Most visitors to Farafra Oasis go there to see the White Desert, el-Sahara el-Beida, the area to the north-east of Qasr el-Farafra which is renowned for its spectacular scenery. The chalk-white landscape is strewn with alien shapes, boulders of brilliant white which thrust up from the surface of the desert, intensified by the clear light of noon, shimmering gold at sunset or blackened and shrunken in a cloud-filled sky.
Many of the formations are given descriptive names – sculpted by the harsh desert winds into weird shapes which constantly change over time. There are ‘monoliths’ and ‘mushrooms’, ‘ice cream cones’, ‘tents’ and ‘crickets’, as well as the majestic conical flat-topped ‘inselbergs’, to name but a few of the formations.

In the remote past, the White Desert was a sea-bed, the sedimentary layers of rock formed by marine fauna when the ocean dried up. Later a habitat for many roaming herds of elephant, giraffe, gazelle and other animals, the desert would have been a savannah with lush green areas and lakes full of fish, an ideal hunting ground for pre-historic man. The landscape we see today was formed  by the plateau breaking down, leaving harder rock shapes standing while the softer parts are eroded away by wind and sand. In some parts the chalk surface still has the appearance of delicate wind-ruffled waves on water.
A natural wonder of Egypt, the White Desert is now a protectorate, known as the White Desert Park, where designated routes must be followed when driving in 4WD vehicles. The outer parts nearest the road are known as the Old Desert and can be reached in a normal vehicle.

Many visitors choose an overnight camping safari to witness the drama of both sunset and dawn. The new tracks are laid out to guide vehicles past the most famous desert landmarks, first a field of giant ‘mushrooms’, followed by an ancient lone Acacia tree.

 Another area is known as ‘The White House’, an enclosure of rocks surrounded by gleaming white chalk fields and nearby, a narrow entrance to a deep cave penetrates the rock.

Beyond this in the ‘New Desert’ which is only accessible by 4WD or camel, the landscape becomes even whiter. The boulders crowd together, are higher and larger and everywhere weird shapes appear that might remind you of a chicken or a hawk, a troupe of dancers or an old men wearing a hat. The shapes change constantly as the light changes and you move around them and as the sun begins to set they turn a softly glowing pink.

A night under the stars in the White Desert is an experience never forgotten. As the sky turns pink then deepest fiery orange, the rock-shapes fade and silence is all around. Sitting around a small fire and enjoying the simplest meal of chicken, rice and vegetables, you will fell like nothing has ever tasted so good.

If the moon is near full, the white chalk rock shapes glow eerily, like ghosts in the darkness under a sky still filled with bright stars and there is no need for artificial lights. The silence is immense and there is a feeling of unreality as though walking on the surface of Mars.

You roll out a sleeping bag on the soft sand and crawl inside and lie side by side with your companions like a row of mummies gazing at the brilliant stars tracking their path across the skies. A desert fox may drop by to clear up scraps of food, and just as quickly vanish again into the darkness, leaving only paw prints as evidence, along with bird tracks in the sand.

Just before dawn, the wonderful smell of coffee brewing on the fire should bring you out of your sleeping bag. This is the desert at it’s coldest and I for one was glad of the locally knitted camel-hair socks and gloves I bought from ‘Mr Socks’ in Farafra. A brisk walk before breakfast soon has the blood flowing again and a whole new desert emerges as the sun appears over the horizon, washed clean by the sparkling clear morning light.

The White Desert is a place that is very hard to leave. It is a truly magical experience.

Located in Upper Egypt Luxor has been described as the world’s biggest open air museum. Nowadays it has been elevated to the status of Governorate, though it is still classified as being in the province of Qena. It has a population of round about 230,000, most of who are employed in tourism somehow, though there are many who are employed in agriculture and commerce. It is one of the most popular destinations in Egypt, being one of those places that you must see. Because of this almost every tourist company has an office somewhere in the town.
It has been estimated that Luxor contains about a third of the most valuable monuments and antiquities in the whole world, which makes it one of this planet’s most important tourism sites. Monuments such as The Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, Deir El-Bahri (the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut), the workers village at Deir El-Medina, the list goes on and on and on. Though most visitors will stay for just a few days, it would take a substantial amount of time to visit everything in this amazing town.
Once known as Thebes, Luxor’s importance in ancient Egyptian history cannot be denied. It was the religious capital for almost all of the Pharaonic period which is why the town is dominated by the two temples; The Temple of Luxor, and the immense Temple of Karnak; the world’s largest temple complex.
Dedicated to Amun Ra, the Temple of Karnak was constantly expanded by successive pharaohs, each adding his, or her, tribute to the god. The site dates back to the Middle Kingdom under the reign of Mentuhotep (11th Dynasty), but most of what can be seen today is from the New Kingdom. Other parts of the complex include sites dedicated to Mut, the wife of Amun Ra, and their son Khonsu.

Most people know that Luxor was once Thebes, but “Thebes” was not what the ancient Egyptians called it. Ancient texts show that it was called t-apt, which means “the shrine”, with the ancient Greeks calling it tea pie. The Arabs had problems with pronunciation and so it became Thebes to them. The name vanished then as the area submitted to the desert and then by the 10th century Arab travellers thought the ruins were of grand buildings so started to call it Al-Oksour, or “site of the palaces” which slowly became Luxor.
Though it was never the capital of a united Egypt, Thebes was capital of Upper Egypt during the times when Egypt resorted to being split into two. This was especially true during the period of the Hyksos invasion when Avaris became capital in the North. Thebes was where the various pharaohs of Upper Egypt were based, and it was from here that the final campaign, under Ahmose I, to expel the Hyksos originated.

The most beautiful place in the world and the most beautiful food in the universe, but watch out for important warning will lose your mind of happiness :)

Egypt Fun

Sahl Hasheesh is a community resort developed by The Egyptian Resorts Company (ERC), which is a share holding company. ERC was incorporated in April 1996 under Egyptian law 159 for the purpose of resort community tourism development. It owns the exclusive development rights of the Sahl Hasheesh bay; consisting of 32million m2 (3,200 hectares and 8,000 acres). This HAVEN to be is located on the Red Sea coast 18km south of Hurghada international airport.

Due to the exceptional location, size and natural beauty of the area, ERC made the strategic decision to develop Sahl Hasheesh as an integrated resort community, that is Seaside based. It is a long-term project, that is moving quickly in development, and it is placed to meet social and environmental objectives.

The architecture reflects the cultural and climatic conditions of the region. Covered markets are also being developed to create the ideal resort community. Only 15% of the total area will be built-up, the balance will incorporate extensive green space, water features and natural desert landscape. Thus, creating a community full of character and charm.

Facts and Figures

Location: 18km from Hurghada international airport

Weather: Sunny all year round, with little winds in months October – Jan, but that is the “high season.”

Golf Holes: There are 36 holes, half on the water and the other half on the hillside. The perfect golf “haven” for the pros and beautiful scenery for the amateurs. The beginners also have the luxury of lessons at all times so they can have fun as well as learn. Our trained professionals can help you become a winner!

Space: Percentage of gardens to buildings in Sahl Hasheesh is 15 % building area and the rest is divided among gardens and desert.

Features and Projects

Sahl Hasheesh has hotels that offer luxury and exquisite charm, due to the superb architecture and master plan designs that have taken place. The entire resort community is based on a historic concept, which is not only seen by the exterior of the hotels but the lavish interior in addition. Each hotel has a different theme and aura behind it making them each one of a kind.

The hotels are not the only places guests can spend their time. Sahl Hasheesh has an array of places to go and each area of this dynamic resort will show visitors that they never need to leave. In building an established resort there is always one main concept: cater to all peoples needs. Without this idea a resort will never be fully established, and Sahl Hasheesh is.

Boat lovers? Yes, you have come to the right place! Sahl Hasheesh has one of the largest marinas in the region, as well as a yacht club. With a resort community as large as this one and with so many foreign investors, it is imperative that we have enormous vicinity for boats and yachts to dock. Having a "yacht club" is a little something extra for those people who really love the sea so they can meet with people and enjoy a passion they have. Guests who do not have yachts or boats can still go lounge at the "yacht club".

Yachts and sailboats in the open sea are great and perfect for a little adventure…but what if one wants to relax and take a canoe or "gondola?" You could always pack up and travel to Venice, Italy or maybe not…this is something you have to see to believe, Sahl Hasheesh's own "little Venice." For those locals who cannot travel to Italy and for those foreigners who don't have the time for a "romantic" get away, we have brought the city of love to you. It is a miniature version of Venice with all the small canal and gondolas, and the endearing boutique hotels on the water. The miniature bridges connecting hotels to areas across the canal.

Sahl Hasheesh's aim is to be a resort unlike any other in the region and we are slowly developing this concept. One of our main attractions, which don't exist in the Middle East or Africa, is the "Sunken City." You read it right, we are building an entire historic city underwater, the same as the" lost city of Atlantis." The ruins of the city will be seen underwater, and the concept is a pharonic city that was part of Sahl Hasheesh area, which sank millions of years ago. While walking along the boardwalk, which connects to the pier that extends into the water 250m, one will be able to see the "sunken city" whilst standing on dry land.


Projects

The Sahl Hasheesh project covers 32million m2 (32km2) and is the largest single area on the Red Sea Coast. Sahl Hasheesh is to be a Resort Community project of a scale and scope that is unprecedented in the region. When completed and fully inhabited it will assume the proportions and functions of a Seaside Resort Town such as Cannes, with its Croisettes on the Riviera. The project promises to become an Integrated Resort destination of world-class standards.

4.5 million dollars were invested in studies, assessments and plans to develop a market driven strategy that optimizes the resources of this concession. The chief resource of Sahl Hasheesh is its setting and its natural environment.


Under the Sea
The Red Sea, as known all over the world is the best area for diving. Sahl Hasheesh in particular is the most famous diving spot and has been renowned for its corals and water. Beach area of the resort is built on; has been untouched, hence making it almost "virgin" water and land. Once one is stand on the pier that extends into the water, they can see the "underwater city." Just like the lost city of Atlantis, Sahl Hasheesh also has a lost city from the time of ancient Egypt. A great historical site for divers, unlike any other in the region.


Egypt's economic reform programs began in 1991 and lead the country into becoming one of the world's outstanding emerging markets. Although today the economy is not as strong as it was in the past, with the pound being low, it is a great time for foreign investment since the dollar is so strong. The Government of Egypt stated that there are "no restrictions on investment in Egypt" and the government will continue to provide incentives and facilities for all investments undertaken in "ambitious development projects." Tourism related projects have a great plus in that the investor has 10 years tax break.

Investments

There still remain many ways to invest in Sahl Hasheesh. There is land left for hotels and resorts, built on a small boutique scale or a 4/5 star hotel resort. Also there are 2 golf courses, with their own hotels that can be bought, a Marina Village and Yacht Club, and of course residential areas.
" 5 lots of land for hotels and resorts
" 1 Royal Sector lot, which may accommodate 8 to 10 palaces
" 1 lot of land, approx. 1 million m2 for a Golf course, villas and hotels
" 1 lot of land to be used for a recreational hub
" 2 lots of land left for residential villas
" 2 lots of land divided into a Marina village and Yacht club
" 1 lot of land for residential sector

Hotels

* IBEROTEL - the area of this European chain hotel is 52,400m2. It will
consist of 246 rooms, 2 restaurants and lounges.
* OLD PALACE HOTEL - the area of this hotel is 61,556m2. It will have 240 rooms and 60 chalets, 2 restaurants and lounges.
* IBRAHIM PASHA Botique HOTEL - the area of this hotel is 5,285m2. It will have 83 rooms, 1 restaurant, night club, and lounges.
* ALEXANDER Botique HOTEL - the area of this hotel is 4,532m2. It will have 62 rooms, 1 restaurant, nightclub, casino, lounges and shops.
* PYRAMISA - the area of this hotel is 118,941m2. It will have 700 rooms,
3 restaurants and a lounge.
* PHARONIC HOTEL - the area of this hotel is 146,903m2. It will have 900 rooms, a man-made lake, restaurants and cafes.
* BARON PALACE HOTEL - the area of this hotel is 100,000 m2. It will have 600 double rooms and suites .

{{ Source: Egyptian Resorts Company-Sahl Hasheesh }}

A hieroglyphic script consists of a variety of pictures and symbols. Some symbols had independent meanings, while others were used in combinations. Some were also used phonetically or had multiple meanings. The script was written in three directions: from top to bottom, from left to right, and from right to left.

This style was used for nearly 3500 years. Knowledge of the script was lost when other scripts superseded it. The script was later decrypted by Champollion who studied the Rosetta stone for 14 years and discovered the Key.

Egypt’s 3rd largest city, and the largest in Upper Egypt, is situated at the foot of the Nile Valley to the North end of Lake Nasser. It is a major mining area for aluminium and iron as well as also being one of the favourite places for tourists to visit due to it being a major stop for cruise boats; for the River Nile as well as Lake Nasser. It has a local market that is an excellent place to do your holiday shopping; this is especially true if you want spices as you will find the best types of fresh spices here.


Aswan is capital of its own Governorate which has a population of about 1.2 million people. Most of these are Nubians, and local tribes of Kenzo.

The city became very important after the construction of the High Dam as it became a refuge for those Nubians who chose to flee to Egypt after the waters flooded their homelands, as well as becoming the worldwide rescue campaign of the Nubian monuments during and after its construction.

Aswan’s name is derived from the ancient Egyptian word “Swan”, which means “the market”! This is because it was located on the main trade route between Egypt and the southern lands; with gold, slaves and ivory passing into Egypt. The governors of the 6th Dynasty sent many expeditions to explore the many African countries located to the south, and most of these started from Aswan. It was also the major source of granite, sandstone and quartzite used in the construction of the various monuments throughout Egypt.

Aswan map

In ancient times the God Khnum was the major God of the city, but he was later replaced by the Goddess Isis, Goddess of magic and maternity, in the Greco Roman period. A temple was built for her on the Island of Philae, which had to be moved, along with other structures, when the waters of Lake Nasser engulfed the island. Though still known as “the Temples of Philae, they can now be accessed on the nearby Agilika Island.

Because of the location of Aswan, just north of the Tropic Of Cancer, the city enjoys a very hot climate throughout the year and it is advised to cover your head when walking about and drink water constantly.

Aswan is situated 890Km (553 miles) to the south of Cairo and 220Km (137 miles) to the south of Luxor. It is the third most popular place to visit in Egypt, behind Cairo and Luxor, and is accessible in a number of ways.

The population of the Aswan governorate is around 1.2 million and mostly consists of Nubians and local tribes of Kenzo. The city became very important after the construction of the high dam, and the worldwide rescue campaign of the Nubian monuments during and after its construction.

Aswan is derived from the Ancient Egyptian word Swan, which means "the market"! It was located on the main trading route between Egypt and the southern lands, where gold, slaves and ivory passed into Egypt. The governors of the 6th Dynasty sent many expeditions to explore the many African countries located to the south, and most of these started from Aswan! It was also the major source of granite, sandstone and quartzite used in the construction of the various monuments throughout Egypt!
In Ancient times the God Khoum was the major God of the city, but in later periods the Goddess Isis, Goddess of magic and maternity, became the main patron God, with a temple being built for her at Philae.

Because of the location of Aswan, just north of the Tropic Of Cancer, the city enjoys a very hot climate throughout the year! It is advised to cover your head when walking about and drink water constantly.

The city created by Alexander the Great in 333BCE and with a history very Alexandria different from any of the other cities in Egypt. When this famous Macedonian (the Greek state, not the former Yugoslav country) was en route to visit the Oracle Temple of Amun at the Siwa oasis he stopped overnight at the village of "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 that this was to be the spot where a great city would be built and charged one of his architects, Dinocratis, to build it.

He continued on to Siwa, to consult the oracle about his destiny and then left Egypt to fight the Persians in Asia. Sadly it is not known what the Oracle told Alexander, but it is generally believed that he was told he was to be a great leader. 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 was not 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.

Alexandria

Dinocratis planned the city in squares, like a chessboard with 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 the 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 (the Catacombs), the tomb of Tigran, Pompeii’s pillar, Tomb of Silvago and the cemetery of El-Qabbary which was only 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.

Alexandria is situated on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, 179Km (111 miles) north of Cairo. It is Egypt’s second largest city, behind Cairo, but is sadly overlooked by tourists. It is accessible by many ways:

Tower of Cairo, design engineer of the late Naum Shabib, was built between 1956 - 1961 of reinforced concrete design Egyptian lotus flower, and is located in the heart of Cairo, on the Nile River island of Zamalek.

Height of up to 187 meters, higher than the largest pyramid in Giza, about 43 meters.

There are at the top of the Cairo Tower restaurant on the tourist platform manned rotary spin restaurant to see landmarks in Cairo from all sides.

It is one of the highlights of Cairo, which is located in the area of the island the Cairo Tower, which is an architectural masterpiece built by the Egyptians in the form of a lotus flower symbol of Pharaonic origin of their civilization, which is the focus of attention of world tourists. It consists of 16 floors and stands on a base of stones, granite Aswani already used by ancient Egyptians in building their temples and tombs in these days note the increasing number of tourists who go to visit the tower and climb to the top overlooking the Cairo whole and in particular Arab tourists who are increasingly arriving to Egypt in this days and take a trip in an elevator tower to reach the end of 45 seconds to see when you stand on top of a full panorama of Cairo, the pyramids, the television building, the Sphinx, the Nile, Citadel of Salah al-Din, Al-Azhar is, and you look at the magnifying glass you will visit Egypt, all in one moment.

The Royal Library of Alexandria, or Ancient Library of Alexandria, in Alexandria, Egypt, was a large and significant great library of the ancient world. Named after Alexander the Great, it flourished under the patronage of the Ptolemaic dynasty and functioned as a major center of scholarship from its construction in the third century B.C. until its destruction in 48 B.C. around the time of Rome's conquest of Egypt. Alexander, although picking the site and planning the general layout of the city, died before he could take part in the construction of the library or academy that was created in his name.

The Greek term bibliotheke (βιβλιοθήκη), used by many historians of the era, refers to the [royal] "Collection of Books", not to any building, nor to the social networks which sustained and operated the collection, which complicates tracking the history and chronology of its destruction. The Royal Collection can be viewed as having begun in the Royal Quarter's building(s), commonly known as "The Great Library," and continued to be housed, at least in part, at the Serapeum "Daughter Library" (Abaddi)

Generally thought to have been founded at the beginning of the third century BC, the library was conceived and opened either during the reign of Ptolemy I Soter or during the reign of his son Ptolemy II. Plutarch (AD 46–120) wrote that during his visit to Alexandria in 48 BC, Julius Caesar might have accidentally burned the library when he set fire to his own ships to frustrate Achillas' attempt to limit his ability to communicate by sea. According to Plutarch's account, this fire spread to the docks and then to the library.

However, this version of events is not confirmed in contemporary accounts of Caesar's visit. In fact, it has been reasonably established that segments of its collection were partially destroyed on several occasions before and after the first century BC. A modern conflation (no older than the late eighteenth century) attributes the destruction to Coptic Christian Archbishop Theophilus of Alexandria in 391, who called for the destruction of the Serapeum -- the Daughter library and a temple to the god Serapis.

Intended both as a commemoration and an emulation of the original, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina was inaugurated in 2002 near the site of the old library.

The capital of Egypt and the largest city in Africa, the name means "the victorious city". It is located on both banks of the River Nile near the head of the river's delta in northern Egypt and has been settled for more than 6000 years, serving as the capital of numerous Egyptian civilizations. Cairo is known locally as "Misr", the Arabic name for Egypt, because of its centrality in Egyptian life.

Greater Cairo is spread across three of Egypt's administrative governorates. The north eastern part is known as Kaliobia Governorate, while the west bank is part of the governorate of Giza, and the eastern parts and south eastern parts are another governorate known as Cairo, the three parts are known together as greater Cairo. The city is marked by the traditions and influences of the East and the West, the ancient and the modern. However, the city also reflects Egypt's growing poverty, and it struggles to cope with problems caused by massive population growth, urban sprawl, and a deteriorating infrastructure.

Cairo

The city of Cairo covers an area of more than 453 sq km (more than 175 sq m), though it is difficult to separate the city from some of its immediate suburbs. Bracketed by the desert to the east, south, and west and bounded by the fertile Nile delta to the north, Cairo sits astride the river, though it spreads farther on the east bank than the west. Cairo also includes several river islands, which play an important role in the life of the city. As the region's principal commercial, administrative, and tourist centre, Cairo contains many cultural institutions, business establishments, governmental offices, universities, and hotels, which together create a dense pattern of constant activity.

Pyramids of Giza

The centre of downtown Cairo is Tahrir Square, located on the east bank. A hub of tourist activity, the vast and open square contains numerous attractions, including the Egyptian Museum, the Arab League headquarters, and the modern Umar Makram Mosque. Extending from north to south along the east bank of the Nile is the Corniche, Cairo's main thoroughfare. Located nearby is the narrow strip of land known as Garden City, one of the city's newer residential areas. In the centre of the city is the river island of Zamalek (also called Jezerah, meaning "the Island"), which contains the upscale residential and commercial neighborhood also known as Zamalek, the Cairo Opera House (founded in 1869), and the Cairo Tower (1961). Three bridges link the island with both banks of the river. The island of Al-Rodah, located to the south, is linked to the mainland by two additional bridges, while another bridge to the north carries road and rail traffic across the Nile.

Check here Cairo night life

Outside the city's central area on the east bank, spanning from the northeast to the southeast, are the neighborhoods of Islamic Cairo. These neighborhoods are known for their narrow streets, crowded markets (bazaars), and hundreds of Mosques, many dating back to the medieval period. South of the Islamic district is Old Cairo, where some of the city's oldest architectural monuments can be found. Old Cairo is the home of Cairo's Coptic Christian community, and the site of the Coptic Museum plus a number of Coptic churches.

The irrigation of Cairo's desert periphery has allowed for the development of suburbs, such as Heliopolis, located to the northeast. Other modern suburbs are interspersed with recently created migrant neighborhoods that accommodate the city's growing population. Industrial areas further crowd the city, restricting its growth. An international airport serves Cairo, situated approximately 24 km (about 15 m) northeast of the city; the Ramses railway station and the bus terminal are located near downtown Cairo.

Cairo is the chief commercial and industrial centre of Egypt. Local industries manufacture cotton textiles, food products, construction supplies, motor vehicles, aircraft, and chemical fertilizers. Iron and steel are produced at the south part just outside the city. Cairo is also a centre for government activities and service industries. Because of the city's warm climate and numerous historical and cultural attractions, tourism plays an important role in its economy. Cairo receives goods shipped on the Nile at the river port, located at the northern end of the city. From Cairo, products are sent by road, railroad, and waterway to the Mediterranean ports of Alexandria and Port Said. The city is connected by train service to other major cities. Traffic congestion is a growing problem in Cairo, but it is the only city in the Middle East and Africa that has a subway. A subway system opened in the city in 1987.for the first time carrying about 2 million passengers everyday. Lately a second line has been opened, this linked the old line with the western superb in the west bank (Giza), The third line is still under construction which will connect Cairo airport to the city centre and finish in the busy suburb of Imbaba.

Population

In 1998 Cairo was estimated to have a population of 16 million. The people of Cairo are known as Cairenes; nearly all of them are Egyptians with small number of foreigner. The city is an important centre of the Islamic faith, and Cairenes are predominantly Sunni Muslims; however, the city is also home to a sizable Coptic community, which traces its origins to the Christians who populated Cairo before the arrival of Islam. Cairo's population swells daily as workers flow into the city from the surrounding area, clogging roads and rail lines every morning and evening. Many Cairenes are recent arrivals from villages along the Nile. These rural migrants arrive with few skills or resources, and compound the existing problems of unemployment and scarce housing.

Education And Culture

The most famous educational institution in Cairo is the Al-Azhar University, the oldest in the Islamic world. The institution has grown up around the Al-Azhar Mosque, the oldest Mosque in Cairo. The Fatimid founded both the university and Mosque in 970. Al-Azhar University is an authoritative voice throughout the Islamic world, and its positions on important issues are influential in Egypt and the Arab world. Other institutions of higher education include Cairo University (Founded in1908) and Ain Shams University (1950), which together enrols more than 100,000 students; and the American University in Cairo, founded in 1919, where the children of Egypt's elite mingle with students and faculty from abroad. Egyptian history is displayed and preserved in the city's numerous Museum collections. The Egyptian Museum (Founded in 1902) contains hundreds of thousands of artefacts, including more than 1700 pieces from the collection of Tutankhamen. The Museum of Islamic Arts (1881) contains a vast collection relating to early Islamic civilization, and the Coptic Museum (1910) traces the history of the Coptic community in Egypt. Other Cairo Museums maintain collections relating to more modern themes; these range from the El-Gawhara Palace Museum, built in 1811 in the Ottoman style, to the Mahmoud Khalil Museum, founded in 1963, which contains works by Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Peter Paul Rubens, and other European and Egyptian painters of renown.

Spending the holy month of Ramdan in Egypt is different than elsewhere. Other than the rituals practiced during that month, certain social habits of Egyptian Muslims are much different than anywhere else.

Ramadan is a month that follows the lunar calendar, the basis of Islamic (or Hijri) calendar. With an eleven-day difference than the Gregorian, The holiness of this month comes from the fact that it hallmarked the day when the Holy Spirit - Gabriel – started the transmission of God’s message to prophet Mohammad, 14 centuries ago.


The principal ritual during Ramadan is fasting. This entails abandoning eating, drinking, smoking or sinning - even if minor - throughout the whole day, from dawn to sunset. Though the usual daily practice is natural, Muslims prefer to spend more time praying or reading the Quraan, particularly at night.

The daily meals become limited to two, the first of which is the "iftar" which is breaking the fasting that takes place immediately with sunset. The timing of the second meal - "sohour" - is variable according to personal preference, but usually delayed as much as possible until just before dawn. In between "iftar" and "sohour", people are allowed to eat liberally.



What makes this month different in Egypt? Since long time, Egyptians adopted certain social habits during that month, which are not directly related to religion. Officially, the working hours are diminished to allow more time for prayers. People usually sleep very late, sometimes at dawn, after spending long times in mosques. The traditional practice start immediately after sunset, which is announced to people through all mosques by the ritual "azan", or the call for prayers. Long time ago, it became the habit that the government fires a canon, which voice is so loud to be heard everywhere for announcement. Though modern technology has replaced this habit, yet it is still practiced and announced daily on the air on TV. This tradition started during the 16th century, when the canon was fired from the Cairo Citadel over "el-Moqattam" mount, and continued since then.



"Iftar" is a rich meal, which is considered the principal one. Though this includes any type of food, yet the desert almost always include the "konafa" or "qatayef". The former is a cake-like made of wheat, and full of sugar, honey, raisins and different types of nuts. The later is almost the same, but takes the shape of a small circular cake, which is folded to include the nuts and raisins.



With Ramadan being the most joyful month of the whole year, children also have their share of fun. The "fanoos" or lantern, is a must for every kid to have. These are traditionally made of tin and colored glass, with a candle inside. Modern ones are battery operated, but lack the spirit. All mosques and streets during the whole month are full of colored lights in a festival fashion, and in the past, children used to play in the streets with their lanterns, singing "wahawy ya wahawy". This tradition is still practiced, though rarely now in the streets

With the introduction of TV in the 1960’s, the traditions changed again. TV transmission lasts almost 24 hours a day, and the programs include too many new serials and movies. More than half of the serials produced by the Egyptian TV are broadcasted during Ramadan for the first time. The other traditional program is the "fawazeer", which is a daily riddle played in a comic or a musical show. The family is usually gathered around the TV for long hours, if they do not go for prayers. Nuts are consumed as a snack, together with a traditional drink "qamar el-deen" which is made of apricot. Most people prefer to spend at least the first day in an extended family reunion fashion, gathering in the grand parents’ house.



After the first few days, people start to go out after "iftar". So many gatherings between families, friends or colleagues take place for the main meal and few hours after. As so many people prefer to spend their time in the old fashioned atmosphere of cafes, many hotels now encourage this. It became a tradition for all 5-star hotels to build a large tent, furnished in the old Arabian decoration, where people enjoy their time listening to old traditional songs and music, recalling memories of the old classical days. "Sheesha" or water-pipes are smoked for fun, which during that month becomes unlimited.

Sports have their share as well. Most clubs arrange minor tournaments, especially for football. Many people from all ages share, even the elders who compete with their peers. It is not unusual to find so many professional football players among those teams of amateurs. The issue is not to win, but to share. In poor districts where no clubs are available, the youth and children can utilize a side street or alley as a football field. Although not encouraged throughout the year, but during Ramadan, people become very tolerant.



The show remains till late at night, and sometimes till the dawn prayers before people sleep. Some cannot stand that long period, and would sleep early to wake up shortly before dawn. In the old days, the tradition was a man named "mesaharaty" to walk down the streets before dawn with a drum. He used to wake up the people through singing and calling their names. The mesaharaty was not paid a fixed salary, but donations, and though this profession became extinct nowadays, yet it is still practiced as a tradition.



It is not considered good manners to show that one is not fasting. Though not illegal, those who do not fast would usually hide to eat, drink or smoke. Christians too share their fellow Moslems in most practices. Some would also fast as a sign of national unity, but those who do not would never eat or drink in public, as a sign of respect to Muslims’ traditions. Alcoholic drinks are abandoned throughout the month, and all bars are closed.



Ramadan in its very nature is a month of mercy & good deeds. It has very spiritual aspects, since a real fasting is not confined to keep from eating & drinking only, but also to abstain from committing sins that Islam prohibited. So, it's not only a matter of food, it is of actions as well. Hence, Muslims try to be more self-restrained & to get more control on their misbehaviors during Ramadan. They alms, prayers & reading Quran. They have to read the whole Quran Book at least once during that month.



Don't be astonished if I said that Christians like and enjoy Ramadan as well - of course not out of religious sense - motivated by the various sorts of food stuffs that Ramadan is distinguished by and that become available in the market only during Ramadan. They are also attracted by the way television celebrates it, since it transmits the best it has over the 24 hours of the day, which is not the case in usual time. They try not to hurt the feelings of Muslims during that month, they do not eat during daytime and even try to share fasting with them.

On the last day of Ramadan, observatories again check for the new moon. The month ends after the 29th or 30th day, for the "eid" or feast to start.

Come with us 2 Discover Egypt ^_^ in  our 2nd tour :Fortress of Shali in Siwa ruins are the result of extremely heavy rains that fell in 1926. The mud bricks which were used to make structures as high as five stories could not withstand the rain. The new town of Siwa was constructed next to the ruins.
Siwa Oasis or Mystic Siwa, which is how I'd like to refer to it


There's something magical and magnetic about this place. There's not a whole lot to do in Siwa, but due to the limited number of tourists who actually venture out here and because of town's relaxing atmosphere it's so easy to just waste away the days hanging out on a rooftop restaurant or outdoor cafe and watch the Berber community do its thing. One of the best things about my trip to Egypt was definitely visiting this off the beaten path desert oasis of a gem and being introduced to its fascinating culture and friendly people.
 Originally, I was intending to stay only three nights. However, after having been bitten by the Siwa bug, I extended my stay to a week. All the other travelers I met in Siwa kept delaying their departure dates too. Three of us had dinner one evening trying to figure out what it was exactly that was keeping us from wanting to leave Siwa. Was there something in the water? Was it the elevation? Was it the palm trees? What the heck was it about Siwa that just wanted us to stay forever??? Anyway, we never did figure out the answer to that question.


It would be hard to miss the jagged ruins of Shali Fortress, the magnificent relic at the center of Siwa’s largest town. According to ancient Siwan scriptures, 40 Siwans built the fortress in 1203 A.D. to protect the community against raiding Bedouin tribes. They used kershef, a mixture of mud, sand and sun-dried salt harvested from the oasis’s salt lakes, combined with palm trunks as ceilings.
 SIWA´S TAXI DRIVERS AND FORTRESS OF SHALI
Finally,If you want to see more and Discover it by your self come and visit Egypt ^_^