Alexandria and it's marvelous monuments

Alexandria is Egypt's second largest city after Cairo. It holds within it the ruins of the Ptolemaic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic eras.

Alexandria has been chosen by the Islamic Education, Science and Culture Organization as the Islamic cultural capital for 2008.

The city, conceived by Alexander of Macedonia, was intended as a Hellenistic center in Egypt, and as the link between Greece and the rich Nile Valley. If such a city was to be on the Egyptian coast, there was only one possible site, behind the screen of Pharos Island and removed from the silt thrown out by the Nile. An Egyptian townlet, Rhakotis, already existed on the shore and was a resort filled with fishermen and pirates.

A few months after the foundation, Alexander left Egypt for the East and never returned to his city. His viceroy, Cleomenes, howver, continued the expansion of the city.

Alexandria was later to become a cultural, political and economic center renowned for its Royal Library.

In 115 AD Alexandria was destroyed during the Jewish-Greek civil wars which gave Hadrian and his architect, Decriannus, an opportunity to rebuild it.

Alexandria was Egypt's capital for over 1000 years, since its establishment until the Arab conquest. Still, it maintained its cultural role, after the capital had moved to al-Fustat, its influence extending to the entire Mediterranean region.

Alexandria library

THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM

Museum History:

The Egyptian government established the ‘Service des Antiques de l’Egypte’ in 1835 mainly to halt the plundering of archaeological sites and to arrange the exhibition of the collected artifacts owned by the government. The Azbakian garden in Cairo was first used as a storage place for these artifacts.The collection was later transferred to another building in the citadel of Saladin.

IT contains a lot of wonderful Antiques such as

Jewelry:

Egyptian jewelry is among the most fascinating of the ancient treasures. Tasteful jewelry appears early in Egypt, it assumes a high le vel of professionalism from the first dynasty onward. We see a deep concern on their behalf to create harmonious forms and color combinations. To a greater extent , both gold and semi- precious stones were employed . Silver ,on the other hand was less widely used. The quality of execution reflects an undefined level of proficiency. Owing to superb Egyptian craftsmanship , the results are readily apparent.

Sculpture:

		The richness of Egyptian sculpture is truly appreciated through the knowledge of its significance . Egyptian sculpture was purely religious in function. Designed to perpetuate certain desired situations for eternity, sculpture was primarily situated within the boundaries of either a temple or a tomb. An Egyptian statue, for example,underwent several ritualistic performances, after which it was truly ready to 'possess life' .
		In spite of the apparent rigidity of Egyptian art, and the clear inclination towards idealism a careful study would show a definite development through the decades. These developments however, evolved within the same artistic framework that was laid at the dawn of Egyptian civilization. Egyptian art indeed offers great attractions, all of which are so vividly displayed that one cannot help but notice its outstanding beauty.

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Egypt Nile Cruises from damitta &cairo&luxor&aswan

' A real voyage of discovery'

To fully discover the ancient wonders of Egypt, a cruise on the River Nile is truly an unforgettable experience. The Nile River has been Egypt’s lifeline since ancient times and there is no better way to trace the course of Egypt’s history than to follow the course of the Nile.

Each day gives you every opportunity to explore different sights or simply enjoy a different view. The Discover Egypt cruise introduces you to the remarkable sights of Upper Egypt and is ideal for those who wish to sample the best of Egypt in one tour.

Our Classic Nile Iitinerary takes you from Luxor to Aswan, visiting some of the most spectacular ancient sites in the world including the stunning Valley of the Kings the burial place of Pharoahs including that of Tutankhamen and the breathtaking temples of Karnak and Luxor

Ancient Egypt temples

Writing an introduction to ancient Egypt temples is considerably more difficult then examining any specific structure, for a number of different reasons. First of all, the term "temple" is misleading, and secondly, the term covers a huge variety of different structures that evolved over such a vast period of time that many people have a difficulty comprehending just how long a time this period spans.

For example, think of the Roman Coliseum (in Rome). It is almost 2,000 years old, and most of us would think of it as very ancient. Yet, when the Romans first came to Egypt, they were awe struck by Egyptian temples, some of which at that time were already more ancient to the Romans, then the Roman Coliseum is to us. So we must consider the effect that these temples had on the ancient Egyptians. Imagine the feelings of old tradition and holiness felt by a young priest when he first enters St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome. How must a young Egyptian priest felt as he strolled the courts of the much more temple of Heliopolis, which was much more ancient to him then St. Peter's would be to a young priest of today.

Webster's New World Dictionary defines temple as "1. a building for the worship of god or gods, and 2. A large building for some special purpose". For the second definition, they provide the example, "a temple of art". Neither of these definitions fit the ancient Egyptian temple very well, and yet, almost every religious structure in Egypt outside of the various types of tombs are almost always referred to as temples.

Certainly some of these "temple" structures do embrace both of Webster's definitions. In fact, it is difficult to imagine most any large, ancient building not falling under the second definition, including palaces and governmental buildings. However, our modern readers are more likely to think in terms of the first definition, that of a temple being a place of worship. However, this definition is simply too limited to fit even the structures that many modern Egyptologists better define as a "god's mansion". Even these temples sometimes had many other functions, acting sometimes as fortresses, administrative centers and even concrete expression of propaganda or royal retreats. However, it is difficult to define some other religious structures that are called temples as houses of worship or "god's mansions". They may have other political or all together different purposes.

It was the ancient Egyptian temple that received endowments. It was the mortuary temple and the cult of the dead king that funded the entire pyramid complex of the early kings, for example. Temples owned land, livestock and received donations, sometimes including the spoils of war, in order to support often large populations of priests, workers, and sometimes even an entire support town.

The Temple of Karnak today remains the worlds largest religious structure, but what is perhaps even more interesting is that it might not have been, or indeed was probably not Egypt's largest temple. Certainly the Temple of Ptah in Memphis, though for the most part completely gone today, may have been larger. It was older, and located in what was often the capital of Egypt, and more often the administrative center of the ancient country. Other temples in the Nile Delta might have been just as large as Karnak, if not larger.

Sites such as Karnak, Dendera and Kom Ombo would most likely fall under the category of "god's mansion". They were more then religious "temples" however. While the god may certainly have been worshiped in these temples, it was also his symbolic home, if not considered his physical residence, and the functions of the temple were as much to serve his or her symbolic physical needs as they were for the god's worship. There was probably little or no "preaching" as such, or carrying the message of the god to the people by priests associated with these "temples". Rather the efforts were directed inward, towards the care of the gods.

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The Pharaonic Eras:

Prehistoric Period

		The history of Egypt during the first two dynasties is somewhat obscure.The little material evidence of this period suggest that king MENES is responsible for the unification of upper and lower Egypt ,and the founding of a new capital at Memphis.
		The early dynastic period was a time of experimentation, that paved the way fort the evolution of Egypt's unique artistic and religious conventions.

Old Kingdom

		The old kingdom represents an important phase in Egypt's political and cultural development. Almost five centuries of continuos progress, lay the foundation to one of the most influential cultures of the ancient world It was during this crucial period that Hieroglyphic writing reached a reasonable level of sophistication and the techniques of crafts came to a high level of professionalism. King DJOSER , owner of the step pyramid at Saqqara, is the first and most celebrated king of the third dynasty.
		The works of CHEOPS, CHEPHREN, and MYCERINUS , the creators of the three pyramids at Giza represents the peak of achievements in the architectural field. A strong centralized government , as well as a divine kingship characterize this period , but towards the end of the period, central authority disintegrated and the country fell into a state of rapid decline.

Middle Kingdom

The re-establishment of a single administration for the whole country was achieved by MENTUHOTEP II. The middle kingdom was a period of revival of the Egyptian character. The kings of the eleventh dynasty were able to exert control over the land and located their capital in IST-TAWY (near modern El-LISHT) The kings of the twelfth dynasty promoted the economic and political development ;Egyptian trade flourished, and an elaborate irrigation system was again established. There was also a reversion to pyramid building , but it was undertaken on a much humbler level as compared with the old kingdom. Unfortunately, this revival was followed by the ultimate downfall of the central government and the country fell into the hands of foreign rulers.

New Kingdom

		It was during this period that Egypt reached the zenith of its glory. Vast military expansions both in Asia and the Sudan were undertaken by the Egyptian ruler. TUTMOSIS III was among the pioneers in the military field. The degree of refinement of this age is clearly manifested in the architectural heritage. Under the rule of queen HATSHIPSUT, the artistic revival began .
		The reigning monarchs of this period showed a genuine interest in art and architecture. AKHENATON, the heretic pharaoh, reached the peak of artistic innovations with his unique art style that accompanied his religious reformation. Indeed, it is to the powerful kings of this kingdom that the capital, Thebes, owes its present allure.

Late Period The late period was on the whole a period of deterioration. The office of kingship suffered a decline in prestige, and the political and social systems were unstable. Egypt was now ruled from two separate capitals, one in the north and one in the south. Also, large foreign colonies were established within Egyptian territories . The influence of the state god Amun was dispersed among other minor city-gods, but Amon still retained some of his previous power ,at least in Upper Egypt.Political and social instability and the power of the Egyptian pharaohs was weak and challenged by other forces in the countery .Larg foreign colonies developed and Egypt for the first time opened its borders to the foreigners who settled in the delta. for more information click here

pictures from the Pharaonic Eras:

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Cultural Tourism

Cultural and archeological tourism are considered the traditional kind of tourism in Egypt.Egypt embraces several Pharaonic, Greek and Roman historic antiquities and museums.Culturual tourism has started since the discovery of ancient Egyptian antiquities and the decipher of the hieroglyhics.
Ever since, missions of archeology, explorers and authors of tourist books were very keen on visting Egypt and documenting its astonishing past and promising future.

The Pharaonic, Roman and Greek sites in Egypt
1-Cairo,Giza : Sud Al-kafara, Aon city, Pyramid plateau, Sakara and, Dahshour.
2-Alexandria: El-aamoud Sawari, the Romantheatre, the Roman Baths, The Black Head temple, Qum Saqofa tomb.
3-UpperEgypt:
A.LuxorCity,karanak temple, Luxor temple, Happi temple, Valley of kings, Valley of Queens, Dir El medina, mummification Museum at Luxor. B.Aswan City,: Abu Simbel Museum the big&small,Philiea Island.Plants Island (EL Nabatat Island )
C.Biliana City : Abidous
D.Qina City : Nadra Museum
E. Menya City : El Amarma hill
F.Beni Suef City : Archaeological Modern area.Al- Ashmounin City, Tunna el-Gabl .
4- Sinai : Almagara paintings, Sarabit el khadem, Moses Mountain, Serbal Mountain.
5- Fayoum City : Al-Lahoun Pyramid, Hawara Pyramid, Senosirt Obelisks& Madi city.
6-The Oasis:
A.El-kharagaoasis: Hipistemple, Elbagwattomb, El Queta temple, El Riyan Qasr , El Riyan temple, Qasr el Dine.
B.El-DakhlaOasis:Mot, Bashanditomb, Islamaic&Pharaonic Ballat Village, El Haggar Monastry, Islamic Qasr Village.
C.Siwa Oasis: Juibter Amun temple ElGazina temple, theDead Mountain, Tanoboaat(Prophecies )temple.
D. El Bahariya Oasis: It contains 268 sulpher& minerals springs.
E.ParisOasis:Doushtemple,ElFarafaraOasis,Itcontains ElFarafaraQasr,Abou ManakaraQasr .
Coptic Monuments
1-Churches:HagingChurch, VirginMary, AbouSeirgaChurch, Mar GirgrisChurch, St Mena, Church of Saint Barbara, Cathedral of Abbasiya.
2- Monastaries:Monastery of St Antonius, Norton Valley in western Desert, AnbaPaula, El Anba Adra, St katerine Monastery of el Abyad, Moharrah Monastery, Monastery of Marmarina El Agayabi.

Islamic Monuments

1-Mosques: Mosque of Amr Ibn El-Aas, El-Hussein Mosque, Sayyida Zeinab Mosque, Al Shafai Mosque, Al-Azhar Mosque, Sultan Hassan Mosque , Ahmed Ibn Toulun Mosque,el Hakem Biamr Allah, Mohammad Ali Mosque, El Rifai, El Nour mosque, El Mahamal Road Sinai.
2-Islamic Fortresses: Salah El Din Citadel, katabi Citadel, El Akaba Citadel, El Goundi, El Tore, el Arish, Nubaia in Sinai.
3-Museums: Egyptian Museum, Islamic Art, El-Gawhara Qasr, Greek Qasr, ElManial Qasr, Mahmoud Mokhtar, Mohammed Mahmoudkhalil, Egyptian Coptic Art, Mahmoud Saied in Alexandria, Maritimein Alexandria, Aswan Museum in Aswan, Agriculture Museum.
Milita at El Alameen, Mersa Matrouh, Nagi, Railways lines, Mansoura Museumlocatedat Luqman, Donshawi Musuemposts, El Shama (waxen) museum. Also the Mummification Museum at the Pharoanic Village.

Safari tourism

Egypt is famous for its deserts and mountains that offer an adventurous experience to most interested locals and a large number of tourists.Tourists are usually escorted by a tour guide who sets up a tent,a bonfire and arranges a couple of bedouine activities that the tourists participate in,such as dancing,milking a cow or a goat,henna application and much more.Tourists are also offered traditional bedouin meals.One of the most famous places a tourist would enjoy a safari at is the St.Catherine mountain.There are several other Safari destinations in Egypt such as Mersa Alam,Safaga,Ain Sukhana, Sinai,Sharm el-Sheikh etc.

LUXOR & ASWAN SOUTH EGYPT

Luxor is the world's greatest open - air museum, filled with the awe - inspiring monuments of ancient civilization. It contains nearly one third of the world's antiquities.There is hardly a place in Luxor which has not a relic that reflects the greatness of the ancient Egyptians and their civilization that dates back to seven thousands years ago.

During the new kingdom (1567-1085)the capital of Egypt was Wesset which means "mace"to express the extreme authority of this city ,then the name was changed to "Thebes" and Homer described it as " City of the Hundred Gates".The Arabs called it "Luxor" means" The city of Palaces"because they were impressed by its magnificent edifices and huge buildings.
It still attracts hordes of visitors from all over the world to enjoy the monuments of the eternal city and its temples with their towering pillars

On the two Banks of the Nile

On the east bank of the Nile, in the city of the living, Luxor and Karnak temples greet the sunrise.The sunset on the west bank throws shadows through the City of the Dead: the Tombs of the nobles, the valley of the kings,Queen Hatshepsut's temple.
Recently,a bridge connecting the east and west banks has been constructed to speed up tourist traffic to the west bank.

The visitor of Luxor can make a journey to enjoy the wonderful tourist sites of Luxor soaring in a ballon above the temples on the east and west banks.Some agencies organize daily ballon journeys which last for one and half hour.

It is situated on the eastern bank of the Nile 899 km south of Cairo. Aswan is considered the most beautiful winter resort not only in Egypt, but also in the whole world as it is distinguished by its fascinating nature and serenity far from the bustle of cities,and its warm weather which is characterized by dryness and sunshine throughout the year.

One can spend a pleasant time wandering along the Nile corniche where the sandy tourmaline desert merges with granite rocks around aquamarine isles covered with palm trees and plants.One can also take a Nile cruise with sail-boats at sunset or a tour in the market which abounds in handicrafts,local products,spices and perfumes.
Main tourist's sites:
Elephantine Island
It was one of the most powerful forts on Egypt's southern borders. It lies opposite the old Cataract Hotel. On the island there are the relics of stone temples of various eras including the temple of Khnum,erected during the old Kingdom and reconstructed at the turn of the Pharaonic era.The island houses "The Nilometer" dating back to the Roman era and also a museum containing an important collection of relics of the Greco-Roman eras which were discovered in Aswan and Nubia.
Plantation (Kitchener) IslandIt lies in the mid-stream near Elephantine Island. It is a natural exhibition of exotic plants and trees imported from all over the world.It is the best place for spending leisure time relaxing in expansive shades.Philae TempleThis temple was dedicated to goddess Isis. It was over flooded by the Nile. Philae temple was dismantled and reassembled in a new site on Agilika Island,about 500 km from its former site on Philae Island.
The unfinished ObeliskA huge obelisk incompletely carved,about 41 metres high and more than 1150 tons in weight. It owes its importance to the fact that it shows the techniques the ancient Egyptians used in carving obelisks.
There is the Fatimid cemetery which includes hundreds of tombs built of mud brick that dates back to the ninth century. The Nubian MuseumThe construction of the museum in Aswan is regarded as a great success of the international campaign for saving the monuments of Nubia which was supported byUNESCO.

The museum houses three thousand artifacts representing various archaeological periods throughout the history of Egypt (prehistoric, Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic and the Islamic).
The Culturual Centre in AswanThe Cultural Centre in Aswan by Corniche El Nile,presents evening shows of Nubian folk art. The performances reflect local traditional life pattern of Nubians covering dance,music and ethnic festivals.

Sharm El Sheikh

Photo Album
With its unique location in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, it is considered the strategic passageway, the meeting point between Asia and Africa, and the cradle of great civilizations.

It is no wonder that the stories of heavenly religions that dawned on humanity can be eloquently narrated by the soil of Sinai.
With its diverse features of environment that combine together history, tourism, industry and agriculture, it has become a main attraction for tourists, travelers and businessmen. Sharm El-Sheikh, the biggest and most important city of Sinai, lies at the southern flank of the Peninsula where the two gulfs of Aqaba and Suez meet with the Red Sea.

Sharm El-Sheikh, apart from its military strategic position, was considered for more than 25 years an isolated part of Egypt. Only after the liberation war and Egypt's victory in 1973, and the ensuing peace agreement, the wonderful city of Sharm El-Sheikh emerged as a promising resort laden with many prospective potentials of prosperity. Since then a new era emerged in the history of Sinai and its largest city.
The Land of Peace The city of Sharm El-Sheikh is always referred to as the "Land of Peace" as many political, scientific and tourist conferences and meetings were held over its land.
President Mubarak hosted numerous key figures and held many conferences with the aim of promoting world peace at large. Among these conferences are:
1- The 1996 Peace Making Summit that was attended by many Arab and foreign Heads of State.
2- The G-15 Summit was held for the first time in Egypt in 1998 in Sharm El Sheikh .This Summit is held in rotation only in one of the group States.

3- Concluding Wye River Agreement between the Palestinians represented by their leader Yasser Arafat and Israel represented by the then Prime Minister Barak in September 1999. King Abdullah of Jordan, President Mubarak and US Secretary of State Albright also attended the meeting.
4- Sharm El-Sheikh trilateral Summit, which was attended by President Mubarak, Arafat and Barak aiming at boosting the peace process prior to the Palestinian-Israeli meeting in Camp David.
5- President Mubarak and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Prince Abdullah summit met in Sharm El-Sheikh to review Arab situation, peace process and bilateral cooperation.
6- The trilateral summit that gathered President Mubarak, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Prince Abdullah and Syrian President Bashar Al Assad to discuss the ongoing peace process in the Middle East with special emphasis on the Syrian-Palestinian tracks of negotiations.

7- President Mubarak and Al Assad summit in 1998 to review the bilateral relations and the latest developments on the Syrian-Turkish level in view of Adana Security Agreement between the two countries. They also handled the peace process and the possibility of resuming negotiations on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks.
8- The bilateral summit between the two leaders of Egypt and Jordan to discuss the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories and to pave the way for an Arab Summit.
9- Sharm El-Sheikh Summit held on October 17, 2000, was considered a pioneering step on the part of President Mubarak besides his call for the international community and the United States to put an end to acts of violence triggered by Israel in the occupied territories. The summit was also attended by the US President Bill Clinton, King Abdullah of Jordan, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, Israeli Prime Minister Barak and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan . On the sidelines of this summit, various meetings with the African, Arab and European countries were held.
The meetings of Sharm El-Sheikh were not only confined to political ones and the city began hosting various industrial, economic and tourist conferences.
10- In September 2000 the city hosted the Strategic Group Meeting for the World Tourism Organization (WTO).
11- Donors Conference, February 5, 2002
12- Arab-American summit, June 3, 2003. The summit discussed the Middle East peace process, the situation in Iraq and fighting terrorism.
As peace is an eloquent reminder of the fruits of peaceful coexistence on one hand and the horror of war on the other hand, we should impart in the new generations the dire need for peace based on justice and equality.

Under the motto of comprehensive and just peace, Sharm El-Sheikh city hosts groups of youths from the four corners of the world to set their camps over its land. Under the banner of peace and friendship, these gatherings of different faiths, races and colors met in love and fraternity.
At Sharm El- Sheikh, a work camp comprising some 150 participants from 20 European, Asian, African and Arab countries held their conference in the Juvenile 's Village at Ras Nusrani in August 1997.
In 1998 another camp was organized with 300 youths from 30 countries participating in an atmosphere of friendship and love for peace, voicing their keenness on achieving world peace.
In 1999 fifty countries joined these camps, which have become one of Sharm El-Sheikh landmarks. Participants in these camps usually demonstrate their firm adherence to just and comprehensive peace. These camps include different kinds of sports and cultural games.
Tourist attractions
Sharm El-Sheikh city offers a variety of tourist attractions ranging from a dramatic mountain backdrop to stretches of golden beaches on matchless waters.
Coral reefs, under water and marine life, unmatched anywhere in the world, offer a spectacular and dazzling time for divers. There is wide room for scientific tourism with diversity in marine life species; 250 different coral reefs and 1000 species of fish.
These natural resources together with its proximity to European tourism markets have stimulated the rapid growth of tourism boom that the region is currently experiencing. The Bedouin culture with the colorful handicraft stands alone as a scene worth visiting.

At the south borderline of the city lies Ras Mohammed, which has been declared as a National Park in 1983. The park contains a variety of stunning geological features, including uplifted coral reefs, alluvial plains, Wadis (valleys), granite and Sandstone Mountains and soft dunes.
Ras Mohamed is also home to many terrestrial species including foxes, gazelles, reptiles, ibexes and migratory birds such as White Storks and Raptors.
There is also a forest of Mangroves trees, which provide valuable breeding areas with habitat for both birds and fish.
This marine national park is considered to be one of the most interesting diving sites in the world, with much diversity and rich coral life, some thousand different fish species and 150 coral types.
Nabq Park borders the city from the north. It is an outstanding natural area containing varied ecosystems and habitat types. Between which is the Mangroves (Avicenniz marina) -one of the most important species combined with 134 plant species spread across the park.
Visitor of Sharm El-Sheikh city will get a glimpse of cultural and religious tourism by visiting historical sites available at an arm's stretch.
At the East of the city lies The Monastery of St. Catherine. It is one of the very few early Christian building complexes that have not been destroyed or reconstructed several times over the centuries. The monastery spiritual heritage is beyond estimation.
Its architecture wall, paintings, codices, icons, historical documents, and illuminated manuscripts represent great treasures of the world's Legacy. The monastery is still functioning and hosting around 22 Greek Orthodox monks.
Mount St. Catherine is the highest peak in Egypt, towering up to 2,641 meters above sea level. There, stands at 2,285-meter high mount Moses, which is renowned as the place where Prophet Moses received the Ten Commandments.
Muslim, Christian and Jewish pilgrims come from all over the world to watch the moments of sunrise from the peak. On a clear day eyesight can cover over all Sinai and even reach the sea.

Populations
Bedouins as the native population of the desert retain their traditional rights and continue to occupy their settlements.
Many Bedouins were employed in several tourist projects as guides to the desert, as rangers for the National Parks of Nabq and Ras Mohamed. They also provide services to the protectorates.
Nevertheless, Sharm El-Sheikh, as a growing city with all its assets, attracted new labors from all over Egypt as well as from the European cities.

Most of the population is working in the tourism, construction, health and education sectors. The total inhabitants of Sharm El Sheikh hit some 35000. Those are accommedated in 9700 housing units, 3% of which are owned by the indigenous residents (Bedouins), 11% provided through government housing program, and 86% is mainly tourist lodges.
Growing Tourism industry
The tourism industry plays a vital role in boosting Egypt's economy. It will continue in the future, to be a key contributor to GNP, foreign exchange, employment generation, regional development, and population redistribution. Over the longer term, it may have additional ancillary impacts, such as promoting environmental improvement, infrastructure development, modernization, and workforce expansion.
The city has turned to a hub of activities to meet the promising investment prospects. New beaches were expanded and tourist villages were established to accommodate the flow of tourists who flock to enjoy the unique environmental facilities.

The increase in tourist influx and tourist nights was tremendous. The number of tourist arrivals increased from eight thousands in 1982 to 1.2 million in 2000.
Guest nights also increased in that period of time from 16 thousands to 5.1 million. The total number of resorts was increased from 3 in l982 to 91 in year 2000, therefore a highly reputable management companies have been attracted to invest in this city such as Hayat Regency, Accor, Marriot, Le Merredian, Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton and others, with categories between five stars to three stars.
Visitors of Sharm El-Sheikh experience a variety of water and land activities. Beach seekers find enormous activities such as diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, , pare sailing, banana boats, and canoes.
Adventurers and sportsmen find Sharm El-Sheikh a haven offering diverse activities such as golf, tennis, horseback riding, camel riding, volleyball, and desert safari to various oasis and wadies.

Services and utilities The government exerts laborious effort to improve the road network, thereby making the area more accessible for tourists. At present the roads are connecting Sharm El-Sheikh with the different cities of Sinai and the Nile Valley.
Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport has been developed and expanded to receive big aircraft and the steady increase in the number of flights; it is accommodating now 1200 passenger/hour.
The port of Sharm El-Sheikh, which can accommodate different types of vessels, played an essential role in connecting the city with the world, besides smaller local ports for diving boats. Substantial increase in the capacity of infrastructure components can be depicted: * The capacity of telecommunications has increased to 10000-telephone line.* The capacity of electricity has been increased to 202 mw.* The capacity of potable water has been increased to 28500 m3/day.* The capacity of sewage disposal has been increased to 22380m3 / day.
The city also includes a variety of services and facilities (health, educational, cultural, commercial, food courts, shopping centers, cinema, casinos, schools ...etc.), which serve both tourists and residents.

Planning
A hierarchical planning approach was adopted for the Gulf of Aqaba, whereby their components were evaluated and subdivided into zones, cities and centers. In accordance with this approach, the Gulf of Aqaba zone was subdivided into four cities: Taba, Nuweiba, Dahab and Sharm El-Sheikh.
Sharm El-Sheikh city has been subdivided into five homogeneous centers namely: Nabq, Ras Nusrani, Naama Bay, Umm Sid and Sharm El Maya. Tourism industry in Sharm El-Sheikh is considered the core of development.
The development in the city offers an exclusive world of luxury and elegance. A fantasy world of space and style is there comprising glamorous low density resorts, exclusive sports' facilities, unparalleled food courts and shopping centers.

The land plan shows that the total area of Sharm El-Sheikh is expected to be about 42 Km2, in the year 2017. This area is designed to include: Tourism resorts 08.4% Tourism Facilities 40.9% Green & Open areas 12.3% Social Services 09.9% Roads 12.2% Urban Housing 13.7% Bedouin Housing 01.6% Hand crafts & small industries 01.0%

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sakkara&met-rahina {memphis}

Saqqara or Sakkara, Saqqarah (Arabic: سقارة‎) is a vast, ancient burial ground in Egypt, serving as the necropolis for the Ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis. Saqqara features numerous pyramids, including the world's oldest standing step pyramid, as well as a number of mastabas. Located some 30 km south of modern-day Cairo, Saqqara covers an area of around 7 km by 1.5 km.

As the burial ground of royalty by Giza and later by the Valley of the Kings in Thebes, it remained an important complex for minor burials and cult ceremonies for more than 3,000 years, well into Ptolemaic and Roman times.
The step pyramid at Saqqara was designed by Imhotep for King Djoser (c.2667-2648 BC). It is the oldest complete hewn-stone building complex known in history. It is also the location of the newly opened (in 2006) Imhotep Museum. It is also where the tomb of King Menes, the first pharaoh of Egypt lies.

Egypt " a great touristique place to visit"

Egypt has been always a country of tourism where Europeans used to ‎visit and see its antiquities dating back to the various eras and ‎civilizations.

In the recreational tourism domain, there are scores of ‎unique tourist destinations such as Sharm -el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Safaga ‎and others.

Moreover, Egypt is renowned for therapeutical and ‎environmental tourism as well as other kinds such as Safari, conferences ‎and sports.‎