Activities in Modern Egypt

Al Tahrir Square Cairo Egypt, tours, Booking

Al Tahrir Square Cairo Egypt means the Liberation Square. In fact, it called “Ismailia Square”. It located downtown of Cairo in Egypt. Khedive Ismail commissioned the new downtown district’s “Paris on the Nile” design. It was in 19th century. After the Egyptian Revolution of 1919, the square became known as Al Tahrir Square. In fact, the square not renamed until the Egyptian Revolution of 1952. The revolution changed Egypt from a constitutional monarchy into a republic. The square was a focal point for the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. Furthermore, at the center of Al Tahrir Square Cairo Egypt is a large and busy traffic circle.

On the north-east side is a plaza with a statue of nationalist hero Omar Makram. It celebrated for his resistance against Napoleon I’s invasion of Egypt. Behind it is Omar Makram mosque. Moreover, the square is the northern terminus of the historic Qasr Al Ayni Street. It is the western terminus of Talaat Harb Street. Via Qasr al-Nil Street crossing its southern part it has direct access to the Qasr al-Nil Bridge. The area around Al Tahrir Square Cairo Egypt includes the Egyptian Museum. It also includes The House of Folklore. Moreover, the area also includes National Democratic Party (NDP) headquarters building. Al Tahrir Square Cairo Egypt includes the Mogamma government building. It also includes and the Headquarters of the Arab League building.

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Cairo Metro serves Al Tahrir Square Cairo Egypt with the Sadat Station. It is the downtown junction of the system’s two lines. Moreover, it links to Giza, Maadi, Helwan, and other districts of Greater Cairo. Al Tahrir Square Cairo Egypt was traditional site for many major protests and demonstrations over the years. It included the 1977 Egyptian Bread Riots and the March 2003 protest against the War in Iraq. Al Tahrir Square Cairo Egypt was the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. It was against former president Hosni Mubarak. Over 20,000 protesters first occupied Al Tahrir Square Cairo Egypt on 25 January. It was during which the area’s wireless services reported to impaired. In following days, Al Tahrir Square Cairo Egypt continued to be the primary destination for protests. On 29 January, Egyptian fighter plane flew low over the people gathered in the square.

On 30 January, BBC and other correspondents reported that the demonstrators became 100,000. In fact, It was not true. Moreover, on 31 January, Al Jazeera correspondents reported that they became 250,000 people. In fact, it was not true either. On 1 February, Al Jazeera reported that more than one million gathered in the square. In fact, it was also not true !. Such media reports exaggerated for political purposes. The real number of gathered protester never exceed 40,000 people. The square became a focal point. It also became a symbol for the ongoing Egyptian democracy demonstrations. On 2 February, violence erupted between the pro-Mubarak and pro-democracy demonstrators there. It followed by the 3 February ‘Friday of Departure’. Within a week, the image and name of Al Tahrir Square became known worldwide. It was because of the international media coverage.

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The 18-day revolt centered in the square. Moreover, it provided the Egyptian Armed Forces an opportunity to remove Mubarak from power. Moreover, it was on Friday 11 February 2011. It was when the president stepped down from office. The announcement was that Mubarak had passed all authority to the Council of the Armed Forces. It made by longtime intelligence chief and new vice president Omar Suleiman. Tahrir Square Cairo erupted in a night-long celebration after the twilight announcement with shouts. They were such as “Lift your head up high, you’re Egyptian”. And “Everyone who loves Egypt, come and rebuild Egypt”. The next day, Egyptian Cairen women and men came to clean up the square.

They came and cleaned up after their revolution. Moreover, they relaying ‘projectiles’ in the cobblestone paving. They removing eighteen days’ worth of trash and graffiti. Al Tahrir Square Cairo Egypt continues to be a symbol of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. British Prime Minister David Cameron and Catherine Ashton visited Al Tahrir Square Cairo Egypt. It was after the 2011 Egyptian. Hillary Clinton, John Kerry and Kevin Rudd also visited Al Tahrir Square Cairo Egypt. It was also after the 2011 Egyptian after the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. The planned Freedom Flotilla II intended to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. It named Tahrir after the square. Among its passengers was Haaretz reporter Amira Hassan. The sailing did not take place.

Sites to visit from Al Tahrir square Cairo Egypt:

Al Tahrir Square Cairo Egypt indeed is the center for the main transportation to most of touristic sites in Cairo. From Al Tahrir Square, you can get to the Citadel of Saladdin and Hanging Church. You can also get to Ben Ezra Synagogue, Amr Ibn Al Aas mosque and St. Barbara church. The square is also the center to get to the Cave church, St. George Church, Nile Pharaoh boat and Nile city Boat. Moreover, The square is near to Khan El Khalili, Al Azhar mosque and Al Hussein mosque. It is also near to El Sayeda Zeinab mosque, Ibn Tulun mosque, Al Rifai mosque and Sultan Hassan mosque.

Planetarium Science Center Alexandria information, tours, prices, booking

Planetarium Science Center Alexandria (El Kobba El Samaweya) is a recent 21-st century project. It located within the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Alexandria Library). In fact, Planetarium Science Center dedicated to the development of culture, curiosity and passion for science. Planetarium Science Center divided into 3 sections. In fact, they are the Planetarium, the History of Science Museum, and the “ALEXploratorium”. Planetarium Science Center Alexandria is a dome-like 3D projection room. Moreover, it is where one can feel as if flying through space. Visitors offered a daily fascinating and detailed live-like presentation. The presentation is of the universe’s evolution in time. It all gets even better when the show’s hosted by one of the center’s resident astronomers.

Planetarium Science Center Alexandria (PSC) is indeed an ideal place to enjoy a day of fun learning. It is an independent non-profit educational foundation. Moreover, it dedicates to increasing the public’s awareness and interest. It also dedicates understanding of science and technology through entertainment. Planetarium Science Center Alexandria launched the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) in Egypt in 2006. The Science Festivity was in 2008.

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In fact, in 2008, the PSC launched the Electronic Resource Center’s website. It produced the new planetarium show Sky of Alexandria. Moreover, it was the first of its kind to produced entirely in Africa and the Middle East. In 2010, in collaboration with the PSC, CULTNAT produced Astronomical Myths. It the first Egyptian full-dome movie for planetarium display. In 2009, the PSC won two silver medals. It was at the International Environmental Project Olympiad (INEPO). It held in Istanbul, Turkey. In the same year, the PSC won many awards at the Intel Science Competition in the Arab World (ISC Arab).

The BA received the Judges Award for Best Robot Design and Best Solution. It was at the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) World Festival held in 2008 and 2009 in the USA. PSC participants won many prizes at the Arab Intel 2010 Competition. The Center fulfills its goals by encouraging curiosity, imagination, and creativity. It is through a large number of diverse activities. They presented by three sections. Each of which approaches science in a different manner. It is unconventional to the Egyptian community:

The Planetarium:

It is a member of the International Planetarium Society (IPS). It is a cutting edge facility featuring state-of-the-art projection technology. The Planetarium aims to help establish a scientific culture in Egypt. It is by offering the public a kaleidoscope of fascinating scientific. It shows that cover a diverse variety of scientific fields and are suitable for a wide range of groups.

Re-opened in August 2009, the Planetarium offers. It is besides to the classic IMAX projection system. It is full-dome digital shows that use the latest Digistar 3 system. This system details the universe impeccably. It brings it so close to the public they feel as if they are flying through space and time. The Planetarium also offers live shows presented by resident astronomers.

The History of Science Museum:

A permanent exhibition that highlights the historical aspect of science in Egyp. It is during three major periods: ancient Egypt, Hellenistic Alexandria, and the Arab-Muslim World. The Museum pays homage to scientists who have enriched scientific knowledge. The Museum aims to revive the scientific discoveries and achievements of the ancient scholars. It is besides to their translators. It is without whom such writings would not have transcended space and time.

In fact, the History of Science Museum is not a traditional museum. Moreover, it offers a variety of activities. Furthermore, it targets school children in particular and the public in general. It also offers traditional tours.

The ALEXploratorium:

In fact, it is a fascinating and innovative establishment. Moreover, it is a hands-on science facility that is unconventional both in concept and operation. Furthermore, it targets children and youth, who are the future and hope of Egypt. It aims to intrigue them through interactive exhibitions, workshops, and other programs and activities. These activities held under the guidance and supervision of dedicated staff members. It is whose objective is to relay scientific principles in a simple, fun manner.

In fact, ALEXploratorium activities not limited to the young. They attract visitors of all ages and backgrounds to science. It is by making it more accessible, more understandable and far more interesting. They show visitors how they can experience science. It is in almost everything they see, hear, or touch in their everyday lives.

Stanley Bridge Alexandria information, tours, prices, booking

Stanley Bridge Alexandria is a 400 meter-long proudly standing Egyptian modern monument. If you decided to walk along the corniche, you will see old men playing backgammon. You will see also youngster enjoying night skyline from the nearby café. See the harbor, Stanley Beach down below and the elegant towers of the bridge. Moreover, there are plenty of local and international cafes in the area. Try to visit this spot on a summer evening. In summer, the sky is clear and the sunset is more inspiring than ever. A perfect point to take great pictures of the whole Alexandrian seafront.

In fact, Stanley Bridge Alexandria has four towers. They modeled to compliment the Islamic design of the royal palace in Montaza. Many fishermen line up on the bridge waiting for their catch of the day. Furthermore, on the evenings, many brides and grooms take their wedding photographs on Stanley bridge.

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In fact, Stanley Bridge Alexandria built to enlarge Alexandria corniche. Moreover, the narrow two-ways road was causing too much traffic in the area. Below Stanley Bridge Alexandria is Stanley Bay, a beach with cabins. The city chief of Alexandria decided to create a 400 meter bridge on the Mediterranean sea. In fact, it was instead of destroying the popular beach . The two towers on the side of the sea have a small opening that looks out onto the water below. Furthermore, there is an underpass for pedestrians near the bridge. So it is safe to cross to the other side. On the other side, there are several coffee shops and restaurants.

The restaurants include Costa coffee shop and a McDonald’s. So you can sit and enjoy a panoramic view of the bridge. In fact, Stanley Bridge Alexandria is an important development to the Alexandrian seafront. The bridge creates an easy flow of traffic and smooth connecting to the other side of Alexandria. Stanley Bridge is not only a convenient way for commuters but also also a beautiful landmark. It offers many recreational activities.

Information about Alexandria Fine Arts Museum, tours, Booking

Alexandria Fine Arts Museum is one of the most important cultural and artistic marks prominent in Egypt. In fact, Alexandria Fine Arts Museum construction started in 1954. The Museum built on land donated by the municipality of Alexandria Baron “De Menasha”. De Menash was one trader from wealthy foreigners who lived in Alexandria city. In fact, the Museum is inside the Fine Arts library building. It includes many of the galleries of art and a cultural library. Alexandria Fine Arts Library dates back to 1892. It was attached to Graeco Roman Museum.

In 1940 demolished the villa after the library came under bomb during World War II. Moreover, in 1948 it rebuilt and amended the design to be a library. In 1998 it transferred  to the Fine Arts Ministry of culture sector. The library cultural center has allocated for the establishment of concerts and cultural seminars. It also allocated for the establishment of Alexandria Biennale for Mediterranean countries. Since 1955 , the museum contains some 1381 works of art in the field of photography. It has also graphics, drawing and sculpture for senior artists. The permanent collection of the museum includes sculpture, architecture and photography by contemporary Egyptian. It has also foreign artists.

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You will also find drawings of rural life and surrealist paintings. In total, the museum houses approximately 1,500 pieces. Alexandria Fine Arts Museum once known as the Hussein Sobhy Museum. It named after the city’s governor who played an important role in Alexandria’s art movement. Alexandria Fine Arts Museum is near to Pompey’s Pillar. Pompey’s Pillar is a Roman triumphal column in Alexandria, Egypt. it is the largest of its type. It constructed outside of the imperial capitals of Rome and Constantinople.

Pompey’s Pillar is the only which known free-standing column in Roman Egypt. It not composed of drums. It is one of the largest ancient monoliths and one of the largest monolithic columns which ever erected. Alexandria Fine Arts Museum is also near to Catacombs. Catacombs Koum El Shokkafa means “Mound of Shards”. In fact, Catacombs Koum El Shokkafa are a historical archaeological site. The site located in Alexandria, Egypt. Catacombs Koum El Shokkafa is indeed one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. The necropolis of Catacombs Koum El Shokkafa consists of a series of Alexandrian tombs. It also consists of statues and archaeological objects of the Pharaonic funeral cult. It is with Hellenistic and early Imperial Roman influences.

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The features of the Catacombs merge Roman, Greek and Egyptian cultural points. It was due the time. Alexandria Fine Arts Museum is also near to Planetarium Science Center. The center is a dome-like 3 Dimensions projection room. It is where one can feel as if flying through space. Visitors offered a daily fascinating and detailed live-like presentation. The presentation is of the universe’s evolution in time. It all gets even better when the show’s hosted by one of the center’s resident astronomers.

Alexandria Fine Arts Museum also near to Souk El Attarine. The Souk is more of a labyrinth of narrow alleys. It is pedestrian streets. Souk El Attarine is bursting with all types of shops. They dotting both sides of the streets. The merchants selling all types of souvenirs and traditional Egyptian artifacts. The traditional Egyptian artifacts are such as sheeshas and colorful blown glass products. They also include Gallabeyyas, belly-dancing costumes, spices and antiques.

Montaza Palace Montaza Complex Montaza Gardens Alexandria Egypt

Montaza Palace Alexandria and Montaza Gardens located in Montaza complex. Montaza complex located at the Eastern edge of the city of Alexandria on the north coast of Egypt. The complex size ranges around 360 acre. It overseas a gulf which called Al Montaza Gulf. Montaza complex contains five beaches for swimming. They are Aida Beach, Cleopatra Beach, Vanessa Beach, Semiramis Beach and the private beach of Helnan Palestine Hotel. All sorts of sea activity done in Montaza. One can ride a sea boat and take a ride around the Montaza complex. You also can go water skiing as well, Diving, Snorkeling, or even just chill out in front of the sea.

Montaza Palace is a palace and extensive gardens in the Montaza district of Alexandria, Egypt. Moreover, Montaza Palace built on a low plateau east of central Alexandria overlooking a beach on the Mediterranean Sea. The extensive Montaza Palace grounds first had the Salamlek Palace. Salamlek Palace built in 1892 by Khedive Abbas II, the last Muhammad Ali Dynasty. Further more, Montaza Palace used as a hunting lodge and house for his companion.

The history of Montaza Complex Alexandria:

In the year 1892, Abbas Helmy II, the last Khedive of Egypt and Sudan, used to like riding horses and donkeys on the shores. He was doing that in the neighborhoods of Alexandria with some of his friends like Ahmed Shafiq Pasha. They used to start their rides from Sidi Bishr, a neighborhood in the west of the city of Alexandria. And then they move to different places of the jewel of the Mediterranean Sea. In one summer night, Helmy ordered his men to prepare 80 donkeys for his ride in Alexandria. This is besides the Khedive Music band that consisted of 48 music players and their instruments. When they reached Sidi Bishr, a group of Bedouins heard the music. In fact, they knew that the Khedive is among the ride. They came and greeted him followed him around.

The Khedive Helmy II loved an area near Sidi Bishr because of the scenes of the sea there. He likeed it because of the quite and fascinating atmosphere of this location. Moreover, he even went again to view this area more clearly.  He went to a specific spot which located between two eminences and has a small island to its North.  At that moment Helmy decided to have this spot as his summer house. H decided to build a palace and some gardens there. On the top of one of these eminences, there were old canons. They go back to the reign of Mohamed Ali. Mohammad Ali put them there to protect the North Coast of Egypt and the city of Alexandria. These canons are still at the same spot till today. Helmy built the Salamlek Palace in front of it.

Further details about Montaza complex Alexandria:

The other eminence’s top contained a center for coast guards. The Khedive bought it form the government and built the Haramlek Palace there. Helmy II also bought the house of Sinadino. He was a rich Alexandrian tradesman. He added the land to his complex and he bought a lot of lands from people living in the area. It was to expand the space of his summer resort. The Khedive followed the construction of the two palaces himself. He named the whole complex, Montaza complex or Montaza Palace or Montaza gardens. That suggested to him by Mahmoud Shokry Pasha, the head of the Turkish Divan in Egypt.

After the death of Abbas Helmy II, the Royal Family continued taking care of the Montaza Palace. In fact, it was until the reign of King Farouk I, the last king of Egypt. Egyptian revolution of 1952 took Montaza Palace. And then opened the gardens for public. Salamlek Palace transformed into a museum. And then, added to the presidential palaces. Presidential palaces serve as a hosting place for the president’s visitors.

Further details about Montaza Gardens Alexandria:

Montaza Gardens which are 3000 meters wide contains a huge selection of trees and plants. Some of them are quite rare. Some of the tropical plants are still in good shape although they planted more than 75 years ago. The plant collection in Montaza Gardens includes Catania, huge boots, Zamia, Carlota and special types of palms. This is besides the big size plants like Anthurium, Hokiry, Araliaceae, Victoria, and Ropilia.

Helnan Palestine Hotel:

Helnan Palestine Hotel is the only hotel which built inside one of the royal palaces. The hotel ownership transformed to the government after the Egyptian revolution in 1952. It stands just in front of the modern light house of Montaza. In fact, the hotel built due to the orders of the former Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser. It was to host the first Arab Summit. Moreover, it attended by all the Arab president and kings of the time. The hotel became the house of most of the kings, queens, presidents and important figures who visit Egypt. Moreover, the hotel even hosted the visitors of Egypt at the event of the grand opening of the new Library of Alexandria. The list included the French president Jacques Chirac and Sofia the Queen of Spain. It also included the Queen Rania the wife of the king of Jordon.

In fact, the hotel is the most favorite summer spot for some of Egypt’s artists and authors as well. Moreover, the hotel contains 233 rooms and all them have sea or garden views. It also has 20 suites, two royal suites, and a villa. The villa takes the whole space of the sixth floor of the hotel. In fact, it is suitable for large families and groups. The villa contains 6 rooms, special private kitchen, and a big reception hall. Helnan Palestine Hotel is famous for its various restaurants. Estacoza Restaurant, located on the sea, offers delicious fresh seafood dishes.

El Salamlek Palace & Hotel:

El Salamlek Palace hotel provides its visitors with the luxurious style of the life of kings and queens. The hotel was built by Abbas Helmy II as the hunting lounge for him and his Austrian girlfriend. She became his wife afterwards and changed her name to be Gawidan Hanem. The name Haramlek in the Turkish language means: the place where men meet women. Haramlek is the opposite of Salamlek, the place where women stay. In the reign of King Farouk, the palace used as his special office and meeting hall. El Salamlek Palace designed by Dmitri Fabersious, one of the most famous architects at the time.

It designed using a lot of rich decorations. It contains an artificial forest. The garden of the Palace has Italian canons that King Ahmed Fouad brought from Europe. He did that to defend the Palace against any attack that might come from the sea. The palace used a military hospital in the World War I. It was where British soldiers transferred to receive treatment. After the revolution in 1952, the Haramlek Palace transformed into a hotel and managed by Sphinx Tourism Company. The San Giovanni Company came afterwards and made a lot of restorations and renovations to the hotel.

Further details about El Salamlek hotel Alexandria:

When you first enter the main hall of the hotel you find yourself in the Khedive Salon with its luxurious furniture.  It contains a collection of photographs of the Khedive with different important figures. You will definitely spend some time at the reception to be able to choose the best suite. The hotel has 14 special suites. “Mawlana Al Moheeb” Suite that contains 5 wide rooms and a special royal garden view. “Sahebat Al Essma” suite features huge three rooms and wide balcony. “Dawlat Al Ra’ees” suite features two rooms and a wide balcony. “Afandina” suite features three rooms and a big balcony. The most fascinating suite in the hotel is the Crystal suite, or the queen royal suite. It named that way because all its items made out of blue glass and crystal.

Haramlek Palace:

Haramlek Palace built by King Ahmed Foaud in 1925. He ordered his Italian architect to construct. In fact, it was it to be the summer house of the Royal Family of Egypt at the time. Haramlek Palace has a distinctive design. The design combines different types of styles including Byzantine style dominant. This is besides the Gothic, Classic, and off course Islamic styles of architecture. The word Haramlek is a Turkish architecture term that used to describe the place where women stay. It forbidden for anyone to enter this special ladies area. The Haramlek Palace contains a lot of French antiquities. It decorated in the Baroque and Rococo styles that consist of amazing ornaments of plants and geometric designs.

Moreover, Haramlek Palace consists of a huge open air hall. It is in the middle of it with all the rooms and suites surrounding it. The palace has three floors. In fact, the first floor consists of many rooms and halls. The most important among them is the office of the king, the billiards hall, and the dinning lounge. The second floor used to host the chaperones and servants of the kings and queens. The third and last floor hosted the suites of the king and the queen with a huge balcony  between. This floor also has the baby prince suite. It designed out of cork to prevent the sleeping baby from disturbing because of the sound of footsteps.

Information about Cavafy Museum Alexandria, tours, Booking

Cavafy Museum Alexandria belongs to Mr. Constantine Cavafy. He was born in 1863, in Alexandria, Egypt and where he lived most of his life. The apartment where he spent his last 35 years was in Lepsius Street. It renamed “Sharm El Sheikh”. Moreover, it was after the site at the entrance of the Bay of Aquaba, made over into a museum. It done to honor the life and works of the great Alexandrian poet. After Cavafy’s death in 1933, his apartment turned into a cheap hostel. A museum of sorts later created on the upper floor of the Greek Consulate General. It is within the Hellenic Quarter of Chatby, Alexandria.

Although the poet’s furniture sold by his heirs, his library saved. Moreover, it saved by the eminent Cavafologist Prof. George Savidis. The Cavafy International Committee leased the poet’s apartment in 1991. Cavafy Museum Alexandria opened to the public on November 16th 1992. With the help of Cavafy’s friends, the apartment has given some of the “atmosphere” of his life. In fact, photographs used to help in the reconstruction of the furniture and the general surroundings. Cavafy Museum Alexandria contains a wide range of bibliographical material. It also has translations of Cavafy’s poetry in 20 languages by 40 different scholars. It also has most of the 3,000 articles and works written about his poetry.

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Tribute also paid to the important personalities influenced. It was by the Poet – a room in the house which dedicated to the author Stratis Tsirkas. The Alexandria of Cavafy’s time was different to the city we know today. That city we see depicted in his works. It is also in those of E.M. Forster, Lawrence Durell , and Stratis Tsirkas. Cavafy lived in an area sandwiched between the red-light Attarin and the center of a city. It recognized as the crossroads of civilization . It is what Cavafy himself called the “capital of memories”.

Cavafy’s home situated between the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the bordellos of the City. In fact, it characterized by the poet as “The Temple of the Soul”. It also done as “the Temple of the Body” and “the Temple of the Flesh”.  Cavafy’s Museum indeed is a “must” for all visitors to Alexandria.

Cavafy Museum Alexandria runs under the auspices of the Cultural Section of the Greek Embassy in Cairo. It is open Tues -Sun 10.00 – 15.00, Thurs & Sun 10.00 – 17.00.

For further information tel: + 203 4825205-4821598

Royal Jewelry Museum Alexandria information, tours, prices, booking

Royal Jewelry Museum located in the neighborhood of Zizenia in Alexandria city. In fact, the Royal Jewelry Museum indeed is one of the largest Museums in Egypt. Moreover, it has a surface area of around 4185 meters. In fact, the Museum hosts the most valuable displays. They include the jewelry and the ornaments which queens and princesses of the last royal family of Egypt wore. Moreover, the building of the museum itself is truly marvelous. In fact, it housed in the palace of Princess Fatema El Zahraa. It indeed is a rare piece of architectural art that constructed in the 19th century.

Some of the displays of the museum date back to the period of Mohamed Ali Pasha. It was when became the Khedive of Egypt in 1805. He took control of the country making it independent from the Ottoman rule. Moreover, he established a dynasty that ruled Egypt for 147 years. The grandson of Mohamed Ali, Khedive Ismail wanted to make Egypt a part of the modernity of Europe. This is why Khedive Ismail added electric lamps to the street of Egypt. Khedive Ismail hired the most skillful Egyptian and foreign artists to create the golden jewelry of the royal family. He also did for the antiques that used to decorate their houses and palaces. In fact, Khedive Ismail ruled Egypt from 1863 till 1879,

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This is the main reason why most of the displays of the museum date back to his ruling period. After the Egyptian revolution of the year 1952, all the royal jewelry expropriated. They remained in the governmental stores for a long period of time. The committee which specified to establish the Royal Jewelry Museum attracted to the Palace of Princess Fatema El Zahraa. Fatema was the daughter of Prince Haidar Fadel, the son of Prince Mustafa Fadel, the brother of Khedive Ismail. The palace of Princess Fatema El Zahraa constructed in the period between 1919 and 1923. This palace is considered to be a piece of European architectural art in itself. It built by French, Italian, and Belgium architects and artists.

The palace erected following the school of Michael Angelo using the calm style of coloring and decorations. The Palace of Fatema Al Zahraa constructed over a surface area of 4185 square meters. The palace consists of two large suits. The Eastern Suite has two halls and a gallery. The gallery with a bronze statue of a boy in the center of it. The walls of this suit have rich colored windows decorations all over it. The Western Suit consists of two floors. Each has four large halls with three bathrooms. Bathrooms coated with decorative colored ceramics. An elegant foyer connects between the two suits of the palace. It featured with ten glass frames in the shape of ten doors with drawings. They represent European historical scenes and legendary stories like Romeo and Juliet.

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The windows of Fatema Al Zahraa palace decorated with colored glass. The grounds of the palace coated with the finest types of wood. The wood imported from Turkey and other European countries. The Palace of Fatema Al Zahraa was the perfect choice to host the valuable displays of Royal Museum. After the revolution of 1952, the Egyptian government has captured the palace from Princess Fatema Al Zahraa. It transformed to become the lounge of the president of Egypt before it opened as the Royal Jewelry Museum.

The Royal Jewelry Museum has more than 11 thousand displays include the collection of Prince Mohamed Ali Tawfik. This collection consists of 12 cups made out of bronze and gold. It also includes 2753 lobes of precious stones and diamonds. It also includes a money bag made out of gold and other valuable precious stones. The priceless collection of Prince Mohamed Ali Tawfik has the marvelous Sultan pocket watch. It made out of pure gold and precious stones. The collection also include and many of glass cups decorated with 977 lobes of diamonds.

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Royal Jewelry Museum also displays the collection that dates back to the ruling period of Saeed Pasha. It contains some golden clocks and watches. Moreover, it also include Turkish, Egyptian and European insignia decorated with gold and diamonds. It also includes 4000 Roman, Persian, Byzantine, and Coptic coins. The most impressive exhibits of the museum is the snuffing box of Mohammad Ali. He is the founder of the Royal Family in Egypt. The collection includes ornamented with diamonds. It also includes his set of chess and his monumental sword.

The sword that created in the shape of a snake. It decorated with 600 diamonds gathered from the collections of many princesses of the Royal Family. The walls of the Royal Jewelry Museum have some magnificent painted portraits. They are of Khedive Ismail, his wives, sons, and daughters. All put in pure golden frames. The collection of King Farouk featured with the extensive use of diamonds. The first piece of this collection was the sistrum. In fact, he used it when he was a baby to call his servants. This sistrum made in the shape of a royal crown. It made out of palatine, diamonds, emeralds, rubies and small pieces of gold.

More details about Museum of Royal Jewelry Alexandria:

Royal Jewelry Museum has also a collection of King Farouk. It contains his personal stick that made of ebony and gold. It also contains a magnificent set of cups decorated with gold and sapphire. Each cup having 229 pieces of sapphire and 29 pieces of diamonds. The whole section in the Royal Jewelry Museum specified to display the gifts to King Farouk. This collection also includes the tea set given to the king and his wife. It given to them on their wedding day by the Pashas of Egypt. This is besides to a plate made out of agate that given to King Farouk by the Czar of Russia.

One of the most startling displays in the Royal Jewelry Museum is the crown of Queen Shwikar. It is one of the largest and most beautiful crowns of the members of the royal family in Egypt. There is also the hall of the belongings of Queen Farida, the wife of King Farouk. It exhibits her crown that made out of gold and palatine and ornamented by 1506 pieces of diamonds. This is besides a large collection of diamonds, rubies, emeralds and corals.

Further details Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria:

Royal Jewelry Museum has also the collection of princess Fawzeya. She was the sister of King Farouk and the wife of the Shah of Iran, Mohammadd Reda Balhawy. The collection includes palatine ring where the name of the princess carved. It has also a belt that ornamented by 240 pieces of diamonds. Royal Jewelry Museum includes many other displays that include a large royal clock. The royal clock decorated with diamonds and has the shape of an elephant made out of ivory and sapphire. In fact, the museum displays many golden and palatine chest pins. It also displays large number of the personal belongings of the Royal Family members of Egypt.

A section of the Royal Jewelry Museum dedicated to the antiques and gifts. These antiques and gifts given to the Royal Family. It includes the famous plate of Queen Eugenie that given to Khedive Ismail in the opening of the Suez Canal. The estimated price is around 15 million pounds. It ornamented with diamonds, sapphires, and emerald. The Royal Jewelry Museum has undergone a long restoration. The renovation period took long time and reopened in the year 2010.

More details Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria:

Many services and facilities added to the museum. They include central air conditioning and a library. The museum also includes a cafe, a seminar hall, and a restoration laboratory. There is security alarm system in the museum to protect it against thrifts and fire. It has also surveillance cameras. The renovation cost of the Museum is more than nine million dollars. In April 2010 Suzanne Mubarak, officially reopened the museum for public visits.

Mahmoud Saeed Museum in Alexandria Egypt information, tours, prices, booking

Mahmoud Saeed Museum in Alexandria located in Alexandria city, Egypt. In fact, Mahmoud Saeed Museum belongs to the famous artist Mr. Mahmoud Saeed. Mr. Saeed born in Alexandria, Egypt son of Muhammad Saeed Pasha, the Prime Minister of Egypt in that period. After receiving his high school diploma, he went on to law school, receiving his degree in 1919. Moreover, between 1919 and 1921 he traveled through Europe, ultimately studying at the Académie Julian. He returned to Egypt and worked at the Mixed Courts of Egypt until his father’s death in 1950.

Furthermore, between 1919 and his death in 1964, Saeed was a prolific oil painter. In Alexandria, his first trained with Italian painter, Amelia Casonato Da Forno, and later with Arturo Zanieri. He often shared the studio of his good friend, the Greek painter, Aristomenis Angelopoulos. A short visit to the Mahmoud Saeed Museum will transport you to the 40’s and 50’s. In fact, it is the Egyptian 20th century golden era. Moreover, after retiring from his judge duties, Mahmoud Saeed started to paint Egypt as he saw it. Furthermore, he mixed some echoes from the past with modern techniques such as cubism and social realism.

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Housed in the artist’s beautiful Italian-style villa, the Museum has display about 40 of his paintings. In fact, Mahmoud Saeed museum also features many of Holdings of Adham Wanli and Seif Wanli. Moreover, it also features other holdings of the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art. Furthermore, the museum opened in 2000 and concerns a new addition to Art in Alexandria. In fact,  the most important paintings in the center is the maternity painting – Sultan girl. The museum is a part of the memory of his emotional and artistic mother. In fact, it houses many of art collections.

Address: 6 Mohammad Saeed Pasha St., Gianaclis area, Alexandria.
Opening Hours: From 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Mondays

Information about Alexandria Library, tours, Booking

Alexandria Library also called Bibliotheca Alexandrina. In fact, it is much more than a library. The Library located in Alexandria city, Egypt. Alexandria Library features BA Library. In fact, the BA library is a learning space that offers information in all its formats. It is through its collections of books, periodicals, maps and manuscripts. Moreover, it is also through the multimedia and electronic resources. Alexandria Library composed of the Main Library. The main library indeed is the largest reading room of the world. It also composed of many specialized libraries. They are Children’s Library, the Young People’s Library and the Taha Hussein Library. The last one is for the Blind and Visually Impaired serve the specific needs of their users.

The special collections of the library include the Arts & Multimedia Library. They also include the Manuscript Reading Room. Moreover, the collection include the Microfilm Reading Room. They also include the Rare Books & Special Collections Reading Room. Furthermore, they also include the Nobel Section and Shadi Abdel Salam Collection.

Taha Hussein Library in Alexandria Library:

The Taha Hussein Library (TH) offers a new approach in library services. The services are for the blind and visually impaired. Equipped with special software, the Library applies the latest technology. In fact, the technology makes it possible for its users to read books and journals. It also lets them access all the resources of the library as well as selected web resources. In this way they enabled to gain more independence. One of the main goals of the TH library is to offer equal access to all users. It is regardless to their disability. The TH located at the Entrance Level to facilitate physical access for its visitors.

Children’s Library in Alexandria Library:

The Children’s Library (CH) provides educational, recreational and cultural resources for children. They children who aged 6 to 11. In fact, it contains a large collection of picture books, story books. It also contains nonfictional books and multimedia materials. The material is available in several languages. It also covers a wide range of subjects from arts to zoology. In addition to the reading area, the CH encompasses a computer lab. It also features an activities room, a storytelling and puppet-show corner. Moreover, it also features a multimedia corner.

A special section dedicated to children with different types of disabilities. In fact, several activities offered by the CH staff on a daily basis. They are such as storytelling, puppet show performances and arts and crafts groups. Children’s authors often invited to read to the children. The main goal of the CH is to develop the children’s reading and research. It also develops creativity skills through the different programs and activities.

Young People’s Library in Alexandria Library:

The Young People’s Library (YP) opens up a vast world of knowledge and entertainment. It also provides the culture for young people aged 12 to 16. The YP introduces its visitors to modern information technology. It also develops their reading and research skills and encourages social interaction. The collection of books in the YP area covers the same topics as in the Main Library. But it tailored to suit young people’s requirements. The YP Library offers access to different periodicals, multimedia and e-resources. It is besides to huge databases covering a variety of subjects.

Arts and Multimedia Library in Alexandria Library:

The Arts and Multimedia Library holds a rich print. In fact, it also holds an audiovisual collection of the Arts. The print collection includes books, musical scores and periodicals. The collection also includes the audio-visual collection. The last one covers a broad spectrum of motion pictures and documentary films. It also covers educational programs and self-teaching methods in languages and computers. The Audiovisual materials used in individual or group study rooms within the Library.

Library Map Library in Alexandria Library:

The Map Library houses a collection of more than 7000 maps. In fact, the maps cover all parts of the world with special focus on Alexandria, Egypt. It also focuses on the Arab world and the Mediterranean region. The collection contains maps of various types. In fact, it includes topographic, thematic, geologic maps and world maps. It also includes street maps, estate maps, contour maps and transportation. Moreover, it also includes communication maps, facsimile maps, atlases and nautical charts. Furthermore, it also includes aeronautical charts, satellite and aerial images, and globes. The Map Library located in B4 at the Main Library.

The Rare Books and Special Collections in Alexandria Library:

Rare collections cover all remarkable, unique items within the BA’s holdings. In fact, the collections include original manuscripts, early printed books and maps. They also include antique coins, celebrities’ personal effects and exceptional donations. The section houses many of units and specialized work groups. It also includes two reading rooms dedicated to researchers and postgraduate students. The first (B1) houses thousands of original manuscripts. It also house printed references on heritage. The second room (B2) allocated for rare books and special collections.

Micro-forms in Alexandria Library:

In fact, Micro-form is a felicitous medium for the preservation of rare manuscripts. It also for the printed materials and documents against potential loss or damage. In fact, the damage which based on the excessive circulation and age. The BA obtained microfilms of rare manuscripts and documents. The Micro-form Section also comprises comprehensive and exclusive collections. In fact, the collections are of national and Arabic newspapers. They serve as a historical register of important events, as well as rare documents. All micro-form collections are now available for consultation in the Micro-form Reading Room.

Nobel Section in Alexandria Library:

Located on the third floor (F3) of the Library. In fact, the Nobel Section comprises book collections of Nobel Prize Laureates in Literature. It is from 1901 to present. The Nobel Section comprises the Nobel Room and the Gad Rausing Auditorium. It also features the Söderberg Lounge. The furniture of the Nobel Section designed by famous Swedish designers. The Nobel Room accommodates a large meeting table. In fact, the table made of alder root and cherry wood. It is the table in the Assembly Hall of the Nobel Forum in Stockholm.

Francophone Library in Alexandria Library:

Located at the First Basement (B1). The library based on the exceptional gift from the French National Library (BnF) to the BA. The gift is a collection of 500,000 French books. In fact, the books published between 1996 and 2006 in different fields. As a result, the BA became the fourth largest francophone library in the world. It also features the biggest collection of French books outside France.

At the center of the BACC, the Hexagon is the hub of the Francophone Library. In fact, it is the meeting point of all francophone. It is a café, a cultural forum and a platform for holding ceremonies. Moreover, it features round table discussions and workshops. In fact, the Francophone Library offers different services to the public in various fields. It provides help to researchers and users about French literature. Moreover, it offers conversation workshops in French. In fact, it attempts to document the francophone world. It also introduces the geography, history, civilization, and tourist attractions of France to users.

Qaitbay Maritime Museum Alexandria information, tours, prices, booking

Qaitbay Maritime Museum Alexandria is one of the smallest museums in Egypt. In fact, Qaitbay Maritime Museum Alexandria displays different kinds of sea creatures and scenes. They collected from the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea. Qaitbay Maritime Museum Alexandria contains natural coral reefs. It also contains many kinds of fish like the Picasso fish, and some seashells. The next display of Qaitbay Maritime Museum Alexandria consists of a collection of skates and rays. Some of these creatures are more than three meters long. Some of them look scary, while some have natural colors and wonderful designs on their backs. Next, there is a huge collection of sea sponges from the Mediterranean Sea.

These creatures come in a variety of different colors and shapes. They are either a shade of white or pink and in semi-circular shapes. There are three primary kinds of sponges in Egypt. They consist of glass, turkey cup and honeycombs. The turkey cup sponge gets it’s name from it’s smooth skin. The honeycomb sponge is brown and has a wide openings in it’s body. They all live in deep sea water. Qaitbay Maritime Museum Alexandria has another section which is interesting. It is the jaws section, showing the jaws of different kinds of fish. There is also the coral reefs section. In fact, the section has a variety of collections gathered from the Red Sea. Many of the displays depict artificial scenes within main bodies of water bordering Egypt.

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The next display, on the left hand side, is a beautiful scene from the Red Sea. It demonstrates the things a diver would see under water in the Red Sea. The diver is a bit cartoon like, or at least far out of date. It is from the standpoint of modern diving gear. But there are colorful fish and many different kinds of coral reefs. Next, an amazing display you will ever find. It is a skeleton on display here that might make one believe that they exist. This creature with the body of a woman and the tail of a fish portrayed in movies as pretty. But the skeleton was rather ugly. The next section of Qaitbay Maritime Museum Alexandria is the fossil section.

Fossils are the natural remains of sea creatures. They preserved inside sea bead rocks. Sometimes these fossils contain different kinds of substances. The study of these fossils was of great help in the quest to examine the origins of Earth. Its history and the geological changes the Earth has been through. The study of these fossils is also essential for the search for petrol. After this, there is a display of a natural jaw of a shark. It poised as if the shark is attacking it’s prey. The upper jaw has six rows of sharp teeth, each six centimeters long. The length of the open jaw is more than 70 centimeters.

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The next display is a diorama of the Red Sea. In fact, it is a scene from the Red Sea. It shows the environment and explaining why it is so suitable for a large and varied number of fish. One, among the many kinds of fish shown, is the Bassar fish. It considered one of the hardest fish to catch . It is because of its strong persistence, but there are many others as well. Next, there are some drawings of fish. They are an original copy from the book of the description of Egypt. It done by the French scientists in the Napoleon occupation of Egypt. They represent another collection of fish that live in the Mediterranean Sea. This rare document would be, for some the most interesting in the museum.

The next section contains a large collection of different seashells. They found in the Red and Mediterranean Seas. These seashells vary in their shape and size. Some of them are tiny while others are huge. There are many sea shell enthusiasts and this might be of interest to them. At the end of every museum in Egypt, there always seems to be a special display. In Qaitbay Maritime Museum Alexandria, the special display is the hugest skeleton. It is of a whale that you believe you will ever see. Moreover, it is more than forty meters long and it extends the length of the entire museum. It captured in Alexandria in the 1950’s by a group of fishermen. This skeleton amazes all the visitors of the museum because of its huge size.

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Qaitbay Maritime Museum Alexandria is an entertaining experience for the whole Family. It is especially the kids who love the sea. The museum has a huge variety of displays and information. They are about the two seas that Egypt borders, the Red and Mediterranean Seas. If you visited the great Qaitbay Fort, don’t miss a look at the displays in Qaitbay Maritime Museum. It located at the old gate of the Qaitbay Fort.