Activities in Nile Valley

El Fishawy Cafe Cairo Egypt tours, booking, prices, reviews

El Fishawy Cafe Cairo indeed is the most renowned cafe in the Arab world. It is a monument to the traditional Egyptian social style. El Fishawy Cafe Cairo is popular for relaxing with friends and colleagues. It is the occasional stranger over coffee, tea and tobacco. Some 240 years ago, a man named El Fishawy began serving coffee to his friends. It was in an alley of Cairo’s Khan El Khalili district. This was each evening after prayers. According to his descendants El Fishawy’s gatherings grew larger. It fueled by the talk of the town. El Fishawy added mint tea and anise tea to his informal menu. This is besides shishas (water pipes). “We are different from the other coffeehouses because we work to preserve the old style”. Says Akram El Fishawy. He is one of the the Cafe’s seventh-generation owners.

In fact, El Fishawy Cafe Cairo really represents Egypt’s past. The Cafe’s sits cramped and noisy at the hub of Cairo’s richest area. It is of Islamic architecture and historic institutions. Besides the labyrinthine 14th-century Khan El Khalili market, the popular Al Hussein mosque is nearby. It is where the head of one of the grandsons of the Prophet Muhammad said to be buried. Only a few meters across the road from the cafe is Al Azahr. It is one of the world’s oldest universities. Partly because of this location, El Fishawy Cafe became a popular neighborhood watering hole. It also became a rallying point for more than two centuries of Egyptian writers, artists, musicians and students. “Loving greetings I present to my beloved home, El Fishawy” reads one entry in the cafe’s multi-volume guest register.

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The Arabic script is small and clear. “God grant it and its owners long life, fame and happiness. Your loyal son, Naguib Mahfouz. December, 1982”. Akram El Fishawy explains that Mahfouz was the café’s most famous “regular”. In fact, he wrote parts of his Nobel-Prize-winning trilogy in El Fishawy Cafe’s back room. “His boyhood home is just down the road” Other notable patrons have included Ahmad Rami. He is the poet who wrote songs for the legendary singer Umm Kalthum. Even King Farouk, ruler of Egypt in the years before and after World War II. Good wishes also appear in the guest book from the pen of Alex Haley, author of Roots. The television series made from his book was one of the greatest hits in recent memory in Egypt.

“Everything that has happened in Egypt has passed through Fishawy’s” says El Fishawy with pride. El Fishawy Cafe is a cafe for ordinary people, and each day has its rhythm. In the early morning, cabbies, craftsmen and shopkeepers often drop in for a wake-up pot of tea.  Noon brings the peak hours. It is when camera-toting travelers can often spotted moving in herds among the tables. It is while the cafe’s waiters stride through their midst, like egrets. Afternoon brings a wave of students and groups of worshipers. This is after their prayers at Al Hussein. On weekends, El Fishawy cafe seems filled with Egyptians from towns and cities outside Cairo. At such a time, someone might begin to recite a poem, half-heard amid the nocturnal buzz and bustle.

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There are changes which affected both the cafe and the country over the years. But in fact, El Fishawy Cafe Cairo remains a social monument. Traditional menu, battered mirror frames and the waiters shouting their orders. It is across the alley to the kitchen let Fishawy cafe endears itself to all who enter. In fact, the tea is the most popular drink at Fishawy’s and in much of the Arab world. It comes in a battered two-cup enamel teapot with a bowl of sugar. Moreover, it comes with sprigs of fresh mint and a small glass. Coffee served in the traditional Arab kanakah. It is a fluted, long-handled copper pot with sugar on the side. Other national favorites include Karkaday, a tart, and deep-red hibiscus. They include also anise infusion, fresh lemonade and Sahlab. They also include a hot thick drink like thinned Cream of Wheat.

To the habitues, long-handled shishas, the traditional Arab water pipes, are as indispensable as tea. On a typical night, the cafe’s tiny kitchen turns out as many as 400 clay pipe-bowls. It packed with aromatic tobacco mixtures. It made sticky with either traditional molasses or a lighter apple flavoring. Women as well as men smoke, drawing it through a flexible tube and a cylindrical wooden handle. Most of the tiny, round tables, their marble tops cracked. Furthermore, they held together by their aluminum rims, have seen as many years as Fishawy’s itself. El Fishawy Cafe Cairo has large oil paintings. They varnish darkened to deepest brown. It also features enormous mirrors, heavy in gilded arabesque frames and some inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

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The walls, covered with a dimmed yellow paint. This makes the cafe as old as Khan El Khalili itself. The Cafe’s inner sanctum is the “closed treasure room” once Naguib Mahfouz’s favorite writing spot. It now used for private parties. In El Fishawy Cafe Cairo stands a full-length Spanish mirror with lotus blossoms. It carved into its ponderous dark frame. It reflects light from an over sized chandelier. “We can’t redecorate” says Akram El Fishawy. “When we tried to repaint the walls, the customers complained. They said, ‘We like it better when they are dirty!” That genuineness, El Fishawy says, is not likely to change. His ancestor started the cafe for social reasons and for his friends. He points out that Fishawy’s today “is not an investment project”. It is something to preserve.

Egyptian Museum Cairo Egypt tours, booking, prices, reviews

Egyptian Museum Cairo Egypt is one of the oldest museums in the world. In fact, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo has a long history which dates back to the 1825. It was when Mohamed Ali Pasha issued a decree to establish a museum for the antiquities. Mohamed Ali Pasha was the ruler of Egypt at that time. The first location of the museum was in front of the Azabakeya Lake. Azabakeya Lake was between Opera Square and Ataba Square.

The rulers of Egypt in this period did not realize the real value of the antiquities. They also didn’t for ancient historical finds of Egypt. They gave them to the European tourists who visited Egypt. It was in the middle of the 19th century. The rest of the antiquities taken to an abandoned room in the Citadel. The Austrian Archduke Maximilian visited the Citadel. He was fond of the belongings of this room. Khedive Abbas, the ruler of Egypt at that time, gave the Archduke all the items that kept in the room. Afterwards Maximilian took theses antiquities with him to Austria. They are still there until today.

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The recent museum located in Tahrir square. In fact, it is because of the efforts of the great Egyptolog man, Auguste Mariette. The Museum opened for public in the 15th of November 1902. Situated in front of the main entrance of the Egyptian Museum Cairo, a small artificial lake. It has some of the lotus and the papyrus plants. Papyrus is indeed the most important plant for the ancient Egyptians. The papyrus is that green long plant which used by the ancient Egyptians to produce papers. Furthermore, the words “paper” in English and the word “Papier” in French both derived from the word “Papyrus”.

In fact, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities consists of two floors. The ground floor hosts the heavier displays. They are such as coffins, huge statues and also stone carvings. Moreover, the displays of this floor organized according to the historical periods. They are Old Kingdom, Intermediate Period and also New Kingdom. They also include Late Period Gareco Roman Period and the antiquities of the Nubia. The upper floor of the Egyptian Museum houses the lighter displays. The displays include gadgets and also tools. They include also funerary objects, smaller statues, papyrus papers, wooden coffins and jewelry. In addition, they also include jewelry. Moreover, they also include the displays of the Tut Ankh Amun tomb (Tutankhamen’s tomb).

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In fact, displays you must view at the Museum is the Narmer Plate or the Plate of the King Menes. The Narmer Plate is a large plate which made out of stone. It is the only remaining evidence that King Narmer was able to unify the two regions of Egypt. They are Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. The name of the King Menes inscribed at the two sides of the plate. In addition, King Menes portrayed on one side of the plate wearing the long white crown. He is about to beat a war prisoner with his hands. On the other side of the Narmer Plate, also the king portrayed. He wears the two crowns and walking with his followers. This to supervise the process of prosecuting the war prisoner.

The Displays of the Old Kingdom:

The displays of the Old Kingdom in the Egyptian Museum Cairo located to the left hand side of the entrance door. They are among the most remarkable among the whole displays of the museum. The Old Kingdom or the Pyramids builders period, is a section of the ancient Egyptian history. The achievements of this period are Pyramids of Giza, Zoser’s Step Pyramid and Dahshur Pyamid. The achievements also include Abu Sir Pyramids. The first capital of a unified Egypt founded by King Menes in the 32 nd century BC. It called Memphis and located nowadays to the South of Giza. In fact, the important Egyptian kings are King Menes, King Zoser and King Senefru. They are also King Chespos and King Khafre. They ruled over the country from Memphis.

In addition, there is a wonderful statue of King Khafre which made out of alabaster. It put on display in the second hall of the ground floor of the Egyptian Museum Cairo. There are also four heads of some of the relatives of the king. They also made out of limestone. The museum of Antiquities has also a collection of attractive smaller statues of servants. They are carrying out their everyday duties and responsibilities. There is also a statue of a woman grinding the grains. Beside her, there is a statue of a man getting the dough ready to produce beer.

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On the other side there is a man grilling a goose and beside him. There is also another man holding a large bag on his shoulder. In fact, these statues found in some of the tombs of the Nobles. They included these servants with them in their burial chambers. This is to serve them in the afterlife as they have served them during their lives. Moreover, the ground floor of the Egyptian Museum Cairo also has a large collection of coffins. They made from different types of rocks and stones. They have notable decorations and carvings.

There are also the walls of the funerary chamber. They reconstructed after brought from one of the tombs of Sakkara. This piece is the best example of the magnificent art of the 6th dynasty of the Old Kingdom. The guests will view on the walls of the chamber a list of items. They show what the deceased might need in the after life.

The Old Kingdom considered one of the most powerful periods of the ancient Egyptians. This is why the guests will find huge statues that featured with the accuracy in their design and beauty. An example of this, is the wonderful statue of king Khafrae. In fact, it made out of the strong diorite stone. The Egyptian Museum has also a wonderful statue of the old kingdom. The statue is the sycamore wooden which made statue of the “Sheikh of the town”. Furthermore, it is one of the most important figures. The statue dates back to the ancient Egyptian. It still practiced until today.

The Displays of the Middle Kingdom:

The Egyptian Museum Cairo also comprises ten notable statues that date back to the Middle Kingdom. The ten statues portray the King Senusret I and a king that belongs to the 12th dynasty. In fact, they all made out of limestone. There are also three other statues of Senusret which portrayed as a the god Osiris. They found near the El Lisht. It is an area near El Fayoum. The area is also near to Meidum Pyramid in Beni Suef. The Middle Kingdom period started in Egypt with the fall of the Old Kingdom. It was indeed a negative period of the ancient Egyptian history.

The living conditions of the Egyptians improved. It was in the beginning of the 12th dynasty rule. Moreover, the arts and industries have flourished. Another transition took place in Egypt once again. It is when the nobles fighting among each others. As a result, the living conditions getting worse once more. In fact, all these facts paved the way for the Hyksos to invade the country. The 17th dynasty came to rule over Egypt from Thebes. They started to fight these foreign invaders. It was until the King Ahmose was able to defeat the Hyksos and expel them out of Egypt. Ahmose founded the 18th dynasty, which is the first dynasty of the New Kingdom of Egypt.

The Displays of the New Kingdom:

The 18th dynasty is the first dynasty of the New Kingdom. It is indeed the greatest dynasties that ruled over Egypt. The most important rulers of this period are Queen Hatshepsut and King Amenhotep. They are also Ikhnaton and King Tut Ankh Amun. In fact, there are so many displays in the Egyptian Museum which date back to the New Kingdom. Among these there are several statues of the Goddess Hathour and the god Amun. Without doubt, they are the most famous god of ancient Egypt.

The displays of the New Kingdom also include a large collection of mummification tools. They also include chairs, wooden objects and crowns. Moreover, the displays also include a large collection of statues of gods, kings and queens. In fact, they date back to many different periods in the New Kingdom. There are also many remarkable statues of Queen Hatshepsut. Some of them portraying her in the shape of the Sphinx. The other shows her in the disguise of a man. There are also some notable statues of King Thutmose III, the successor of Hatshepsut. He is one of the most skillful military leaders of ancient Egypt. He called, the Napoleon of Egypt.

Egyptian Museum in Cairo operation hours:

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo opens daily from 9 am till 5 pm.
9:00 AM-2:00 PM during Ramadan month

Egyptian Museum ticket cost:

Egyptian: LE 10 (LE 5, students)
Foreign: LE 120 (LE 60, students)

Royal Mummies Room:
Egyptian: LE 20 (LE 10, students)
Foreign: LE 150 (LE 75, students)

Centennial Gallery:
Egyptian: LE 2 (LE 1, students)
Foreign: LE 30 (LE 15, students)

The Egyptian Museum location:

Midan al-Tahrir, Downtown Cairo

Egyptian Museum direction:

First by metro: Sadat Station, follow signs to Egyptian Museum exit and walk straight along the street.

Second car or taxi: Ask for “al-mat-haf al-masri”

Third by bus: Ask for “abdel minem-ryad”

The Egyptian Museum facilities:

Cafeteria, bank, post office, gift shop, library, children’s museum and school.

Taped audio guides are available in English, French and Arabic for LE 20. Go to the kiosk in the front foyer to purchase.

Membership in the Friends of the Egyptian Museum Cairo Egypt organization is available. Call for details (+20-(0)2-2579-4596).

Services for patrons with special needs:

An elevator, located to the right of Gallery R43 (Pre- and Early Dynastic). It is available for those unable to use the stairs. Ask the engineers in the office next to the elevator to activate it.
Guided tours for blind and low-vision patrons are available upon request (please phone in advance).

The Egyptian Museum contact information:

Phone: (+202) 25794596
Fax: (+202) 25794596
Email: egyptianmuseum@hotmail.com

NO PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED. Cameras must checked at building entrance.

El Badari Region Asyut Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

El Badari region Asyut located on the east bank of the Nile at the edge of the eastern desert, Egypt. Moreover, El Badari region lies between Akhmim in Sohag and Asyut. In fact, the region is a series of cemeteries which investigated by Petrie between 1922 and 1931. These ancient burial grounds stretch from Qaw El Kebir in the south to Matmar. Moreover, they served as burial grounds for the inhabitants of the region. In fact, the inhabitants were of Middle Egypt from Predynastic times and Roman era. El Badarai region encompasses cemeteries at El Hammamiya and El Badari. Moreover, the region also house cemeteries of Mostagedda, Deir Tasa and Matmar.

Many of the sites excavated during the early part of the 20th century. In fact, the finds at this site date back to the Badarian Period 5500 to 4000 BC. The area covers 35 km from south to north at the edge of the valley plain. Moreover, El Badari region comprises about 7000 recorded tombs. In fact, there are many artifacts which found during excavations. A distinctive pottery type identified which topped and polished red vessels. Petrie named it Badarian ware. Terracotta vessels and stone vases, ivory figurines and slate palettes also found. Moreover, large quantities of flint tools also found around many of the graves.

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In fact, the archaeologists gained much information about the Badarian culture from these objects. The people were early farmers in the Nile Valley and originated from an area of Upper Sudan. Skeletal remains show that they were tall people. Furthermore they wore their hair in plaits and garments woven. They made from flax or grass fibers and animal skins. Moreover, they were also hunters and fishermen, herded sheep and cattle. They cultivated cereals such as emmer and barley as well as lentils. Moreover, they also cultivated tubers to supplement their diet. They stored their food in large upright bins or jars which placed in holes in the ground.

Post holes, pits and ash hearths also found at El Badari region Asyut. The Badarian people were the first in Egypt to manufacture metal objects. In fact, the metal objects were in the form of copper beads and pins. Yet, they used flint and stone tools to create the beautiful pottery we see today in museums. The best known pottery of this period is the black-topped and burnished wares. In fact, they carried on into the Naqada Periods. The Badarian people influenced by the world around them. In fact, they produced textured pottery in the form of baskets. Moreover, they also produced gourds and vessels in animal form. The information about Predynastic burials comes from the cemeteries in Upper and Middle Egypt. It is while Lower Egypt revealed settlement sites from the period.

El Hiba Beni Suef Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

El Hiba Beni Suef Egypt is modern village located on the East bank of the Nile. In fact, El Hiba situated 32 km south of Beni Suef, Egypt. Moreover, it is the site of Ancient Tuedjoi. The town was an important frontier fortress on the northern limits of the Theban region. It was during Dynasty XXI and Dynasty XXII. In fact, a temple built here at that time by Shoshenq I. The town regained its military importance under the name of Ankyrononpolis. In fact, it was during the Graeco-Roman Period. Furthermore, there was habitation through the following centuries.

The mud-brick ruins of the town now sprawl up the hillside. It is from where there is a magnificent view over the surrounding plain to the Nile River. Ahmed Kamel was the first archaeologist to work at the site, publishing his results in 1901. The site then surveyed under the auspices of the Egypt Exploration Fund. It was by B Grenfell and A Hunt. They published their findings of many important Greek and demotic papyri texts in 1906. In fact, El Hiba divided into two parts, a large town mound surrounded by thick mud-brick walls. The second part is a series of cemeteries which spread around the desert and hills beyond. In fact, there are some structures which found at the site

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Moreover, there are remains of the large mud-brick enclosure walls. It is where many of bricks found and stamped with the names of Pinudjem I and Menkeperre. In fact, they were high-priests of Amun-Re at Thebes around the beginning of Dynasty XXI. The site best known for the large amount of papyri which contained. The small provincial limestone Temple of Amun located at the base of the hill. In fact, it surrounded on three sides by a mud-brick temenos wall. It is still in situ on the north and south sides. A fragment of relief from El Hiba depicts the king making offerings. The decoration completed by Sheshonq’s son, Osorkon I. In fact, the temple now ruined and overgrown with vegetation. However, standing on the hill above you can still make out the shape of the low stone walls.

In fact, it emerged from the sand, scrubby grass and small palm shoots growing around it. Within the enclosure walls, the stone-built temple measured about 36 meter by 18 meter. Moreover, it contained an entrance hall with two rows of four papyrus columns. They are one of the earliest pronaoi – and a four-pillared hall. Furthermore, there was a small offering hall and a barque shrine. It was with four small side-chambers as well as a crypt. In fact, there is a main problem of current excavators and conservators. It is the high level of the water table is the within the temple structure. It is because of the rising level of the Nile as well as the surrounding irrigated agricultural land.

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In fact, nearby banana grove planted recently. With continual wetting and drying, the unstable surface of the limestone blocks deteriorates fast. In fact, excavators fear that the future survival of the temple does not look good. It is unless a reliable method of stabilization found. The new highway from Cairo on the east side of the Nile also poses a threat to El Hiba site. it is also a vast necropolis and it was in the tombs. In fact, it is where the majority of papyri found, as well as many sarcophagi.

How to get to there:

El Hiba Beni Suef is on the east bank of the Nile and can reached via a car ferry. In fact, it is from the town of El Fashn on the west bank. Visitors at present must escorted by the tourist police. The town site and temple are a few kilometers from the ferry landing on the eastern side of the road.

El Derr temple Aswan Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

El Derr temple Aswan located 280 kilometer south of Aswan, Egypt. In fact, the temple is Nubian temple which hewn out of the rock. Moreover, the temple dismantled in 1964 to save it from the waters of Lake Nasser. It was after the construction of Aswan High Dam. El Derr temple moved to a new location which is close to Amada temple. The temple built during the 30 years of Ramses II reign. It was to celebrate his Sed festival. In fact, the temple is similar in many respects to his other Speos style monuments in Nubia. In fact, some of the temple’s decorations lost due to its use as a church by early Christians. However, many scenes remain at the temple. The scenes include one which depicts a procession of Ramses II children with girls on one side of the temple.

The boys are on the other side. In fact, it was a theme which used often by Ramses II. Nothing remained of the pylon which stood in front of the temple. What remains of the temple is a cut into a cliff. Today, it consists of two pillared halls and the rear sanctuaries, all oriented north-south. The first, cut into the rock which uses masonry for roofing slabs. It measures about fifteen by twelve meters and has three rows of four pillars. The third row consists of engaged Osiride Pillars of Ramses II which are larger than the others. This is a typical theme in many of Ramses Nubian temples. Though here, the arrangement does not conform to the usual one. The pillars and adjoining statues face the central axis of the temple. It is instead to face the entrance.

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In this first hall, there are low relief scenes on the side walls which cover topics of war. On the rear wall there are scenes of triumph. The second hall follows the axis of El Derr temple Aswan. It measures twelve by thirteen meters and is five meters high. It contains six, tapered pillars mounted on projecting bases and surmounted by transverse architrave. Here, the process of laying out the plan and the low relief work carried out inaccurately. The ceiling covered with stucco and then painted with a series of vultures along the center axis. Along the upper part of the walls runs a frieze of uraei alternating with the royal cartouche of Ramses II. Lower on the walls are scenes of a religious motif. In fact, it includes Ramses II’s jubilees and his purification. It also includes the reception of the bark.

Other scenes depict Shu, Tefnut and Montu. On the sides of the pillars, there are depictions of Pharaoh and a deity. They include Weret-hekau, Menhit, Ptah and Amun-Re. The temple features a sculptured palm-tree against which the king leans. It is while the king Ramses II makes an offering to Amen-Ra. The trunk given with elaborate truthfulness. The branches, though are correct and graceful in curvature. El Derr temple has conventional lotus. They are almost the only vegetable forms which appear on the walls of the temple. The second pillared hall of the temple gives way to three chapels. The center of these sanctuaries intended to contain the sacred bark. In fact, it indicated by depictions of priests who carry the boat on the walls.

El Bahnasa El Minya Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

El Bahnasa El Minya is a modern village which located in El Miny, Egypt. In fact, El Bahnasa was the location for a destroyed site which called Per-Medjed town. In fact, the town was the capital of the 19th Upper Egyptian Nome and called Oxyrhynchus. Little known about the Pharaonic history of the town. In fact, a species of mormyrus fish worshiped there in a local cult. Moreover, the fish was sharp nose fish. Furthermore, the fish and was one of the three species of Nile fish who ate the phallus of Osiris. It was when the god’s body cut into pieces by his brother Seth. There was a dispute which broke out between this town and its neighbor, Cynopolis. In fact, the last one worshiped a dog. Moreover, each community accused of killing and eating each other’s sacred emblems.

El Bahnasa El Minya called Oxyrhynchus as mentioned above by the Greeks who named their town after the sacred fish. The  town began to gain an importance during Ptolemaic times. In fact, it was when it became a prosperous regional capital. Moreover, under the Greeks and Romans the town became the third city of Egypt. In fact, Oxyrhynchus was a large and sophisticated town during Roman times. It was with access to the camel-routes between the Nile Valley and the western oases. Though, the site housed as many as 6000 people during its prominence. Moreover, a few structures revealed from this period. In fact, the structures included part of a colonnade and a Roman theater. Textural evidence tells us that there was also a gymnasium and public baths.

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Moreover, there were about twenty temples. The site of El Bahnasa visited by Denon and other early travelers. In fact, it was before Petrie digs there for the Egypt Exploration Fund in 1896. Moreover, El Bahansa site quarried for its stone and brick. Yet, it was Arthur Hunt and Bernard Grenfell who made the name of Oxyrhynchus famous. Two archaeologists from Oxford excavated the site for papyri. In 1896 they discovered a large quantity of papyri scrolls. In fact, they were in the town’s rubbish mounds. Moreover, the papyri scrolls rang from the Roman conquest to the early Islamic period. Between 1896 and 1906, El Bahnasa El Minya yielded an impressive collection of texts for. In fact, texts written in Greek but also in Latin, Coptic and Arabic.

Literary works included plays and poetry and the known texts of Plato. Fragmentary Christian texts also found, including a collection of Logia, or sayings of Christ. Some which do not appear in the gospels. Other discarded manuscripts found in the rubbish dumps. In fact, they consisted of letters and texts which shed an important light on daily life in Roman Egypt. Details of political, financial and religious concerns revealed in this. In fact, they are one of the largest and most important finds of papyri in Egypt.

How to get to El Bahnasa El Minya:

The village of El Bahnasa El Minya Egypt situated on the west bank of the Nile. Moreover, the village located to the west of the road between Maghagha and Beni Mazar. Furthermore, it is out towards the edge of the cultivation. Today the village occupies part of the Archaeological Sites.

Ehnasya El Medina Beni Suef Egypt tours, booking, prices, reviews

Ehnasya El Medina Beni Suef located near to the entrance of Fayoum oasis, Egypt. In fact, Ehnasya El Medina is the modern village which perched on a hill. The hill is above the site of ancient Henen-nesw, the capital of the 20th Upper Egyptian nome. In fact, the Greeks named Herakleopolis Magna. The extensive remains of the ancient city covers an area of 67 hectares. Moreover, the remains incorporates many of cemeteries and temples. They spanning the Middle Kingdom to Roman periods. The modern names of the site include Ihnasya El Medina and Ahnas El Medina. In fact, Henen-Nesw was the cult center of the ram-headed god Herishef (Harsaphes).

The Greeks identified with their Herakles, gave the town its classical name. In fact, it was during pharaonic times. Herishef was a local fertility deity and considered as a creator god. In fact, his name means “he who is upon his lake”. At different times, he associated with the sun god Re, wearing the sun disc. Moreover, he also associated and with Osiris, wearing the crown. He usually depicted as a ram headed human. There is a temple located on the south western side of Ehnasya El Medina. In fact, the temple founded at least as early as the Middle Kingdom and . The temple dedicated to Herishef. Moreover, the temple first excavated in 1891 by Naville and D’Hulst. They found only Ramesside remains.

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Afterwards the site re-dug by Petrie in 1904 who found a superb gold statue of Herishef. On the base of the statue the hieroglyphic inscription names the Dynasty XXIII King. In fact, the king is Neferkare Peftjauaybast. This king mentioned on the victory stela of the Nubian king, Piye. The Temple of Herishef consisted of a forecourt with side-chambers. They depict colossal statues of Ramses II in front of columns. The lower part of one of these statues recently uncovered. Beyond the forecourt was an entrance hall. The hall contains a double row of eight palm columns. In fact, they date back to the Old or Middle Kingdom. Behind this a hall with six pillars led to the inner chambers of the temple.

The temple served during the Third Intermediate Period and into the Late Period. Ehnasya El Medina also has many column bases and fine Ramesside reliefs. In fact, they are on the remaining scattered blocks. The temple complex once contained a small sacred lake. To the south east of the Herishef temple at Kom el-Aqarib a second smaller temple. The temple constructed during the reign of Ramses II. Excavations of the site conducted during the 1960 and 1970. In fact, it was by the Archaeological Spanish Mission in Egypt. Since 1984, the Excavations of the site are under the direction of another team. In fact, it is Archaeological National Museum of Madrid.

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The recent work concentrated on the necropolis areas. Furthermore, it also brought a great deal of insight into the occupation periods. In fact, the periods are of the First and Third Intermediate Periods. The First Intermediate Period cemetery is of great importance. In fact, it is since Ehnasya El Medina site of this era not uncovered. The necropolis of 1968, situated close to the southern wall of the city, near the modern village. Here a series of tombs uncovered which revealed on one wall. In fact, the site’s tombs lined up in “streets”. Moreover, they constructed from stone and mud brick.

Furthermore, they jumbled when they found. Some still contained fallen false-door stalae and offering tables. They also contain many artifacts and wall reliefs. Inscriptions on the stelae gave important information about the tomb-owners. Later, the epigraphic studies allowed the Spanish team to give names and titles. In fact, the names and tiles were to prominent figures of the period. Moreover, they linked them to the royal Herakleopolitan court. The tomb of a high official named as Wadjt-hetep found. It was In the excavation season of the year 2000. In fact, the tomb contains painted scenes of the funerary feast. Ehnasya El Medina existed into the Roman, Byzantine and Islamic Periods.

How to Get to Ehnasya El Medina Beni Suef:

The site located on the west bank of the Nile in Fayoum, Egypt. Moreover, the site is only about 15 km west of Beni Suef. In fact, there is a guard at the site. The entrance to the site allowed with permission from the Egyptian Antiquities Organization. A police escort currently required to visit Ehnasya El Medina.

Nile Crystal cruise Cairo Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Nile Crystal cruise Cairo Egypt is one of the most elegant cruising restaurants on the Nile. In fact, the dock of Nile Crystal cruise located on Maadi Cornish in Cairo. The boat known to have the best quality of service one can find on a Nile cruise in Egypt. Moreover, the house band performs your all-time favorite Western and Oriental tunes. It is with a twist, as you dine on either a Open Buffet or Set Menu. Furthermore, the boat program includes spectacular belly dancing show. It also includes a folklore band, with the unforgettable colorful Tanoura spin. It is in keeping with Whirling Dervishes tradition.

In fact, Nile Crystal cruise Cairo features Onyx Nile cruise and Topaz Nile cruise. They have 4 banquet rooms. They located in 2 decks. One Banquet room is on each deck. Moreover, the capacity of the banquet room is from 150 – 200 guest. In fact, the boat is near to Roda Island Nilometer. Roda Island Nilometer located on the southern tip of Roda Island. It faces Old Cairo. It has the properties of being one of the oldest structures in Cairo having a link to Egypt’s pharaonic past. Roda Island Nilometer built after the Arab conquest. Roda Island Nilometer and other Nilometers used to measure the flood levels of the Nile River. It is a heritage of Egypt’s distant past.

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Such structures doted the course of Egypt’s grand river. These types of devices continued to be useful up until the modern era when the Nile tamed by modern dams. The cruise boat is also near to Coptic Museum. Coptic museum in Cairo located inside the ruins of the Roman Babylon Fortress. It is in Old Cairo. Old Cairo is an area full of Coptic sites. The Coptic sites include Hanging church, St. George church and St. Barbara church. Nobody would ever believe that the foundation of the Coptic Museum dates back to the era of the Persians. A lot of items added afterwards by the Roman emperors August and Trajan.

Nile Crystal cruise Cairo is also near to Ben Ezra Synagogue. The Synagogue sometimes referred as the El-Genizah Synagogue. Moreover, it also called the Synagogue of the Palestinians. Ben Ezra Synagogue situated in Old Cairo, Egypt. According to local tradition, it located on the site where baby Moses found.

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Nile Crystal cruise is also near to Amr Ibn Al Aas mosque. In fact, the mosque located north of the Roman Fortress of Babylon. It is actually on the edge of Fustat, the temporary city which founded by Amr. In fact, it was an Islamic learning center long before Al Azhar Mosque. Moreover, it could hold up to 5,000 students. Amr Ibn Al Aas Mosque built on an area of 1,500 square cubits, overlooking the Nile. The initial structure was quite simple; with walls bare of any plaster or decorations. But it was without niche (Miharb), minaret or ground cover. It had two doors on the north and two others facing Amr’s house.

Muhammad Ali mosque Cairo Egypt tours, prices, booking

Muhammad Ali mosque Cairo Egypt is the most popular Islamic mosque among tourists. Moreover, it is one of the most ancient mosques in Cairo. The mosque is also one of the most historic mosques because of its grandeur and its location in Saladin Citadel. In fact, Muhammad Ali mosque Cairo also sometimes referred to as the Alabaster Mosque Cairo. This is because of its extensive use of marble on some of the exterior walls and other surfaces. The mosque is the largest such structure built during the first half of the 19th century. It is more impressive at a distance than close up. Its artistic merit is questionable. Furthermore, the mosque is an unparalleled contribution to the skyline of Cairo. It is visible high atop the Citadel grounds.

In fact, Muhammad Ali Mosque Cairo has a great dome and towering minarets. They give Cairo Citadel indeed a romantic and oriental quality. It makes up for any shortcomings in its detail. The mosque is the first feature which catches ones eyes at the fortress. Moreover, Muhammad Ali tore down the remains of Mamluk palaces and their dependencies. Mamluk palaces luckily described only a short time before by Napoleon’s scholars. They were the most impressive buildings in Cairo. It was despite of their condition which dilapidated . In fact, some ten meters of rubble filled in. It was to build the mosque on top of the preexisting structures. Muhammad Ali, who was more eager to build modern factories than religious foundations. In fact, he erected this mosque, where he buried, as a monument to himself.

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Muhammad Ali mosque Cairo is also an imperial mosque which challenged those of Istanbul. Salah al-Din, many centuries earlier, abolished all traces of Fatimid power and status. He refused to live in their palaces. Moreover, he dismantled and parceled them out to his courtiers. Muhammad Ali did the same. He destroyed all traces of the Mamluk palaces from Egypt. It was the reason that here no royal palace left from these periods in Egypt. In fact, Muhammad Ali was viceroy and king of Egypt, as well as the founder of Egypt’s modern era. He achieved a radical break with all traditional characteristics of Cairo architecture. It was from the Mamluk to the late Ottoman period. The mosque became a symbol of the city. The mosque of Muhammad Ali is the most visible of Islamic monuments in Cairo.

Muhammad Ali acted of Istanbul. He came closer to that of Istanbul than ever before in the architecture style. It included even its Western, and particularly French, influence. He came close to take the Ottoman Empire as his own. Moreover, he set out in Cairo to abandon the oriental Middle Ages. He built a city that would surpass Istanbul. The planning of Muhammad Ali mosque Cairo assigned to Muhammad Ali’s French architect. He was Pascal Coste. Pascal Coste wanted to build the mosque in the local Mamluk style. Muhammad Ali changed his mind and hired a Greek architect, Yusuf Bushnaq. That was to design the mosque on a plan like Sultan Ahmad mosque in Istanbul. In fact, the mosque built between 1830 and 1848. The long time it took to complete may be due to its size.

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Muhammad Ali mosque Cairo combined with its prominent location and its profile of domes. They flanked by a pair of slender high minarets, contribute to its prestige. The Egyptians themselves place a great deal of pride in this monument. Moreover, the pencil shaped minarets are over eighty meters high. They stand on bases only three meters wide. In fact, the architecture of the mosque is Ottoman. The domes are relative to their width, higher and less squat than those in Istanbul. The complex consists of two parts. The mosque proper to the east and the open courtyard (or Sahn) to the west. The plan of the mosque is a central dome which carried on four piers. The spherical pendentives, flanked by four half-domes, and four smaller domes on each corner. There is also a dome that separates the Mihrab ceiling from the Qibla wall.

Measuring 41 meters square, the interior is impressive because of its size. It shows the wonderful arrangement of mass and space. It is characteristic of Istanbul Mosques. The main, high dome of Muhammad Ali mosque Cairo soars 52 meters high, with a diameter of 21 meters. The grandeur of this single, large chamber enhanced by the circle of small lamps. It hung in the middle of the praying area, and just above the main dome of the mosque. Other smaller lamps, many of them more modern, hung elsewhere in the mosque. They creating a spectacle of light that is grand in its own right. Within the mosque are two minbars, or pulpits. The larger one of wood decorated with gilt ornament, and is original. It said to be one of the largest in Egypt, incorporating significant gold in its decorations.

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The smaller one of alabaster was a gift from King Faruq, dates back to 1939. The Mihrab, or prayer niche, made of Egyptian marble. Muhammad Ali not interred here. In fact, he buried at Housh el Basha. One of his successors, King Abbas I, had his body moved to this location. Muhammad Ali mosque Cairo has three entrances, on the north, west and east walls. The western entrance opens onto the courtyard. The courtyard surrounded by rounded arcades carrying small domes. It is like the Mosques of Sulayman Pasha and Malika Safiyya. These domes supported by large, though simple marble columns. The courtyard is almost square, measuring 54 by 53 meters. Moreover, the courtyard has a northern and southern entrance from the mosque.

In the middle of the courtyard is a marble ablution fountain. It features a carved wooden roof on columns. The fountain decorated in a style like that of the sabil-kuttab. In fact, it faces the madrasa of al-Nasir on Mu’izz street. That structure built by Ismail Pasha in 1828. The sabil and the upper part of the courtyard facade decorated with small oval wall paintings. On the west wall of the courtyard is an iron clock. It presented to Muhammad Ali by the French King Louis Philippe, with a tea salon on the upper level. Its style is a mixture of Neo-Gothic and oriental elements. In fact, it never worked, and never will. The clock, given as a gift in exchange for the obelisk now in the Palace de la Concorde, Paris. The decoration of the building is alien to Cairene traditions, and in fact, to Islamic art.

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There are no stalactites, geometric shapes or arabesques. Only the inscription bands continue any type of Islamic tradition. Six large medallions around the dome enclose names. The names are God, Muhammad and the first four Khalifs. The script written over a royal blue. It often adorns windows in Muhammad Ali mosque Cairo. It actually represent verses from the poem, “Al Burda” which written by Imam al Buseiry. Even the marble chosen for decoration is different from that of earlier Mosques. The decorations which not finished until 1857, are at odds. They are with the simplicity of the architectural structure itself. Many tourists and Egyptians themselves find the mosque decorations beautiful. The use of greens, golds and reds appealed to many.

The walls and piers of Muhammad Ali mosque Cairo paneled with alabaster. It is from Beni Suef in Upper Egypt. which is inappropriate for architecture as it deteriorates quickly. A gesture of baroque luxe, unless cleaned, the stone also becomes terribly grimy. In 1931 serious structural deviancy found in the dome. In fact, it had to rebuild. It took two years. Between 1937 and 1939 the decoration renewed. In the middle of the 1980, the whole Citadel complex once again renovated.

Mirage City Golf course Cairo Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Mirage City Golf course is less than 15 minutes away from Cairo International Airport. In fact, it is next to JW Marriott Cairo hotel. The hotel is in the heart of the prestigious Heliopolis district. Moreover, Mirage City Golf course is for all level golfers. It gives the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding Golf game. The course recently awarded the MENA platinum award for best Golf club in the Middle East and Africa. Furthermore, Mirage City Golf features 18 hole Championship Golf Course and 9-hole Executive Course. They designed by architect Peter Harradine. The golf course features harmonious integration of the real estate.

The surrounding landscape was of prime importance. Moreover, the course features trees lined fairways, greens and white sand bunkers. It also features countless water hazards blend together in perfect harmony. The several wide lakes heighten the technical difficulties. They create a striking contrast with the desert neighborhood. Furthermore, Mirage City Golf course features scenic opening shot and daunting final hole. It was once barren desert. Now it has transformed into one of the most challenging golf courses in the region.

Mirage City Golf Championship 18-Hole Course:

In fact, the course measures 7,108 yards and has water on 13 of it’s 18 holes. The fairways are large and undulating. The target style greens are tight. Moreover, they also well protected by bunkers.

Signature holes at Mirage City Golf Club include:

In fact, Hole 3 measures a little more than 150 yards downhill and over water. Moreover, a large rock wall surrounds the back of the hole. Furthermore, its blooming color is a sight of sheer beauty. Hole 9 measures 416 yards. It features a tough second shot uphill to an elevated green. Furthermore, it guarded in front by the winding creek. Hole 17 measures 578 yards. It require you to contend with a large fairway bunker on the left side. Water the entire stretch of the right side and then the final approach to the green. You will need to navigate a large lake. Eagles and birdies are common, but intelligence. Strategy are key to playing these holes.

Mirage City Golf Executive 9-Hole Course:

A short course playing at 4,410 yards. In fact, the Executive Course follows the same principles of the Championship Course. It carved out of the natural desert landscape. It’s tight and well protected target greens provide a fantastic short game test. This test is for the experienced golfer. It’s shorter length offers itself to junior golfers and players who are new to the game.

On site you’ll also find a private health club in the premises of the clubhouse. An equipped facility dedicated to fitness and relaxation. There are three different types of memberships. The Founder’s Club will restricted to Mirage City Villa Owners. The President’s Club is the year membership plan for the avid golfer and Family members. There is also a Corporate Club valid for 10 years. It is for those who want to enhance the lifestyle of their corporate delegates and families.