NEWS
What's going on in Egypt at the moment? What's worth the trip, News, new trip ideas, festivals…
To know all there is to know, come back often: this page is regularly updated.
A unique event in Abu Simbel
The festival of Abu Simbel, in February, is a fabulous period for those who can visit Abu Simbel and luckily admire in the meantime the incredible sunrise over the temple.
Abu Simbel is a splendid temple built on a strict east – west axis so that the morning sun actually goes through the heart of the temple for 60 meters to reach the innermost sanctuary at dawn, illuminating the statues of Amon, Ramses II and Ra-Horakhty twice a year on Oct. 22nd
and Feb. 22nd.
This phenomenon is known as the “Perpendicular of the Sun on Abu Simbel”. It lasts for about 20 minutes . Outside the site, the magic will last for a fair and music demonstration.
It is a unique phenomenon of the Temple that shows the architectural creativity of the ancient Egyptian architects, who wished to show and ensure the relationship between the temple and the Sun.
New Pyramid found in Egypt
Dr. Zahi Hawass, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities has announced the discovery of a 4300 year-old pyramid in Saqqara, the sprawling necropolis and burial site of the rulers of ancient Memphis.
The new discovered pyramid is said to belong to Queen Sesheshet , the mother of King Teti , first King and founder of the 6th Dynasty of Egypt.
The pyramid dates to over four millennium ago and is five meters high although it must have been about 14 meters originally.
The archaeologists stated that the discovery of the pyramid will further enrich our understanding of the pyramids of the 6th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom.
Egypt on the way to a sustainable destination
Egyptian Ministry of Tourism hosts an international conference on sustainable tourism under the banner of “Egypt on the way to a sustainable destination”.
Egyptian ministry of tourism and the Green Star Hotel initiative have invited key players in the regional and worldwide tourism industry to an international conference on December 17th - 19th in El Gouna -Egypt’s most environmentally friendly destination.
The conference will discuss standards for sustainable tourism development in the Middle East. The collaboration is for implementing an environmentally friendly sustainable management system in Egypt’s hotel industry. The goal of the initiative is to create an ecolabel for hotels and resorts in destination throughout Egypt and the Middle East.
The aim of the conference is to give a platform to international and local experts to exchange ideas on the main challenges , existing standards and practical initiatives for making tourism more sustainable.
The conference is expected to be attended by representatives from the tourism ministries of Egypt, Jordan ,Oman ,and Tunisia as well as from the UN Environment Program ,the UN World Tourism Organization ,the International Hotel Association, the World Travel Organization, and the International Federation of Tour Operators.
For more information log into: www.greenstarhotel.net
Characters of Egypt, the Egyptian Tourist Authority celebrates Egypt's tribal heritage
Under the auspices of Mr. Amr EL Ezaby, Chairman of the Egyptian Tourist Authority, and in collaboration with Wadi Environment Science Centre (WESC) and the Egyptian Desert Pioneer Society (EDPS), a festival celebrating the cultural heritage of Egyptian tribes to be held in Fustat Wadi EL Gemal National Park, 45 Kms. South of Marsa
Allam.
The Festival will take place October 29-31 and will bring tribes from all over Egypt to showcase their costumes, jewelry, food, sports, dance, games, music, poetry, etc
For more information please log into:
www.charactersofegypt.com
The Jazz Factory: A European Arab Music Celebration to be held in Cairo in November 2008
For the first time, Cairo will host "The Jazz Factory" a unique celebration of European and Arabic music from the 5th to the 14th of November 2008.
The Jazz Factory will include highly accomplished music groups and musicians from eleven European countries as well as groups from Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, Morocco and Palestine that play a very diverse range of musical styles; from traditional jazz to jazz flamenco, oriental jazz, Afro Cuban jazz, experimental jazz and more.
The concerts will be spread over diverse venues in Cairo including Manial Palace, Manesterly Palace, Amir Taz Palace, El Genaina Theatre, The Arabic Music Institute, and Sawy Cultural Wheel.
The Jazz Factory is an initiative by the European Commission's Delegation to Egypt, together with the Embassies of Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Italy, the United Kingdom and France in cooperation with the Egyptian Tourist Authority , the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and the Culture Resource (Al Mawred Al Thaqafy).
For more information please log into:
www.mawred.org
New Discovery in Egypt
The Supreme Council of Antiquities mission has discovered two ancient citadels; the first one is in Tal Hebwa on the ancient military road "Horus" which dates back to the Pharaonic era (18 & 19 dynasty), the second one is in Tal El Kedwa which goes back to the Persian era.
Dr. Zahi Hawas, the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities announced that the new discovery is located 30 kilometers east of the Suez Canal and the first citadel has inscriptions of King "Sity I". The ancient Egyptian papyrus indicates that these citadels were built to secure Egypt's eastern borders.
It is worth mentioning that the inscriptions of the ancient Horus Road carved on the walls of El Karnak temple in Luxor is the oldest topographic map in the world that outlines 11 military citadels on the eastern borders.
Alexandria to Recover the Lost Treasures of Queen Cleopatra
The palace of Queen Cleopatra, laid under the Eastern Alexandrian harbor water, will be explored to reveal the mysteries of the famous queen's life. The plans to drain the water are expected to be completed by November 2008, after which archaeologists will begin to excavate the "Sunken City". This challenging and exciting project should enable the discover of the hidden treasures within the place of Cleopatra's love story with Mark Anthony and to restore the palace to its timeless historical glory.
There have already been numerous discoveries since the project got underway. A 120 meter long underground tunnel, with a number of rooms, has been found and also gold coins with the face of Queen Cleopatra in the water surrounding her temple. These discoveries have led Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, and other archeologists to believe that the project will lead to the discovery of Cleopatra & Mark Anthony tombs. The belief that the two historical figures are hidden in this palace is based on a strong conviction that the two were buried in the temple of Tabusiris Magna, which archeologists believe is the submerged building in this harbor area.
The Wonders Of The World Peace Pilgrimage: From Giza Pyramids to Petra
Running for its third year, the annual yoga festival, entitled this year “The Wonders of the World Peace Pilgrimage: From Giza to Petra”, will start on May 30th in Egypt ending on Jun 7 in Petra, Jordan. The festival will begin in Giza at the pyramids area where a special ceremony at Cheops (Khufu) pyramid will take place alongside the festivals regular yoga activities and sessions. The yoga festival will spend two days in Egypt before moving on to the Dead Sea and Jordan.
The daily schedule will offer a variety of yoga classes and sessions, lectures and daily workshops, as well as health and beauty tips from internationally renowned members of the yoga community. Other than promoting spirituality and the ancient teachings of yoga, the festival is designed to dissolve away the stresses of modern life. The festival offers special programs and classes for women and children and also accommodates those with special needs.
For further information on the event visit:
http://www.globalyogafestival.com/englishhome.shtml
The International Pyramids Rally
For the third year running, Siag and Emeco Travel Agencies are organizing the International Pyramids Rally in Egypt for motorcycles, quads, cars and trucks. The rally started at El Alamein on 30 April 2008 and will pass by el Baharia, El Farafra, El Kharga Oases and the Sand Sea in the Western desert. Forty-nine participants from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Canada, Britain and Germany along with 32 Egyptians are taking part in this Rally, which will last for ten days and finish by May 9.
For more information please visit: www.siagtravelegypt.com
The Mystery of KV60 Tomb Finally Unveiled
Hatshepsut, like Cleopatra, has always been the most famous queen of Egypt. Discovered in 1903, her mummy has yet never been categorically identified. The royal like position of this corpulent mummy, bent arms and fists across her chest, has led a few archaeologists to think that the missing corpse of KV60 tomb was that of the Lady of the Nile. Nevertheless, it only became certain after a scientific examination consisting of a 3D Scanner performed on the mummy.
Dr. Zahi Hawass, the Secretary General of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, said "The discovery of the Hatshepsut mummy is one of the most important finds in the history of Egypt. Our hope this mummy will help shedding light on this mystery and on the mysterious nature of her death."
The tomb where the body was found, called KV60, was discovered in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor by Howard Carter in 1903. Egyptologists have suggested over the years that one of the mummies from KV60 could be that of the queen. Dr Hawass has now found the tooth “fits exactly” into the jaw socket and broken root of the mummy of an obese woman originally found in KV60. Further CT scans led physicians to conclude that the woman died when she was about 50. She was overweight and had bad teeth. She probably had diabetes and appears to have died of bone cancer, which had spread through her body.
This major discovery of Egyptian archaeological history opens the way to more frequent use of scanner technology. A room in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo will be dedicated to review unidentified mummies which may certainly unveil numerous additional secrets.
"I think the face is quite royal, and believe that anyone who sees it will have the same reaction," said Dr. Hawass.
Czech President in Egypt
The Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt and the Czech Institute of Antiquities will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Czech exploratory missions in Egypt on 7 April 2008. The president of the Czech Republic, Václav Klaus, will inaugurate the Exhibition of the Egyptian Antiquities entitled "The Discovery of Ancient Egypt – 50 years of Czech Explorations in Egypt". The Exhibition will contain 114 pieces of monuments and will be held at the Egyptian Museum.
El Sokhna to Become New Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Destination on the Red Sea
A new Mövenpick Resort is scheduled to open in El Sokhna in June 2008. After new luxury cruisers on the Nile and Lake Nasser, two projects were recently announced in Sharm El Sheikh. Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement for a 5-star holiday resort in El Sokhna on the shores of the Red Sea.
The Mövenpick Resort El Sokhna is an integral part of the 62 acre El Ein Resort Village with its own private beach of fine sand and crystal clear water. This new hotel, located 55 km south of the Suez Canal, 90 minutes by car from Cairo, is planned to appeal not just to guests from all over the world, but also to groups in Egypt.
The hotel’s 162 rooms and suites are contemporary in design and each has a sea view. Spacious swimming pools, a whole range of sporting activities, a health club and a variety of boutiques (including a Gourmet Shop) create a comprehensive offer of leisure and entertainment facilities. The various lounges and restaurants (the most unique one among them is located on a small island in the sea and offers fresh seafood and grilled delicacies) will ensure that guests enjoy the very best culinary choice around the clock. Premises that can host up to 160 persons cater for conferences and banquets. All kinds of events for up to 1,000 guests can be celebrated outdoors.
The hotel is looking forward to treating the guests in El Soukhna to the unique brand of genuine Swiss hospitality.
Best in Online Advertising Award for ETA Website
The Egyptian Tourist Authority (ETA) was awarded for the "Best in Online Advertising" on 7 March 2008 in Berlin during the ITB exhibition. Mr Hesham Zaazou, First Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, received the award during the ceremony held by the International Committee for Tourist Advertising. 78 countries were competing for the prizes; the selected jury of experts met in the span of three days. Being aware of the importance of the internet as a promotional factor, Mr Amr El Ezaby – the Chairman of ETA – was keen to add distinctive patterns and materials to assist in promoting Egypt online. Egypt was chosen in part because it included an advertising film for the country on the website in several languages. The film reviews the advantages of the Egyptian Tourism and the most important developments taking place.
Mutual Cultural Bonds between Egypt and Spain Will Last Forever
King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia arrived in Egypt on 4th February 2008. They attended the Closing Ceremony held on the occasion of celebrating the 6th Centennial Jubilee of Ibn Khaldun’s memorial, the famous pioneer in Sociology. Farouk Hosni , the Minister of Culture gave a speech during the ceremony at Prince Taz Palace , in which he said that there had always been cultural exchange between Egypt and Spain through different means as art exhibitions , concerts and others ; while Mrs. Suzan Mubarak inaugurated the Exhibition which contained 51 pieces of Ibn Khaldun’s belongings.
Dr. Zahi Hawass , the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Antiquities had accompanied Queen Sofia during her visit to Saqqara Area and her tour inside the Step Pyramid. Queen Sofia was interested in learning about the recent discoveries at the Valley of the Kings in Luxor and said that she would visit the area in the near future.
Charles Aznavour enchanted by Egypt
"Egypt is a great country. Whenever I come to visit her, I learn a lot. I am happy to be here in Egypt and I feel that I have returned to my roots as my grandfathers lived here once..." These were Aznavour’s words at the press conference held on 4 January 2008 at Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel. Aznavour gave a concert at the Cairo Opera House in the evening of the same day. The revenue of the concert was allocated for developing "Ezbet Khair Allah" in the Old Cairo District. He also gave another concert at Alexandria Opera House on 6 January.
When Aznavour visited Luxor, he said that there was no more wonderful place in the world as Luxor Temple and that he was willing to give a concert there at the temple amid history and civilization. It was his first visit to Luxor, but he assured that it would not be the last!
Discover the Mysterious Relation between Egypt and Foreign Golf Tournament
Taba Heights Golf Resort in Egypt will host the finals of Matchplay Championship of Golf from 19-26 April 2008. This British championship is one of Europe's largest amateur golf tournaments, open to all golf clubs and players in UK. Egypt will host 40 players and referees through the finals of this tournament next April. It is worth mentioning that Egypt has a role in holding foreign golf tournament finals on its land, as it had hosted the Italian Golf Tournament in last November. If you wonder why Egypt is always chosen, come and see the country and its people yourself!
Ancient Egypt through Japan snow
The opening ceremony of the 59th Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan took place on 5th February on the stage of the large snow sculpture named "Ancient Egypt Site". This festival, one of Japan's largest winter events, attracts about two million people every year in the city of Sapporo during one week. People from Japan and abroad come to see the hundreds of beautiful Snow Sculpture Contest.
This year, Sphinx, Great Pyramid of Giza and a pair of sitting statues of Ramsess II have been erected in HBC Square in the Odori Park, the main festival site.
More information on Snow Festival Website : http://www.snowfes.com/english
Navigate Whales World in Egypt
Wadi al-Hitan or Whale Valley was inaugurated on 10 February 2008 by HE the First Lady of Egypt Suzanne Mubarak. This natural site, located in the Western Desert, is the first on UNESCO's World Heritage List in Egypt and the Arab Area. The Minister of Environment has completed operations to develop the area to be a unique open museum.
Wadi Al-Hitan is the most important site in the world to demonstrate one of the iconic changes that make up the record of life on Earth: the evolution of whales that lived 40 million years ago. It vividly portrays their form and mode of life during their transition from land animal to a marine existence. It exceeds the values of other comparable sites in terms of number, concentration, quality of its fossils, accessibility and setting in an attractive protected landscape.
More information on UNESCO website: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1186
Luxor, the City of the Elite
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York arrived in Luxor on 10 January 2008 with his daughter for a two day visit. He was fascinated by the historic and cultural sites in Luxor, the ancient Egyptian architecture and the fascinating inscriptions in the tombs of the Pharaohs . He said that he had come to see Luxor after hearing about how the area had developed and to enjoy its warm weather which is rather different from that of England.
Catch the Opportunity of Visiting the Young King
It is Tutankhamen Tomb, at the Valley of the Kings in Luxor with its walls of rare scenes and paintings, which are not found in any other ancient tombs.
Quickly! catch this opportunity and visit this wonderful tomb, since the Supreme Council of Antiquities arranged as of December 1st, 2007 to close the tomb daily for an hour from 12:00 – 1:00 pm and to eliminate the number of visitors to be in total of 400 visitor each day divided to 200 visitors in the morning and 200 visitors in the evening.
In a positive step towards preserving of these murals, the Supreme Council of Antiquities decided to start a restoration project to preserve these murals in May 1st, 2008 accordingly it will be closed for one year.
Cairo, capital of Arabic literature
The 40th Cairo International Book Fair will take place from January 23 to February 4 in Cairo Fair Grounds. This leading cultural activity in the Middle East is the biggest in the world after Frankfurt. First held in 1969, to narrow the gap between Arabic and foreign language books, the annual Cairo International Book Fair is a great opportunity for over three million international visitors per year to learn about new books being published with a particular focus on Arab-language titles. In addition to 3000 exhibitors of literature, science and intellectual book collections, there are arts events, seminars, music and discussions with world-famous guest speakers.
Le Meridien Dahab Resort
Le Meridien Dahab Resort is located in the heart of Sinai, overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba, only one hour drive from Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport. The hotel's contemporary, elegant design and array of leisure facilities combined with its located make for an ideal getaway guests will have a choice of leisure facilities including five swimming pools, children club, dive and windsurfing centers, Jacuzzi, Steam and Sauna, beautifully landscaped gardens and tennis court. Attraction such as St. Catherine's monastery, the Sinai Oasis and Mount Moses, Ras Mohammed national park and blue hotel (diving spot) are only few miles away from this resort.
It is Always Sharm El-Sheik “The World's Leading Dive Destination”
The World Travel Awards awarded Sharm El-Sheikh as the World's Leading Dive Destination in its annual gala ceremony held on 12 December 2007 at the Caribbean Island of the Turks and Caicos. Its worth mentioning that it is the world’s most comprehensive travel awards ceremony, with trophies awarded in all areas of the industry.
The Royal Savoy Sharm El Sheikh also came as the world’s leading Diving Resort.
Thousands of votes each year are registered online at the official World Travel Awards website, with most of the leading travel internet sites offering additional online voting facilities. This year the number of votes reached 167.000 of those involved in the travel industry from about 190 countries from all over the world.
But that was not all for Egypt as the Giza Pyramids were awarded as the World’s Leading Attraction, Hilton Sharm Dreams Resort was awarded as Africa’s Leading Family Resort, Luxor Suit at Intercontinental Citystars Cairo was awarded as Africa’s Leading Suit and Queen Cleopatra Villas Savoy Sharm El Sheikh was awarded as Africa’s Leading Villa.
Discover New Sites in Egypt "Port Ghalib"
Port Ghalib is located along the Southern Red Sea Coast of Egypt. This integrated development spans 3.5km of pristine beachfront, with a total area of 8 million sqm .enjoying magnificent panoramic views of rugged desert mountains and turquoise blue water. The area offers a virgin site of breath-taking natural beauty, with its rolling hills, sand dunes, wadis, natural flora and fauna,un-spoilt desert terrain, and of course, world-famous underwater coral reefs of the Red Sea. Port Ghalib represents a new generation of environmentally sensitive resorts. Designed and master-planned by some of the World's leading companies, Port Ghalib includes nine uniquely themed villages featuring; an international marina, 23 distinctive hotels, golf course, yacht club, residential & luxury properties, retail outlets, entertainment facilities and services.
Port Ghalib will comprise nine villages, featuring:
- 23 Hotels.
- Conference Center.
- International Marina.
- 18-hole Golf Course.
- Yacht Club.
- Retail and Commercial Outlets.
- Residential and Luxury Prosperities.
- Entertainment Facilities and Services.
Since Port Ghalib has such features, it attracts a lot of tourists interested in Egypt: family holidaymakers, yachtsmen, mariners, sports enthusiasts, golfers, tennis players, and fitness tourists, as well as the business traveler, eco-tourist, and adventure seeker. Port Ghalib will attract these individuals through its uniquely beautiful coral reefs, its desert oasis, its mountains with fauna and flora, and the ancient monuments in the local area and adjacent Nile Valley.
A unique event in Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is a splendid temple built on a strict east – west axis so that the morning sun actually goes through the heart of the temple for 60 meters to reach the innermost sanctuary at dawn, illuminating the statues of Amon, Ramses II and Ra-Horakhty twice a year on Oct. 22nd and Feb. 22nd.
This phenomenon is known as the “Perpendicular of the Sun on Abu Simbel”. It lasts for about 20 minutes and has no relation with the dates of birth or coronation of Ramses II as was wrongly thought. It is a unique phenomenon of the Temple that shows the architectural creativity of the ancient Egyptian architects, who wished to show and ensure the relationship between the temple and the Sun.
French singer Charles Aznavour to visit Egypt
In January 2008, famous French singer Charles Aznavour will visit Egypt to give two exclusive charity concerts. The first performance will take place in Cairo Opera House on the 3rd of January, the second one in Alexandria on the 7th of January. The French channels “France 24” and “Channel 2” will broadcast Charles Aznavour’s concerts.
The French singer may be soon involved in a new project linked with Egypt: his idea of narrating a movie about the pyramids is being considered.
Date: January 3rd
Place: Cairo
Date: January 7th
Place: Alexandria
Opening of Four Seasons Hotel in Alexandria
The new Four Seasons Hotel San Stefano in Alexandria, with all the glamour of Cleopatra’s ancient Mediterranean home, is a haven of luxury. You will enjoy the airiness of the largest decorated rooms in all Alexandria with one or more private balconies that have breathtaking views of the turquoise sea or the glittering city. Guests and outside visitors will be spoiled with the nine fine restaurants offering a wide range of international and Egyptian cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to pamper yourself with a visit to the Spa and Fitness Center or a relaxing moment at the sunny, poolside deck with its water music. Or you can lounge on the private beach and enjoy the view of the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy the flawless, personalized service that is the hallmark of Four Seasons Hotels throughout the world.
www.fourseasons.com
Music at the Citadel in the summer
Concerts are held in the Cairo Citadel all summer long. This is an opportunity to visit the place by night and admire the view of the “city of the thousand minarets”.
Music all summer long at the cultural center el Sakia
Located on Zamalek island, by the Nile, the cultural center el Sakia offers concerts, theatrical perforomances, and exhibitions all summer long. El Sakia is the ancient water wheel for land irrigation. The whole programme is available on
www.culturewheel.com
World top archaeological discovery of 2006 is in Egypt
The American periodical “Archeaology” named Valley of the Kings Tomb KV63 world top archaeological discovery of 2006. It is the first tomb to be excavated in the Valley of the Kings since Tutankhamun's in 1922.
Two new seaside resorts in Egypt
Almaza Bay, first international seaside resort on the Mediterranean coast, hosts already six hotels, 2,500 villas, a golf court, a marina and sports complex. On the Red Sea, Port Ghalib’s new resort, 250 km south of Hurghada and accessible by Marsa Alam international airport, offers high quality tourist services.
Egyptian antiquities back home
Two antiquities, auctioned on the international market, have been finally restituted to Egypt. The Middle Empire alabaster duck-shaped boxes had been found in Dahshur, on the Amenemhat III’s pyramid site, some thirty years ago.
Islamic Cairo restored : al-Muezz street becomes an open-air museum
First step of restoration in Islamic Cairo has been achieved. Al-Muezz street has become an open-air museum which holds around forty Islamic monuments: mosque, schools and fountains. The street links Bab al-Futuh in the north and Bab al-Zwayla in the south, the two gates of the medieval city.
Ramses II’s stolen hair, back to Egypt
In November 2006, a French man auctioned on Internet a hair from Ramses’s mummy, stolen when it had been restored in the 50’s. The hair has been finally given back to Egypt.
Temple of Edfu now opened for visitors at night
Horus’ temple of Edfu is now opened at night. Visitors arrive from the Nile, where a special anchorage for tourists’ boats has been set up. New and sophisticated lighting illuminates the temple.
A new Egyptian site to apply the Unesco World Heritage list
Unesco is considering inscribing the Qatrani Mount, located in the Fayoum oasis, on the natural and cultural world heritage list. This site holds prehistorical treasures, but also the most ancient road in the world, the ruins of a Ptolemaic town and a Coptic monastery. In the same region, Unesco registered in 2005 the Whales Valley (wady al-Hitane) as natural world heritage site. The Theban necropolis in Luxor and the Guiza Pyramids were the first sites to be inscribed in 1979 by the international cultural agency.
Three sarcophagus discovered in Saqqara Necropolis
Japanese archaeologists discovered three 4,000 year-old sarcophagus in Saqqara Necropolis, south of Cairo. Saqqara is notably renown for its steps pyramid built by Imhotep for King Djoser, around 2,700 BC
Underwater archaeological museum in Alexandria
Archaeological treasures in Alexandria bay will be exhibited in a futuristic underwater museum, facing the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, in the heart of the antique city.
Stele discovery in Karnak
Egyptian team of archaeologists discovered a stele which should shed light on the history of Karnak temple.
Pharaonic cemetery discovered in Luxor
The Egyptian-French archeological mission has discovered a Pharaonic cemetery inside the ancient Ramsis Temple in Luxor.
Luxor, rediscovering the Theban Necropolis
People living in the Theban Necropolis agreed to evacuate the antique site which has been inhabited for several generations. Tourists and archaeologists will soon access the 1,000 tombs of the ancient necropolis.
Egypt's 2nd International Yoga Festival
March 24- 31, 2007, Taba Heights
Organized by Mr. Hossam
Darwish, T.E.N Tours
Festival Executive
Consultant: Anthony Sadasiva
More Information:
Egypt: Mr. Hossam Darwish
• TEL: +(202) 2675377
• FAX: +(202) 2675388
• EMAIL: info@tentours.com
USA: Mr. Anthony Sadasiva
• TEL: (718) 296.8543
• FAX: 1 (707) 371.2195
• EMAIL: info@yogasynthesis.org
Link : http://www.egyptyogafestival.com
NEW SOUK IN CAIRO
The Souk El-Fustat is located in Old Cairo, between the Amr Ibn Al-As mosque, Egypt's first Mosque, the Church Al-Muallaqa, the 'Hanging Church', a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the recently restored Ben Ezra synagogue. This souk offers traditional hand-made items like embroidered robes, oriental lamps, wooden toys and fabric dolls. The potters working here continue to produce ceramics using ancient techniques. Certain boutiques play host to craftsmen from particular communities, such as the craftsmen of Upper Egypt, or associations like the one for the protection of the environment. Be careful though; unlike the Souk Khan El-Khalili, prices at El-Fustat are fixed and it is impossible to barter.
TRANSFORMATION OF LUXOR INTO AN 'OPEN MUSEUM'
Egypt's Minister of Culture, Farouk Hosni, has announced that he has agreed to carry out a project with the City of Luxor to enhance the cultural and historical riches of the ancient city of Thebes. This project, which will cost 250 million Egyptian pounds, will transform the city into a panorama of classical ancient monuments. Some of the key highlights of this project include lighting along the banks of the Nile and the reopening of the Rameses Road. The project will be carried out in several stages and got under way at the end of last May.
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