypt’s dry climate. Around two-thirds of the park is covered in vegetation. The hill’s soil, which is high in salinity, had to be improved to allow plants to flourish. Looking across Al Azhar Park, you see the cities of the living and the dead stretching off into the distance, the walls of the citadel and the dames of the Muhammad Ali Mosque. As you look off to the west, the city drops below the horizon, leaving only a surreal panorama of scattered minarets floating behind a grassy foreground. The park, the largest of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, heralds the return of open green space to a city long buried under jumbled concrete buildings, multi-lane freeways and high-rise towers. The last lime Cairo saw a public park of this size in the city proper was during the days of the khedives. The lay-out of the park is completed with two palace-like complexes recalls the decadence of the sultans. Like its predecessors, Al Azhar Park was made possible by the generosity of an extremely wealthy philanthropist: the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims. In 1984, the Aga Khan decided to give a gift to the city of his Fatimid ancestors, who founded Al- Qahira in 969. The lack of green space and pure oxygen for Cairenes had been noticed by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), and so was born a massive and the foot of El-Darassa; other visitors have to Park is a modern ambitions project to transform the garbage heap at Cairo’s eastern edge into a park. The mission eventually turned into a development project aimed at revitalizing a whole community. The Historic Cities Support Program (HCSP), a branch of the AKTC, selected the site of El-Darassa, bordered by Al Azhar and Sa1ah Salem streets, which is surrounded by the most-visited historic sites in Islamic Cairo. "This is the largest project of the Historic Cities Support Program," says Stefano Bianca, director of the program. The director notes that in combining the creation of a public park with an integrated community development scheme, the project will inspire change in Islamic Cairo. "It was a revolutionary idea to use a landscaping project as an engine for a rehabilitation process," he says. "This changed the face and fate of the old city." The project is meant to be a park for the people, says Mohammed El-Mikawi, executive manager of Aga Khan Cultural Services in Egypt. Organizers hope community members, tourists and Egyptians from every corner and alley will bask in its cool shade. There is a visitors’ center featuring detailed interpretive boards and panels with historical background on Islamic Cairo. Admission is low for residents of the nearby Darb Al-Ahmar, the triangle-shaped neighborhood at the foot of El-Darassa; other visitors have to pay about LE 5. Organizers hope that with between 1 million and 2 million visitors each year, the park will eventually be able to sustain itself and revive the economy of the surrounding community. Public performances will occasionally be held in the park’s many outdoor venues. More than just an open space, visitors will find a variety of dining options including the five-star Hilltop Restaurant, with a Fatimid-inspired design. A more informal eatery, the Lakeside Pavilion cafe, makes use of traditional masharabiyya screens and is nestled among orchards overlooking the lake and fountain. There is also a branch of Egypt’s French cafe chain Alain La Notre. While Islamic Cairo is one of the top tourist destinations in Cairo, there are zero options for accommodation in the area. This is something the Aga Khan Foundation would like to change. They hope to propose a budget, hostel-style accommodation in Darb Al-Ahmar. In this way, visitors will develop a closer relationship with Islamic Cairo. Maher Stino of Sites International, one of the main architects for the park, says the design gives Islamic architecture a modern twist. "What we have tried to do with the park is to have a real relationship with its Islamic context, not just mimic it," says Stino. An underground wall
It is ironic that the park’s greatest advantage - its elevation - is the result of a much less desirable hill of ancient garbage. A new chapter in the story of the growing mound of debris began when excavations for the park commenced. Workers un-earthed a buried treasure during their digging: 1.3 kilometers of the old city wall dating back to the 13th century. Since the city’s earliest days, it had been standard practice to deposit trash and the remains of demolished buildings at the edges of the city. The wall, which was built in the Ayyubid period, had seen centuries of residents tossing debris over its sides, until finally the structure was consumed by the growing hill. The heaps of fill reached their peak during the Mamluk period -the French traveler They have not wrote in the mid-1600s that the rubbish already hid the walls of the old city. This particular section is apparently the only place where people did not move to live on the other side of the wall, but left the shadow of the garbage pile to loom over them. Now 1,500 meters of the wall, which forms the eastern border of the old city, are visible. From the 1 million cubic meters of ancient refuse removed, excavators have found 12th-century inscriptions, pottery and coins. Discovering the wall was an unexpected bonus for the Aga Khan team. Project officer Francesco Siravo says the wall is now an integral part of the project’s work and will be a focus of the interpretive center. Inside the wall itself, visitors will be able to wind their way through its towers and interior galleries. The wall is actually only the portal into the many other treasures of this historic district. In Darb Al-Ahmar, there are 65 monuments registered by the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and several more unregistered but significant buildings. Part of the overall Al Azhar Park project involves restoration work on several other monuments in the area. In collaboration with the New York-based World Monuments Fund, the AKTC is also restoring the 14th-century Umm Sultan Shaaban Mosque, whose minaret showed cracks and had partially collapsed after the 1992 earthquake. The 13th-century Khayrbek complex, which includes the Palace of Alin Aq, the Khayrbek Mosque and the Ottoman-era Sabil Kuttab will be made functional again as a recreational and cultural center. Since opening in summer 2004, the park’s success proves that Cairo was in dire need of an open space. Al Azhar Park has restored the bloom to an age-old city. Cairo shopping centers
Shopping centres in and around Cairo appeal to most visitors. Egyptian products are so varied and meet various tastes and different levels of income. These centers or souks (markets) provide quality which rivals International standards. Among the most attractive centres are the following: The Khan Khalili Bazaar and Sagha (goldsmiths ) area
Comprising an array of shops dating to the 14th Century AD, Khan Khalili is renowned for its indigenous character and the magnificent variety of gold and silver works, embroidered clothing, leather goods and ivory-inlaid woodwork in addition to the many other attractive handicraft. Haraneyya
Is the main center for hand-made carpets. Shopping centers are also available in some major hotels and in center and outskirts of town. These sell silk, cotton and wool textiles as well as leather goods including shoes and bags.In addition to the private sector boutiques, there are public sector stores such as Gategno, Sednaoui, Omar Effendi, Chemla, Cicurel, Benzion, Dawoud Addes and Hannaux. Kerdasa
Is famed for its embroidered cotton and silk dresses (galabeyas) as well as other hand-made products.
The Zoo at Giza is one of the most beautiful in the world and the the most densely inhabited by the various animal and plant species. Its area is about 80 feddans. It is located near the west bank of the Nile. Its northern tip overlooks Cairo University. It is not far from down town Cairo and is linked to it by numerous buses. The Zoo is under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture in Egypt.
Khedive Ismail (1863-1879), the ruler of Egypt, was the first to think of opening the Zoo on the occasion of the inauguration of the Suez Canal in 1869 but he could not do so for the lack of enough time. On March 1,1891, the Zoo at Giza was opened for the public. It is distinguished for its rare imported plants , walks that are paved with colored pebbles set in beautiful mosaic pictures, and its streams, lakes, bridges, and hilly habitats for the various animals that it houses. These hilly areas are planted with cactus trees and particularly the rare cactus fruit. Egypt's moderate climate helped preserve the lives of animals from different regions without the use of air-conditioning for cooling or warming.
The Zoo is considered a huge exhibition of African wild life. It is a habitat for many species of animals and birds which are now extinct in Egypt. They are to be restored to their original environments from which they were extinct. Among these are mountain goats and rams, Egyptian gazelles and heron.
The zoo is comprised of five hilly areas; the greatest called the Citadel Hill which was constructed in 1867. It is decorated with various statues of the extinct Fayoum rhinoceros, crocodiles and strange birds. Its plateau is covered with a small park that could be reached by means of a spiral path. It comprises plant-covered walks, a number of streams, a hall in its center as a resting place and various statues of birds and reptiles made of cement and pebbles. The streams flow through caves with white coral reefs hanging down, into waterfalls that lead to a lake with two islands connected with a wooden bridge. In front of the lions' house there are two artificial hills connected with a rare iron suspended bridge, the only one in Egypt.
In addition to the numerous animals in the garden, there is a museum which was built in 1906. It consists of three big halls exhibiting large groups of Egyptian and foreign embalmed birds, reptiles, fish and animals as well as skeletons. There are also two other halls exhibiting various kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds. An embalming factory is located behind the museum for such purposes.
The Zoo is also an institute where scientists study the behavior of animals and birds. There are five non-governmental organizations that carry out campaigns to encourage people to preserve wild life and promote environment awareness in Egypt.
Alexandria
When the 25-year-old Macedonian conqueror Alexander the Great arrived in Egypt in 332 BC, he realized that he needed a capital for his newly conquered Egyptian kingdom and that, to link it with Macedonia, it would have to be located on the coast. At a small fishing village called Rhakotis, he founded his city, gave orders to build it and promptly departed. He never saw his new metropolis. After Alexander's death in 323 BC, Egypt fell to a Macedonian general named Ptolemy who had been present at the foundation of Alexandria. He made it his new capital and founded a dynasty that lasted until 30 BC. The first Ptolemies busily set about adorning their city. They encouraged scholarship and under their rule Alexandria became a haven and refuge for intellectuals. They also built the lighthouse on the island of Pharos, one of the Seven Great Wonders of the ancient world.
Modern Alexandria really dates from the early 19th century and the reign of Muhammad Ali, who was responsible for introducing cotton and for building the Mahmudiyyah Canal. This once more linked Alexandria to the hinterland, forcing Egypt to look not only towards the Mediterranean again, &but beyond it, to Europe. The later 19th century witnessed the creation of extensive wealth in the cotton trade and a steady influx of Greeks, Italians, French and English, who turned Alexandria into a pseudo-European city, complete with wide, grid-planned streets, foreign schools, clubs, restaurants, casinos, businesses and banks.
Now, Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt. Set on the shores of the Mediterranean, it has long been a popular holiday spot, a refuge from landlocked Cairo's searing summer heat...
The largest port in Egypt and the greatest summer resort in the Middle East.It is located on the Mediterranean Sea north west of Delta, 225 Km2 from Cairo by agricultural road and 221 km2 by desert road. Named after Alexander the Macedonian who ordered its foundation in 332 B.C., on the site of a small village called Rhakotis to be the capital of his reign in Egypt, a port near to his country and a Greek cultural centre.
Since its foundation Alexandria remained for many centuries a centre of cultural radiation to the whole world. It occupied a remarkable place in the history of mankind.
Today Alexandria is considered the second capital of Egypt. It is distinguished by its strategic location,moderate climate and its beautifully fine sandy beaches which cover a large area between Agamy in the west and Abu Qeir in the east which made it worthy of its well merited title "Pearl of the Mediterranean".
Alexandria was, and still is, a prominent cultural beacon for knowledge seekers and the history of its famous library- whose revival is underway- tells the story of the dawn of culture, enlightenment and creation.
Various religious sites are widespread in Alexandria of which are:The Jewish synagogue in Al-Nabi Daniel street ,St Marc Church established in the first century A.D. by Saint Marcus,Saint Catherine Church and Abu Mina Monastery which lies 50 km from Alexandria.
Al-Montazah Palace
Built on low plateau east of Alexandria and overlooking a beautiful beach, amid about 370 feddans of gardens and woods, the Palace comprises a number of buildings, the most important being Al-Haramlek, the summer residence of the former royal family, Palestine Hotel, the tourist hotel, was built in the gardens, while Al-Haramlek was turned into a luxury hotel.
The Montazah Palace Gardens
These gardens cover an area of 370 feddans and contain trees, palms, and flowers. There are also a museum, several natural bays and beaches, as well as complete tourist centre, a hotel, restaurants, bungalows and a children’s park of 4.5 feddans area.
The Antoniadis Gardens
They contain beautifully arranged trees and flowers, as well as several Grecko statues in marble and the Antoniadis palace.
They contain beautifully arranged trees and flowers, as well as several Grecko statues in marble and the Antoniadis palace.
The Alexandria University Conference Centre
The Alexandria Cultural Centre, in Al-Silsilah, over an area of 42,000 m2, comprises a conference centre, the Alexandria library, an open courtyard and a garage. The conference centre, on an area of 5,000 m2, has an overall seating capacity of 2672. There is large cafeteria to serve the main auditorium overlooking the sea. A smaller cafeteria caters to the other smaller halls.
The conference centre comprises:
- The Main Auditorium, 1700 seats, is a large hall without any pillars to obstruct the view. It is a multi-purpose facility with a fully-equipped stage that allows for holding international and national conferences and for staging plays, concerts, ballets, and operas. There are six separate booths equipped for simultaneous interpretation in six languages.
- Three smaller halls: The first 400 seats, and the second and third, 286 each. Five separate booths for simultaneous interpretation are attached to each hall. All the halls are equipped with audio-visual aids, closed-circuit TV, air-conditioning, and direct-dial telephone services. Other facilities for information, security, and parking areas are also available.
Alexandria’s Submerged Monuments:
Over its long history,Alexandria has been the cradle of several civilizations of the ancient world; Pharaonic, Hellenistic and Roman.
This multicultural museum lies safely under Alexandria’s Mediterranean coastal water,sand during the Fifth Century B.C. it formed part of the ancient city of Alexandria and was devastated by earthquakes and tidal erosion.
A project was initiated in 1992 by the Supreme Council for Antiquities, in cooperation with the European Institute of Submerged Antiquities, to make a topographic survey of the area of royal facilities at the submerged parts, specifically the Eastern Port, which commands a major historical importance.
Exploratory operations resulted in the following:
An overall topographic picture of the submerged royal quarter in ancient Alexandria.
A number of 1300 sites were located at sight and cleared of attaching sediments.
Six archaeological maps were drawn up, showing accurately the topography of several areas of major historical significance.
These operations have allowed a full panorama of the reputed Magnus Portus. Major discoveries then followed as landmarks of the isles of Pharos (referred to in Homer’s Odyssey (7th Century B.C.) and Interodos started to unfold, with their royal palaces, statues and decorations. Several antiquities such as two statues of the Sphinx, of which one is made of grey granite and the other of durite, were broken up as a result of natural disasters.
These structures are indicative of the dense constructions along the eastern coastline. These discoveries made over the years 1996, 1997 and 1998 have given impetus to further explorations of the seaport basin and the fathoming of depths.
Collection of Submerged Monuments
In 1996, a new department of Underwater Archaeology of the Supreme Council of Antiquities was founded as a result of the excavations carried out at Qait Bey fortress and the discovery of part of the royal quarter in the Eastern harbor in Alexandria. Similarly, the year 1962 was significant in that it marked the uplift of the colossal statue of Isis Pharia from the depths of the Mediterranean. The year 1933 also marked other discoveries at the Abu Qir Bay.
The Museum displays some of the artifacts that have been salvaged from both the Alexandria Eastern harbor and Abu Qir Bay
Headless statue of a woman (probably the goddess Isis), in a striding posture, in which the left leg is advanced. She is dressed in a transparent garment that accentuates the beauty of her body. The dress is tied on the left shoulder in a knot. The right arm is stretched along the side of the body and the hand is missing. The feet are also missing.
Isis is one of the most important goddesses in ancient Egyptian religion. She was the goddess of love and the symbol of devotion as a wife and mother. She was the goddess of maternity, and protector of mother and child.
She was worshipped all over Egypt, and her cult spread to many places in Europe. She was identified with several other goddesses
Dimensions: H 152.5 cm, W 48 cm
Thickness: 34 cm
Material: Black basalt.
Date: Ptolemaic Period
Provenance: AbouKir Bay (Alexandria)
Head of the god Serapis, with a hole on top for fixing the kalathos. The eyes were inlaid, but are now only two cavities. The mouth is open with a faint smile. The facial features are distinct.
Parts of the five characteristic locks of hair, which usually fall on the forehead, are missing.
The god Serapis was a fusion of Egyptian and Greek religious concepts originating in Alexandria, where Ptolemy I started his cult and constructed the first known shrine to him, called the Serapeum. His worship continued throughout the Roman period and his temples spread throughout the Roman Empire.
Serapis was frequently combined with other deities, both Egyptian and Greek. Such combinations were Serapis-Zeus, Serapis-Helios and Serapis-Amun. His statues are characterized by a long face, heavily curled beard, long moustach with curling ends, and five locks of hair falling over the forehead.
The kalathos, one of his attributes and a symbol of abundance and fertility, surmounts his head.
Dimensions: H 57cm, W 35cm
Material: White marble
Date: Ptolemaic Period
Provenance: Abou Kir Bay (Alexandria)
Egypt is already famous for its locations for diving practice. Travellers come from the four corners of the earth to explore the underwater realms of coral reefs and exotic marine life off Hurghada and Sharm Al-Sheikh. Now Egypt offers divers the chance to venture into a submerged city off Alexandria, and explore an eerie, waterlogged domain of ruined palaces, crumbling colonnades, ancient sphinxes and mysterious statues.
’Alexandra-Dive’ is the first and only diving centre in Egypt to offer this underwater historical experience. The centre was inaugurated in the Mediterranean seaport and will be in operation in May.
Alexandra-Dive offers five diving spots in the eastern harbour. The first is called Qaitbay and is situated close to the Qaitbay fort at depths of between eight and 10 metres. It contains about 4,000 archaeological pieces that date back from Pharaonic to Graeco-Roman times.
To explore this site properly, two dives are recommended, each lasting 45 minutes.
The second spot is called Qaitbay 2 and is 200 metres north of Qaitbay fort. In this area, a diver will see dozens of amphorae around an ancient wreck. The area can all be explored in a single dive.
Qaitbay 3 is the third spot, 650 metres north-west of Qaitbay fort, at depths between 15 and 18 metres. Here divers can explore wrecks from the third century BC. A diver needs only one dive to explore the area.
The fourth spot is called East Harbour, Site One. It is found in the eastern harbour and is up to eight metres deep. The site includes relics of the royal zone from Ptolemaic and Roman times and several columns, sphinxes and royal statues. To see the area properly, two dives are recommended.
The fifth and last dive is East Harbour, Site Two. Here the dramatic remains of a downed World War II Italian fighter plane loom out of the gloom, surreally surrounded by a forest of ancient columns and statuary. The site only needs a single dive.
Alexandra-Dive’s trips start early in the morning, preceded by a lecture on the site, its historical importance, and details of the objects there. The divers then board either a 20 metres long diving boat, designed in the Pharaonic style with an ex-navy officer as captain, or a second vessel, 18 metres long, that is always ready in case of emergency. The vessels are equipped with compressors, diving tanks, equipment for 50 divers, still and video cameras.
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