Abu Simbel
The first, and largest of the temples, is dedicated to the sun god Ra-Harakhte,
while the second, which is smaller, and a few meters to the north, was
dedicated by Ramses II to his beautiful wife, Nefertari, to be worshipped
together.
These two temples attracted world-wide attention when they were threatened
by the waters of the High Dam. The salvage of the Abu Simbel temples
began in 1963, with international technical &financial support.
Once again the Abu Simbel temples were relocated on the plateau to greet
the sunrise every morning.
The Greater Abu Simbel Temple (Ramses II)
One of the many relics erected by the Pharaoh Ramses II, this is the
most beautiful of temples. The facade is 33 meters high, and 38 meters
broad, and guarded by for statues of Ramses II, each of which is 20
meters high.
On the facade, there is a carved row of baboons, smiling at the sunrise.
On the doorway of the temple, there is a beautiful inscription of the
king's name: Ser-Ma'at-Ra and between the legs of the colossal statues
on the facade, we can see smaller statues of Ramses Il's family: his
mother "Mut-tuy", his wife "Nefertari" and his sons
and daughters.
There are also a number of dedications, important amongst which is Ramses
Il's marriage to the daughter of the King of the Hittites. Beyond their
entrance, there is the Great Hall of Pillars, with eight pillars bearing
the deified Ramses II in the shape of Osiris.
The walls of this hall bear inscriptions recording the Battle of Caddish
waged by Ramses II against the Hittites.
Then we enter the smaller hall of the temple - the hall of the nobles,
containing four square pillars.
Then we come to the Holiest of Holies, where we find four statues of
Ra-Harakhte, Ptah, Amun-Ra and King Ramses II.
This temple is unique, since the sun shines directly on the Holiest
of Holies two days a year: February 21, the king's birthday, and October
22, the date of his coronation.
The Smaller Abu Simbel Temple (Nefertari)
Located north of the Greater Temple, carved in the rock by Ramses II
and dedicated to the goddess of Love and Beauty, Hathur, and also to
his favorite wife, Nefertari.
The Facade is adorned by six statues, four to Ramses II and two to his
wife Nefertari. The entrance leads to a hall containing six pillars
bearing the head of the goddess, Hathur.
The eastern wall bears inscriptions figuring Ramses II striking the
enemy before Ra-Harakhte and Amun-Ra. Other wall scenes show Ramses
II and Nefertari offering sacrifices to the gods.
Beyond this hall, there is another wall with similar scenes and paintings.
Finally, we reach the Holiest of Holies, where we find the statue of
the goddess Hathur.
This is, indeed, a most awesome sight to the visitor; for here he finds
the greatest artificial dome that bears the man-made mountain behind
the Temples of Abu Simbel.
Cairo
Cairo is the foremost capital on the African continent and lies at the
center of all routes connecting the three continents: Asia, Africa and
Europe.
Egypt, for over fifty centuries, adopted the development of the culture
of the Pharaonic, Christian and Islamic civilization:
Cairo, the city where past and present meet, invites you to come and
enjoy its beautiful all-year weather, and visit the immortal monuments
such the pyramids & Sphinx in Giza, the Egyptian Museum , the Citadel
………….etc.
Pharaonic Monuments
• Memphis:
• Memphis, the oldest capital of Egypt, was built by King
Menes, and lies 24 kms southwest of Cairo,
Saqqara:
Saqqara is the oldest Ancient Egyptian cemetery. It lies on a desert
plateau, southwest of Cairo. Above rises the step-pyramid and mortuary
compound, built by the engineer lmhotep for King Zoser the first of
the Ill Dynasty pharaohs. It is of the Step (mastaba)-type. The pyramid
is composed of six receding mastabas on top of each other. The later
pyramid builders developed this concept into the familiar even-sided
pyramids. The step-pyramids measures 123.5 by 107 inch, at the base
and about 59 ms in height.
• The Pyramid of Unas:
South of the Step-Pyramid, lies the Pyramid of Unas, last of the V Dynasty
pharaohs. This pyramid is noted for its tomb chamber, whose walls are
inscribed with what is known as the "Pyramid Texts", and whose
ceiling is decorated with stars that seem to sparkle above the royal
mummy. Near to the Pyramid of Unas lies the Persian Shaft, a tomb of
XXVI Dynasty known as the "Persian Dynasty". The Shaft is
25 ms deep and at the bottom lay several tomb chambers.
• The Serapeum:
Only the lower corridors remain, measuring several hundred meters, in
length, and containing the tombs of the sacred bull, Abis. It was first
begun by the XVIII Dynasty. Close to the Serapeum lies the Greek Philosophers
Circle, which contains statues of Plato, Heraclites, Pythagoras and
Pindar?
• The Mastabas:
Saqqara is noted for the mastaba-type tombs of the nobles, the most
prominent of which are the tombs of V and VI Dynasty nobles. The tomb
walls bear inscriptions showing the daily life of Ancient Egyptians,
such as: farming, animal breeding, hunting, as well as religious rites
and the offering of sacrifice to the dead.
The Pyramids of Giza Lie about 10 kms from Cairo.
• The Great Pyramid: The most famous structure
in the world was built by King Cheops (IV Dynasty) around 2650 B.C.,
on an area of 13 feddans. Its height now is 137 M. (original height:
146 M.). Almost 2.5 million blocks of stone were put together building
this pyramid, which measures 230 M. square at the base. All this proves
the precision and ability of the ancient Egyptian in building this pyramid.
Close to the eastern flank of the Pyramid of Cheops lie three small
pyramids dedicated either to his wives or family members.
• The Second Pyramid: Built by Chephren, south-west
of his father's pyramid though lower in height, still having, on some
of its upper parts, the remains of the limestone that had once covered
it all. At the base, it measures 215.5 M. square. Its interior is simple,
with two entrances on the north side. The Second Pyramid, like all other
pyramids, had an exterior covering of fine-grain limestone. Now, only
a small part of this covering remains. The visitor can also still see
the remains of his mortuary temple, the Temple of the Valley, and rising
causeway. These temples witnessed the religious rites during the embalming
of the body.
• The Third Pyramid: Built by Mycerinus (Menkaure),
South-west of the Great and Second Pyramids it is much smaller than
either one, it is distinguished by the fact that the lower part of its
sides still retain their granite slab coverings.
The Ancient Egyptians built the pyramids to be tombs to preserve the
bodies of their dead kings especially that they believed in resurrection
and immortality.
The three Pyramids of Giza are Surrounded by several small pyramids,
and hundreds of mastaba-tombs of the royal family, nobles and high-ranking
people.
• The 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
later world. Early excavations have discovered three such sun boat sites,
on the east side of the Great Pyramid. Two other sites were discovered
on the south side. When the huge stone slabs were removed, they revealed
parts of a large boat, made of cedar wood, in very good condition. There
were also other implements, such as oars, ropes and a kiosk for sitting.
The boat was 43.5 ms long, the prow and stern were 5 ms and 7 ms high
respectively. The boats are now housed in a special museum, south of
the Pyramid of Cheops.
• The Sphinx:
On the way to the Temple of the Valley, (of the pyramid of Kephren),
lies the large statue of the Sphinx, It is one of most famous monuments
in the whole world. It is a legendary statue that has the body of lion
and the face of a man. It is 70 ms long and 20 ms high. Scholars and
scientists are of the opinion that the face of the Sphinx closely resembles
that of King Kephren. The Sphinx, and the Three Pyramids, is regarded
as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Christian Monuments
• AI-Mu'allaqah Church (Hanging Church):
Dating to the late 4th and early 5th Century, this basilica was named
"AI-Mu'allaqah" because it was built on top of the south gate
of the Fortress of Babylon.
• Church of Abu Sergah (Church of St. Sergius):
Dating back to the beginning of the 5th Century, this basilica is built
on the cave in which the Holy Family stayed and is regarded by visitors
as a source of blessing.
• Church of Sitt Barbara (Church of St. Barbara)
• Church of St. Mina
• Church of Al-Adra (Church of the Virgin)
• Church of the Virgin in Zaytoun
• The Virgin's Tree
• Church of Marie Guirgis (Church of St. George)
• The Cathedral of St. Mark:
This, the largest church in Africa, was built recently in Abbassia
and reflects the evolution of the art of architecture. The remains of
St. Mark, the first to preach Christianity in Egypt, were moved to this
Cathedral. Most of the old churches are located in the Old City on the
ruins of the Fortress of Babylon.
• St. Marcarious Church (Abu Sefein)
Islamic Monuments
• Mosque of Amr Ibn AI-'Aas (AI-Fustat):
It was the first mosque build Egypt. It is simple in design and represents
schools architecture from differ periods.
• Mosque of Ahmed Ibn TuIoun:
The third mosque built in Egypt; it is characterized by its spacious
grourilis and its unique minaret, spiral and a large collection of gypsum
decoration.
• AI-Azhar Mosque:
The first Fatimid mosque in Cairo, it was founded in Midan El Hussein
by Gawhar al-Sikilli in 971 Ac. 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 AC.
• Mosque of AI-Muayid
• Mosque and Madrasah of Sultan Hassan
• The Blue Mosque
• The Alabaster Mosque (Mosque of Mohammed Ali)
• Fortress of Salah al-Din al-Ayoubi (The Citadel) :
Built by Salah al-Din al-Ayoubi in 1183 AC. 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 AI-Gawhara Palace.
• House of Gamal al-Din al-Dhahabi:
Located in AI-Ghoureya, it is an example of Arab buildings of the early
17th Century.
• House of AI-Seheimi:
Located in Darb al-Asfar, it was founded in 1796 and considered as another
example of Islamic architecture.
Attractions of Modern Cairo
• 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.
• Sound and Light Show:
In an enchanting atmosphere, with sound, light, and music, the show
captivates audiences and makes re-live ancient times, the history of
the Pyramids and the glory of the Pharaohs. The show is presented in
six languages: Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian.
• Pharaonic Village:
Reflecting the Life style of ancient Egyptians. Visitors witness the
daily activities of the ancient Egyptian who built the oldest civilization.
The Village also contains a papyrus museum and offers adequate services
to its visitors.
• 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 acquaint themselves with Egypt's ancient
history over a period of 50 centuries. Its masterpieces are the magnificent
Tutankhamen collection and the different Mummies.
• The Coptic Museum (Old Cairo):
The museum houses a rare collection of ancient Christian relics including
remains of architectural works, textiles, icons and old manuscripts
reflecting the history of Coptic civilization.
• The Museum of Islamic Art (Bab al-Khalq Square):
It is regarded as the largest museum in the Middle East, housing 80,000
rare objects dating back to the dawn of Islam.
The Khan KhaIiIi Bazaar and Jewell workshops (Sagha):
Comprising an allay of shops dating to the 14th Century , Khan Khalili
is famous for its magnificent variety of gold and silver works, embroidered
clothing, leather goods and ivory-inlaid woodwork in addition to the
many other handcrafts .
Luxor
Luxor is unique among the cities of the world. Wherever you go, you
feel you are experiencing the past and the present at the same time.
Where does the name 'Luxor' come from?
Luxor is part of ancient Thebes: 'the one hundred-gated city' as it
was called by the Greek historian Homer, because of its buildings and
large gates.
The city grew over the years, and the Arabs, impressed by its beautiful
palaces and huge edifices, re-named it Luxor': City of Palaces.
Luxor remained the seat of power from 2100 to 750 B.C. That is why the
visitor is awed by the city, made immortal by its huge pillared-monuments
along both banks of the Nile.
The City of the Living, located at the east, where the life-giving sun
rises, and in the City of the Dead, located in the west, where the sun,
in its never-ending orbit sets, saying farewell to life!
The East Bank of the Nile:
The Temples of Luxor and Karnak, and the Museum.
The West Bank of the Nile:
The Colossi of Memnon - The Tombs of the Valleys of the Kings and Queens
- Mortuary Temples - The Tombs of the Nobles - The Tombs of Deir al-Medina….etc.
East Bank Monuments
Temple of Luxor:
Built by the two pharaohs: Amenhotep Ill und Ramses II.The temple was
dedicated to Amun-Ra, whose marriage to Mut was celebrated annually,
when the sacred procession moved by boat from Karnak to Luxor Temple.
# - The entrance is a huge pylon built by Ramses II and has two seated
statues of the king, originally, two large obelisks stood in front of
the pylon. However, only one remains, while the other now stands in
Place de Ia Concorde, in Paris.
# - Beyond the pylon, is the per style hall - built by Ramses II - and
bordered, in the north-eastern part of the hall is the Mosque of Abul
Haggag.
# - The rest of the Temple was built by Amenhotep Ill, starting with
the Colonade that has fourteen hug pillars in two rows.
# - Then we come to the large Court of Amenhotep Ill that is surrounded
on three sides by double rows of pillars. This leads to the hypostyle
hall, containing 32 pillars, and on to the Sanctuary of the Sacred Boat.
Alexander the Great built a kiosk within that of Amenhotep Ill. Finally,
we reach the four-columned Holiest of Holies: the Sanctuary of the Sacred
Statue.
Karnak Temples:
This is the greatest place of worship in history. It includes many singular
temples, dedicated to Amun, his wife (Mut), and their son (Khonsu),
the moon deity.
Since the Arab conquest, it became known as 'al-Karnack': the Fort.
The temple starts with the Avenue of the Rams, representing Amun: symbol
of fertility and growth. Beneath the Rams heads, small statues of Ramses
II were carved.
# - We start our visit to Karnak by passing through the First Pylon,
dating to King Nekhtebo of the 30th Dynasty, on to the large forecourt
where on the right we find the chapels of the Thebes Triad, dating to
Seti 11. On the left, there is the Temple of Ramses Ill.
# - Then comes the remnants of the Second Pylon which leads to the large
hypostyle hall which has 134 columns, with the double row in the middle
higher than the rest.
# - We then come to the remnants of the Third Pylon, before which stands
the obelisk of Thermoses I, and on to the Fourth Pylon, guarded by the
obelisk of Hatshepsut. Beyond, are the remains of the Fifth Pylon, leading
to the Holiest of Holies?
# - We finally come to the court, from the Middle Kingdom, which leads
to a large Hall of Ceremonies, dating back to Tuthmosis III.
#The Sacred Lake: The Sacred Lake, used for purification, lies outside
the main hall where we have a large statue of a scarab, dating to King
Amenhotep.
#The Sound and Light Spectacle: This spellbinding show, through the
exquisite use of words, light and music, tells the story of this magnificent
temple. The programe is presented twice daily in Arabic, English, French
and German.
• The Luxor Museum: The Museum is situated between
the temples Luxor and Karnak. It houses pharaonic relics from Luxor
and the nearby areas.
The West Bank Monuments
• The Colossi of Memnon: The only remnants of a temple commemorating
Amenhotep Ill, these statues are 19.20 meters high. When they suffered
cracks, and where said to sing, the Greeks named them after Memnon,
the legendary hero killed at the Trojan Wars, who, each morning, called
his mother Eos, the Dawn goddess, and she bewailed him, shedding tears
that were the dewdrops.
• The Tombs of the Valleys of the Kings and Queens: These are
the two tombs, ordered by the kings and queens of the New Kingdom to
be carved in the rock-faces of the valley so as to safeguard them against
grave-robbers. The tomb is composed of several rooms and corridors leading
to the Burial Chamber. the most important of these tombs are those of:
• Tutankhamen, Ramses Ill, Seti I, Ramses VI, Amenhotep II, Hur-Moheb,
Tuthmosis III
• The chief tombs of the Valley of the Queens are those of: Queen
Nefertari, wife of Ramses II
• Commemorative Temples:
#- Deir el-Bahari Temple: This temple was built by Queen Hatshepsut
to perform the rites of the nether world. Deir el-Bahari is a fairly
recent nomenclature from the 7th century B.C. when the Copts used it
as a monastery. The Temple is composed of three impressive rising terraces,
split by a road.
# - The Ramesseum: Built in commemoration of Ramses II, its murals record
the Battle of Caddish against the Hittites.
# - Madinet Habu Temple: B built in commemoration of Ramses Ill, characterized
by its well-preserved religious and military scenes. These paintings
still retain their vivid colors.
• The most important tombs of the area are:
Tombs of the Nobles: Portraying the lives of nobles and their families.
The Tomb of Nakht: His inscriptions portray the skill of the Egyptian
artist.
The Tomb of Menna: Scribe of the fields of the Two Lands, during the
reign of Tuthmosis IV.
The Tomb of Ramose: One of the state officials during the reign of Amenhotep
III and Akhenaton. The tomb contains inscriptions depicting Akhenaton
and his wife, Nefertiti.
• The visitor to Luxor may also see the Temples of Dendera
and Esna:
Temple of Dendera: This Greco-Roman temple lies about 60 kms north of
Luxor. The temple was first initiated by Ptolemy III with numerous additions
by subsequent Roman Ptolemaic rulers. It houses a famous painting of
Queen Cleopatra, and Caesaron, her son from Julius Caesar. The temple
is renowned for its horoscope inscriptions.
Temple of Esna: The temple has a hypostyle hall with pictures and texts
telling of the Roman emperors who came to Egypt and offered sacrifices
to its deities.
• Among the landmarks of Luxor
- Abul Haggag Mosque, within the compound of the Temple of Luxor.
- The Coptic Church, next to the mosque, inside Luxor Temple.
Monasteries
- Deir el-Shayeb, located 7 kms north of Luxor.
- Deir Marie Girgis, on the west bank.
- Deir el-Muhareb, about 4 kms from the quay on the west bank.
The Red Sea
The Red Sea with its clear blue water, offers colorful corals and rare
marine life. The long chain of mountains, with their different colors,
run parallel to the coastline, separated from the sea only by a plain,
most of which is suitable for camping.
All these elements blend into a rare painting of magnificent winter
and summer climate and enchanting natural beauty that charms the visitor
and give him a unique chance foe relaxation and peace on mind.
The Red Sea - 1930 km. long and 270,000 km. squared - is bordered by
Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Yemen and Djibouti.
Mount Sinai, 2285 km., is the highest peak. Its climate is equatorial
with temperatures ranging between 35C and 41C. Water temperatures range
between 18C and 21C in winter, and 21C and 26.5C in the summer. Underwater
visibility is more than 30 meters and diving is possible up to 45 meters.
The average diving depth, however, ranges between 12 and 25 meters.
Tourist Sites:
• Ayn Sukhna
• Hurghada
• Sharm El Shiekh
• Magawish Village
• Giftoun Village
• Princessa Village
• El Samaka Village
• Yasmine Village
• Hur Palace Village
• Shedwan Village
• Safaga
• Al-Qusayr
• Mersa Alam
• Bernice
• Red Sea Islands
There are 24 islands in the Red Sea, all of which are rich with fauna
and flora. The most important are:
• Emerald Island opposite to the coast of Bernice.
• Greater and Lesser Giftoun Island near the coast of Hurghada.
• Abu Minqar Island opposite the Hurghada Sheraton Hotel.
• Shedwan Island, on which stands a lighthouse, about 35 km. from
the coast of Hurghada.
