EGYPT MY LOVE

Cairo attraction places

2010-06-09T07:04:00.000-07:00

The Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids and their guardian Sphinx have rivaled the world's greatest cathedrals and temples as hallowed monuments, and were regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Pyramids unified life and death, heaven and earth, gods and humanity, light and dark. The Great Pyramid built by King Khufu (Cheops in Greek) the second King of the IV Dynasty (ruled 2551-2528 B.C.) covers an area of 13 acres. Its original height of 146 meters has now become 137 meters after the erosion of its summit. It consists of two million blocks of limestone ranging in weight from 2.5 tons to 15 tons.The Second Pyramid was built by King Khafra (Chephren in Greek, ruled 2520- 2494 B.C.) Although smaller than the Great Pyramid, it seems equally tall and imposing due to its fortunate site higher on the plateau. Its interior is simple with two entrances on the north side. Part of the pyramid still bear traces of the outer limestone casing that once covered all of the Pyramids. The Third Pyramid of King Menkaura(Mycerinus in Greek, ruled 2490 - 2472 B.C) is smaller in size than its predecessors and never finished. Its height is 62 meters. It is distinguished by the fact that the lower parts of its sides still retain their granite slab coverings.

Pyramids Sound & Light
show begins with the story of the Sphinx who has been the vigilant guardian of the city of the dead for five thousand years. The show depicts the building story of Kheops, Kephren, Mykerinos pyramids and tells about the legendary harmonic personalities such as Nefertiti, Thutmosis 4th, Akhnaten, and Tut Ankh Am on.
the Sound and Light Show gives you a chance to see them illuminated in the darkness of evening.
The Show is presented in a different language at each time slot, so when booking, make sure you choose a showing in a language you can understand!
The Show consists of a recorded commentary which tells the story of the Egyptians. The commentary is illustrated by still images (photos and
illustrations) projected on to the wall of the temple. At key points in the
narrative, one or more of the pyramids is illuminated with a colored floodlight. Recorded music is also used. There are no live musicians or actors .
The only animation is when the Sphinx speaks, which is quite impressive. Thanks to a clever projection, the face of the Sphinx comes alive as you hear the words of a long-dead Pharaoh. It's a pity that moving images aren't used more in the rest of the show.
To see the show, you have the choice of theatre-style seating, or a seat in the cafe at the rear. The cafe is recommended (although your view will not be as good), because parts of the show do drag and you will be able to entertain yourself with refreshments. If you choose the theatre-style seating, arrive early to get the best seats at the very front.
Please remember that night-time in the desert is COLD, and it will feel worse than it really is, because you have become used to the Egyptian heat during the day. You probably did not bring a scarf and gloves on your Egyptian holiday, but you will wish you did. If you don't have warm clothing, wear two or three tee-shirts on top of each other, a jumper and coat if you have them, long pants and closed-in shoes. If you can bring a blanket, do so.
Because the night is dark and you are sitting some distance from the Sphinx and the pyramids, don't have too many expectations of getting good photos, if you only have a "point and click" camera.

The Solar Boats (The Boats of Cheops)
The Ancient Egyptians carved spacious areas in the rock, near the Pyramids. There they placed wooden boats, to be at the disposal of the king when he went on his journey of Day and Night with the Sun God, Ra, in the after world.
Early excavations have discovered three such sun boat sites, on the east side of the Great Pyramid. Two other sites were discovered on the south side. When the huge stone slabs were removed, they revealed parts of a large boat, made of cedar wood, in a very good condition. There were also other implements, such as oars, ropes and a kiosk for sitting. The boat was 43.5 meters long, the prow and stern were 5 meters and 7 meters high respectively. The boats are now housed in a special museum, south of the Pyramid of Cheops. The museum is open from 9-4 daily, for a fixed fee.

The Egyptian museum

The mummies of some pharaohs of the 18 to 20th Dynasty found in Thebes. The first group was found in Deir el Bahari cachette and these consist of the mummies of: Seqenenre, Ahmose I, Amenhotep I, Tuthmosis I, Tuthmosis II, Tuthmosis III, Seti I, Ramses II, Ramses III.The other group was found in the tomb of Amenhotep II, consisting of the mummies of: Amenhotep II, Tuthmosis IV, Amenhotep III, Merenptah, Seti II, Siptah, Ramses IV, Ramses V, Ramses VI

in the museum you can see

RAMSES II
The most celebrated of all the pharaohs, Ramses II, is famous for his long reign. The numerous temples which he erected in Egypt and Nubia and his omnipresent colossi had perpetuated his cult until the end of pharaonic Egypt. This bust from a seated statue of Ramses II is a portrait of the young king in which grace and grandeur are intermixed. His face is framed by a rounded wig, covered with curls, and a band with a uraeus encircles it. The position of his body, slightly bent forward is a sign of reverence towards the gods. It is a sign of humility which is inherited from the time of Seti I, but Ramses II quickly abandoned it in later representations.

THE QUEEN MERIT-AMON

This statue was originally known as the " white queen " until it was identified as Merit-Amon, daughter of Ramses II. A youthful grace, a gentle smile, and perfect manufacturing underline the beauty of this statue. She wears a tripartite wig held together by a double band which supports the double uraei. A circular head base surrounded by a frieze of uraei would have supported the large disk and the double feathers that are customary queen's headdresses. She grasps a " menat " necklace, with a counterpoise in the form of the goddess Hathor indicating that she was a priestess associated with the cult of this goddess.

THE GOLD MASK OF TUTANKHAMON

This marvellous, life size mask, of excellent workmanship, protected the head of Tutankhamon's mummy. His shoulders and the back of his mask are inscribed with a magic formula that ensures protection. The golden nemes headdress is striped in blue and green while the uraeus and vulture head, in gold inlaid with semi-precious stones and coloured glass, ornament the brow. The mask's eyes are made of obsidian and quartz with a touch of red at the corners. The divine beard, is made of cloisonn? work. The ears are pierced for the wearing of earrings. The wide necklace collar is formed of rows of lapis lazuli, quartz, amazonite and coloured glass beads attached at each shoulder to a gold falcon's head ornamented with obsidian.

Selket

Selket is the goddess of healing stings and bites. This is one of four goddesses who, with gracefully outstretched arms, protect the gilded wooden shrine set within a baldachin, to house the alabaster chest containing the king's viscera. The statuette is made of gilded wood and it's eyes and eyebrows are painted black. Selket turns her head slightly to the side to ward off danger and thus breaks away from the traditional frontal pose of royal statuary. Her costume is that of contemporary queens, and the Amarna influence is still evident in the modeling of the body and the features of the face.

The Cairo Tower

The Cairo Tower is open the hours: 9am-midnight daily (winter); 9am-1am daily (summer). It is located on an island in the Nile and it offers tremendous views of the city of Cairo. There is a restaurant at the top of the tower that revolves around also if you feel like getting a bite to eat while you are there.

The Pharaonic Village

Take a step back in time; about three thousand years back, to be exact. Just a few miles from the center of Cairo is a time machine waiting to take you on a fantastic journey to the days of the Pharaohs, a time brought to life by an incredible group of actors and actresses, faithful and exact reproductions of buildings, clothing, and lifestyles.

Cairo International Airport

2009-05-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

Location

The airport is located in Heliopolis, 13.7 miles (22Km) northeast of central cairo and 24.9 mile( 40Km) from the Giza Pyramids.

Transportation

Cairo Airport Shuttle Bus

newly established shuttle Bus service , it is comfortable , prompt & direct from or to the Airport according to your own preference , the last fleet of vehicles is vast in terms of space & air-conditioned for groups or single passenger , the shuttle Bus takes you to any of the following destinations

Haram (pyramids area )

Maadi

Zamalec

Mohandesin

Giza

Downtown Cairo

Nasr-city

Heliopolis

Taxi Services

At Cairo International Airport Taxis are avalaible at any time , and operated on a flat fee basis.Official Cairo Taxis are predomenantly black and white , but Alexandria Taxis are black and orange. There are also 7-seated Peugeot Taxis varied in colour and size , but they all have an emblem and number Painted on the drivers door.

Limousines

Limousine service is offered by 19 different companies .

Transfer Between terminals

A free Shuttle Bus Links the two Terminals 1.9 miles ( 3 Km ) the Bus runs throughout the night and departs approximately every 3 minutes. Terminal (1) is known as the Old Airport ,whilst Terminal (2) is known as the New Airport.

CAIRO SHOPPING CENTERS

2008-10-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Shopping centres in and around Cairo appeal to most visitors. Egyptian products are so varied and meet various tastes and different levels of income. These centers or (markets) provide quality which rivals International standards .

The Khan Khalili Bazaar
Comprising an array of shops dating to the 14th Century AD, Khan Khalili is renowned for its indigenous character and the magnificent variety of gold and silver works, embroidered clothing, leather goods and ivory-inlaid woodwork in addition to the many other attractive handicraft.

Haraneyya
Is the main center for hand-made carpets. Shopping centers are also available in some major hotels and in center and outskirts of town. These sell silk, cotton and wool textiles as well as leather goods including shoes and bags.

Kerdasa
Is famed for its embroidered cotton and silk dresses as well as other hand-made products.

Modern Shopping Centers
In all cairo are always big and modern malls for everything .

MODERN CAIRO

2008-10-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

National Cultural Center (Opera House)

The new 7-story opera house at the Gezira Exhibition Grounds was inaugurated on 3.10. 1988. Designed by a team of Japanese and Egyptian architects, it is an architectural masterpiece of Islamic design. It is equipped with the most sophisticated audio-visual system and comprises:
The Main Theater, a closed hall comprising 1200 seats, is used for opera, ballet and classic music performances.
The Second Theater is also a closed hall comprising 500 seats and is used for various purposes including film festivals and conferences.
The Third Theater is an open one comprising 1000 seats. There are other halls, some of which are used for training and rehearsals, in addition to the Museum and the Library containing references pertaining to the most significant artistic works.

Cairo International Center for Conferences ( CICC )
Located in Nasr City, it comprises three main conference halls, a fourth for receptions and a fifth for exhibitions. In addition, there are fully-equipped secretarial offices and press center.
- Main Hall: 2,500 sq.m., 2,500 seats.
- Second Hall: 840 sq.m., 800 seats.
-Third Hall: 900 sq.m., 600 seats.
-Receptions Hall: 1,600 sq.m.,1,250 seats.
-Exhibition Hall: 2,500 sq.m.

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

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

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

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

The Military Museum (the Citadel)
The museum displays a magnificent collection of ancient weapons, statues, and uniforms in addition to other exhibits designed to show the art of warfare in Egypt from the earliest times. There are other museums and modern landmarks in Cairo that are also worth seeing.

Egypt Past And Present - Click here for more free videos

ISLAMIC CAIRO

2008-10-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

Mosque of Amr lbn Al-'Aas (Al-Fustat)

It was the first mosque built in Egypt. It is simple in design and represents schools of architecture from different periods.

Al-Azhar Mosque
The first Fatimid mosque in Cairo, it was founded in Midan Hussein by Gawhar al-Sikilli in 971 AD (361 H) as both a mosque and Madrasah (school), after Fatma al-Zahraa, the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed. It is considered to be the oldest Islamic University, the first lecture having been delivered in 975 AD.

Fortress of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi (The Citadel)
Built by Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi in 1183 AD overlooking the city of Cairo from the Muqattam Hills, it houses a number of important monuments including the Mosque of Soliman Pasha, the Alabaster Mosque, the 90-meter deep Bir Yusuf (Joseph's Well) and Al-Gawhara Palace.

JEWISH IN CAIRO

2008-10-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

Cairo Synagogues :
Hashamayim (Ismailia Temple), now known as Adly Street
Ashkenazi Synagogue, al-Noubi Street off al-Geish Street Ataba
Kubbeh Synagogue, Misr-Sudan Street, Kubbeh Gardens
Hanan (Nessim Iskinazi) Synagogue, El-Daher
Synagogue.Heliopolis
Meir Y. Biton Synagogue, Orabi and Road 13, Maadi
Midrash Synagogue, Beit Mosseri, Haret al-Yahood

Coptic Cairo

2008-05-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

The Hanging Church (al-Mu'allaqa)

Originating in the 4th century, the Hanging Church was built over the southern Gate of the Fortress of Babylon. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, its treasures include a 14th-century wall-painting of the Nativity.

Church of St. Sergius and St.Bacchus
A 5th-century basilica, built over a crypt where the Holy Family are believed to have stayed during their flight into Egypt.
Church of St. Mercurius (Abu Sefein)
A unique collection of Coptic art including 175 icons representing scenes from the Old and New Testaments, wall paintings and stained glass.
The Convent of St.George(Mari Girgis)
In the oldest part of Cairo, the chapel is reached through a Fatimid hallway and contains the relics of St.George in a cedarwood casket.
The Coptic Museum
The finest collection of Coptic art and antiquities in the world, including illuminated manuscripts, icons and textiles.

Pharaonic Cairo

2008-05-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

The Great Pyramid

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, King Cheops' pyramid was built c. 2650 BC
The Solar Barque of King Cheops
A cedar-wood craft built to take the pharaoh through the underworld
The Sphinx
Scared symbol face of a man and lion body
Saqqara
The royal burial-ground during the Old Kingdom(2705-2155 BC)
The Mastabas of Mereruka, Ti and Ptah-Hotep
Carved and painted tombs vividly illustrate everyday life more than 5,000 years ago
The Step Pyramid
The first proper pyramid, built for King Zoser in the 27th-century BC the architect Imhotep
Memphis
One of the oldest cities on earth, legendary Memphis was the capital of ancient Egypt throughout the Old Kingdom.
The Egyptian Museum
One of the world's most famous museums. The magnificent collection of antiquities includes mummies, sarcophagi and the fabulous treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb.

Animated GIFs | GraphicsGrotto.com

EGYPT HISTORY

2008-01-03T10:51:00.000-08:00

Alexander the Great arrived to Egypt in the late autumn of 332 BC. He founded Alexandria in 331 BC as a gateway to his motherland, Greece. Alexandria became a major center for trading. Its Library became a cultural center that made an important contribution to civilization.

The Ptolemies ruled Egypt until 30 BC and were succeeded by the Romans until 642 AD when the Arabs arrived. It was during the Roman period when Christianity came to Egypt. It was in Alexandria where the great Catechtical School, which produced the early fathers of the Church, emerged.

The Arabs were followed by the Mamlukes, who were magnificent warriors and who ruled Egypt from 1250-1517 AD when their reign ended with the Ottoman conquest of Egypt under Sultan Selim.

EGYPT HISTORY

2008-01-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

Egypt is home to one of the richest and most ancient civilizations in the world extending to several millennia BC It was the Pharaoh Menes who united the two kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt, inaugurating what came to be known as the Ancient Empire (3200-2270 BC).

Ramses II is another Pharaoh who deserves mentioning. He ruled from 1279 to 1212 BC and is known for his prodigious buildings, rising temples, statues and other monuments throughout Egypt. Among his major achievements was the signing of the first Peace Treaty to be recorded in history, concluded between Egypt and the Hitites.

Another great Pharaoh is Akhnaton who reigned from 1379 to 1362 BC. He was originally called Amenophis IV, but changed his name in honor of Aten, the Sun God. Akhnaton is considered to have heralded the concept of monotheism in the history of religion.

In 642 AD, Egypt witnessed the beginning of its Arab and Islamic epoch. Successive Arab rulers governed Egypt as part of the Islamic empire, and at various junctures established it as the center of power of the empire .

The Arabs were followed by the Mamlukes, who were magnificent warriors and who ruled Egypt from 1250-1517 AD when their reign ended with the Ottoman conquest of Egypt under Sultan Selim.

The arrival of Napoleon Bonaparte to Egypt on July 2nd 1798, initiated a new phase in Egypt's history. Accompanying his expedition were a number of savants and scientists who made a complete encyclopedic survey of Egypt, known as "Description de l'Egypte". The expedition contributed significantly to the study of ancient Egyptian history through the discovery of the Rosetta Stone and the consequent deciphering of Hieroglyphics, the ancient Egyptian language.

After the departure of the French expedition, Mohamad Ali, who was an officer in the Ottoman Army, rose to power with the support of the Egyptian people. His rule extending from 1805 to 1849 was an eventful period in Egypt's modern history. He is regarded as the father of modern Egypt who set the country on the march towards modernization.

In 1863, Khedive Ismail, a member of Mohamad Ali's dynasty, rose to power. If Mohamad Ali had started the process of modernization, it was Ismail who completed it. He had boundless ambitions to bring Egypt up to the same level of culture, civilization and development which was enjoyed by most nations of Europe. It was during his reign, in 1869, that the Suez Canal was inaugurated.

Towards the end of the 19th Century, and exactly on August 12th 1882, British troops landed at Alexandria marking the beginning of British occupation which lasted for 74 years. The beginning of the 20th century witnessed the awakening of the national conscience aiming at ending the British occupation. Mustafa Kamel, Sa'ad Zaghloul, Mustafa El Nahas and many others were prominent figures who strove to achieve two national objectives; independence and constitutional reform.

On the 28th of February 1922, Britain unilaterally declared the termination of the British Protectorate and declared Egypt an independent state. In 1923, the first Constitution was promulgated and Sa'ad Zaghloul formed the first representative government of Egypt.

On the 23rd of July 1952, the Free Officer Movement led by Gamal Abd El-Nasser seized power in a bloodless revolution which allowed King Farouk to leave the country with a full royal salute.

On the 18th of June 1953, the monarchy ended and Egypt was declared a Republic and Mohamad Naguib was named as the first President. In 1954 Nasser assumed control as the second president. During Nasser's presidency, extensive agricultural and industrial development projects were carried out. Progressive economic and social reforms were implemented for the benefit of the majority of the Egyptian people.

On October 6th, 1973, the Egyptian army crossed the Suez Canal, stormed the Bar Lev line and recaptured parts of Sinai occupied by Israel in 1967. To overcome the state of belligerency, President Sadat announced his historic initiative to visit Israel in pursuit of lasting peace, which he did in November 1977. Finally, the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty was signed in March 1979.

The Sadat period witnessed changes in the political, social and economic domains, and at the same time, the private sector was given a greater share in the country's economy through the implementation of the "Open Door Policy".

In October 1981, Vice President Hosny Mubarak succeeded Sadat as President. Economic reforms undertaken under Mubarak succeeded in diverting finance towards productive investment in industry and agriculture. The main features of Egypt's national economic policy under President Mubarak are the efforts to broaden the economic base by promoting local, Arab and foreign investment. A process of successful privatization has started, the stock exchange has been revived, and reform programs with the IMF and the World Bank have been signed and implemented.

Abu simbel attraction places

2007-07-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

Abu simbel show

Aside from the pyramids of Giza, the magnificent temple at Abu Simbel is perhaps the most recognized symbol of ancient Egypt for modern visitors.How did the ancient Egyptians manage to carve these humongous statues and temples out of the deep rock of the mountainside? Why did one pharaoh build numerous monuments to himself, and why did he build many of them so far away from his capitol? The Sound and Light show at Abu Simbel will transport you to the time of the pharaohs. Enchanting you with melodious music, and bringing the ancient world to life around you, the show includes projections onto the temples showing how they once looked. The program is presented in a number of languages with the provision of ear pieces. It is an experience not to be missed, one that will make your visit to Abu Simbel the memory of a lifetime.

Aswan attraction places

2007-07-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

Philae temple show

At each Philae Sound and Light show, the Egyptian gods and goddesses are, like Osiris, resurrected before our eyes to tell us their life stories. What would Isis say today if she learned that her temple was allowed to sit in water for many years? She would not be happy with this, but she would be proud to know that, like her husband Osiris, Philae was reborn so that new visitors can see the glory of Philae year after year.

luxur attraction places

2007-07-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

Karnak temple in luxur

Referred to as the world’s largest open air museum, Luxor, known as Thebes in ancient times, is home to some of the most spectacular monuments of the ancient world. Perhaps one of the most astounding areas in Luxor is the temple complex of Karnak. The largest temple complex ever built by man, Karnak represents the combined achievement of many generations of ancient builders.Passing through the gates of Luxor, every visitor is astounded by the expansive city made immortal by its gigantic monuments. Though much of Luxor and Karnak are in ruins, the site remains one of the crown achievements of ancient Egypt. The massive columns of Karnak once supported heavy ceilings, but today they are open to the sky. With a little imagination, the visitors of today can be transported back in time to the days of the pharaohs. Over a period of 1300 years, the temples built at Karnak became an entire city of monuments.

Cairo attraction places

2007-07-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

The pyramids sound & light show

Each day the sun sets on the bustling city of Cairo, and the famous pyramids on the Giza plateau, south of Cairo, are absorbed into the night sky. These colossal structures are never out of sight completely, as they reawaken at night during the magnificent Sound and Light Show. Thousands of years have passed since the Pharaohs walked the Earth, but with your imagination, they will appear before your eyes. History comes to life with each show and provides the audience with a magical experience of learning about ancient Egypt, while staring up at the pyramids. Each visit to the pyramids and the Sound and Light show is an enchanting experience not to be missed. We may never know exactly how the magnificent pyramids were built. The Riddle of the Sphinx may remain one of the world’s oldest mysteries. We are visiting the pyramids in the 21st century, thousands of years after they were built, and they will continue to endure for generations. These magnificent towering structures manage to humble us with their size, at the same time as they testify to the great human spirit that created them.

Cairo attraction places

2007-07-05T13:44:00.000-07:00