Tourism is vital for any country's progress and it covers many elements like transportation, accommodation and the hospitality industry of a country beside of its tourist attractions. Tourism in Egypt is the main stay and strong pillar of Egypt economy as tourism contribute about 25% of total country's income.
Egypt home of one of the oldest civilizations of the world contain much more than just pyramids and temples. The Red Sea scuba diving, desert safaris, luxury hotels and five star restaurants, well known shopping destinations and many other similar attractions are the high point of Egypt tourism. More investment in tourism sector resulted in the establishment of wonderful Yacht marina resorts, hotel facilities and better transportation service.
Egypt tourism satisfies different ambition of tourists such as therapeutic, conferences, exhibitions, sports etc. One can also enjoy Nile cruisers and live abroad Red Sea boats as a part of Egypt tour. Beside these Egypt is also considered to be one of the richest therapeutic centers because of its abundance natural resources.
Cairo is the main center of transport facilities in Egypt and is well linked to all cities of Egypt. Egypt Air provides domestic services for getting around in Egypt. For water transport Suez Canal is the major way linking Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea.
Providing good quality accommodation facilities to tourist is one of the main features of tourism. Hotels in Egypt are located near the tourist attractions. Egypt hotels feature spacious guest rooms along with other leisure activities. Not only this five star hotels in Egypt also make arrangements for airport transfers and pick-ups as well tour packages for nearby attractions.History of Egypt
History of Egypt is among one of the richest and ancient histories of the world. Home to one of the ancient civilization that invented writing and erected the first monuments, Egypt has a history of 5000 years old. King Menes founded the first unified kingdom of Egypt around 3150 BC and thus raises the divine rule of Pharaohs dynasty.
World famous pyramid of Djoser and Giza Pyramids were erected during the Old Kingdom period, i.e.around 2700-2200 BC. During the 4th dynasty monarchial power was at its zenith. But the dark clouds of political disturbances soon emerged on Egypt and led to first intermediate period of Egyptian history.
However the Middle Kingdom, i.e. around 2040 BC brought back the lost prosperity of the country. But soon Egypt witness the first alien attack by the Semitic Hyksos (group of southwest Asiatic and local Semitic people) that initiate the second period of disunity. It was only in the 18th dynasty under the leadership of Ahmose I that droved out the Hyksos out of Egypt.
The New Kingdom Period (1550-1070 BC) was the most significant period of Egypt history as it marked the rise of Egypt as an international power. The period is also known for its most well known Pharaohs ruler. They built massive temples and monuments also highlighting the rise of architecture in Egypt.
The second period of foreign dominance began with the rule of Greeks and Romans who ruled Egypt for the next 2000 years. The Greek rule of Egypt gave the most well known dynasty of rulers in history, i.e. Ptolemaic dynasty. It was only in 30 BC, following the death of Cleopatra, that Egypt came under Roman Empire as the province Aegyptus.
Christianity came along the rule of Byzantines who took control of Egypt in the 1st AD century. But the invasion of Muslim Arabs in AD 639 brought Islam to the soil of Egypt. They remained in power until the French troops under the leadership of Napoleon took control of Egypt in 1801. The French invasion had significant social impact on the country and its culture. But Muhammad Ali of Albanian soon drove French power out of Egypt. He was the first that sown modernization seeds in Egypt land. In 1882 British troops took control of Egypt. It was only between1882 to 1906 that Egyptian led a nationalist movement for independence and from here began the struggle for political independence and emerged the sentiment of nationality among the Egyptians.
Culture of Egypt
The culture of Egypt like its history shows diversity and influence of many foreign countries. Having history of 5000 years, Egypt 's vast and rich culture constitutes an important element in the life of the country, which reflects the different colorful shades of history and of the earliest civilizations.
From language to literature and from arts to music and dance, the value of cultural diversity cannot be underestimated. The ancient Egyptian language belongs to the family of Afro-Asiatic languages and was among the first written languages known by the hieroglyphic signs inscribed on the monuments and papyrus sheets.
The present Arabic language is the gift of Arabs to the Egypt during their invasion in 7th century. Of the many Arabic varieties, Egyptian Arabic is the second most widely spoken dialect throughout the Arabic speaking world. Beside of the official language, there are other languages also that are spoken by the minority ethnic groups.
The oldest Egyptian literature is known as the Pyramid Texts. Broadly literature of Egypt is divided into two parts: religious literature and secular literature. Religious literature is all about the various hymns dedicated to gods and its mortuary texts. Whereas Secular literature includes the wisdom texts i.e. forms of philosophical instruction. In Egypt history Middle Kingdom period was considered as the golden age of Egyptian literature.
One major change in the literature culture of Egypt occurred during the Greco-Roman period. It was the period when certain Egyptian literature masterpieces were translated into other languages and Greco-Roman literature fused with the native writing style. One example of this fusion is the Rosetta Stone-a masterpiece of Egyptian Literature. The great city of Alexandria became the main center of literature culture of Egypt.
The wall paintings of the Pharaohs era were the earliest examples of art form developed in Egypt. However they lacked linear perspective. Modern and contemporary Egyptian art is much better in perspective manner on world art scene. Similarly Egyptian music is a mixture of Egyptian, Arabic, African and Western influences. Before 7th century AD, harps and flutes are the two indigenous instruments of music in Egypt. But a wave of change occurred after the arrival of Arabs that brought with them the Percussion and Vocal music. Egyptian Pop music is now a part of Egypt culture while the folk music is also popular but is played only during the wedding ceremony or festivities.
Beside of the art and literature section, there is one more section of culture that is different from the formers but win hearts by its flavor and taste i.e. Cuisine. Egyptian Cuisine shares many dishes with the neighboring countries but yet it tastes totally different. Mashed fave beans are considered as the national dish of the Egypt. Breads are the major part of main courses. Kebab and Kofta, usually of lamb meat, chops & minced meat are the other popular dishes.
Popular Egypt Destinations
A North African country that includes Sinai Peninsula and land bridge to Asia, Egypt is the land of pyramids and home of one of the ancient civilizations of the world. But besides of pyramids and its rich ancient heritage, Egypt also offers lot of other attractions also. Among these Egypt popular destinations is one. Popular destinations of Egypt include its world famous and ancient cities that are the part of its rich historical treasure.
Egypt is the most populous country of Middle East. Most of its population resides near the Nile River. Except of the Nile River Valley region most of the area of Egypt is arid forming deserts for what Egypt is also known for. However inspite of this geographical diversity, Egypt destinations showed existence of Egyptian culture in its true colors and shades.
Popular destinations in Egypt present the perfect example of harmonious fusion of glorious past of Egypt with modernity. From the metropolitan capital city of Cairo to the city of Pyramids-Giza and from Luxor that houses world's largest temple complex to the city of port-Alexandria, every city of Egypt is full of attractions.
From the historic cities like Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan or Alexandria to the fast developing tourist and modern cities of Hurgahada and Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt is the main political and cultural center of Middle East.
Egypt popular destinations varied from the historical cities to the famous diving sites of Red Sea. From the lively life of Nile valley, to the vast deserts, to the diversity of Sinai Peninsula to the exotic aquatic life of Red Sea, to the golden sandy beaches, Egypt destinations comprises of true shades of ethnic natural beauty. Most of the world famous temples of Egypt are located in the southern part of the country and most of the graves belonging to the Pharaonic period are located in Luxor, Aswan and other cities of southern Egypt.
Egypt Festivals and Events
Egypt the cradle of many tales is also famous for its festivals and religious events also known as "muilds". Festivals in Egypt have religious significance from the era of Pharaohs.
As Egypt is a secular country so the festivals and the events are also secular but fascinating and vibrant. Below are some of the major festivals of Egypt.
Prophet Mohammed's Birth Anniversary
The birthday of the founder of Islam is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy in all Muslims country through out the world. This event of Egypt is held in the month of May and is celebrated with parades. Offering sweets and clothes is a main ritual associated with this festival.
Christmas
This Coptic Christmas is held on 7th January. Celebrated by the Coptics of Egypt this day is celebrated as the birthday of Christ as all other Orthodox churches except of Armenian assumed. People enjoy a mass gathering at midnight and enjoy a traditional cuisine of festival known as "fata".
Pharaonic Wedding
This festival is the symbol of ancient civilization of Egypt and is held celebrated in the month of November. This festival is considered as an auspicious day for marriages. Couples visit to Karnak Temple and get married there.
Abu El Haggag Moulid
This Egypt festival is dedicated to the patron saint of Luxor-Abu el Haggag. Horseracing, dance, music and drum playing are the high points of this Egyptian festival.
Wafaa Al Nil
This festival is dedicated to the symbol of Egypt-the Nile River. It is among one of the ancient festivals of Egypt. In the present scenario painting competitions, sessions of poetry, seminars and music concerts are the highlight of this September month festival.
Abu Simbel Festival
This Festival of Egypt is associated with the ancient temple of Egypt-Abu Simbel and highlights the ancient traditional rituals of Egypt. This festival is held on 22nd February.
Shem al Nessim
Another traditional festival, which marked the arrival of spring in Egypt and is celebrated throughout Egypt on the Monday in month of April after Coptic Easter.
The Art Festival
A week long festival held from 24th-31st August. This festival is said to be the greatest art festival of Arab world.
Inspite of these festivals one most major event of Egypt is Ramadan or Ramzan as called in some countries. Fasting the fourth pillar of Islam is also called as Ramadan. It is considered as the most blessed and spiritually beneficial month of the Islamic year.
Ramadan or Ramzan has a special flavor among the events of Egypt. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over Egypt as well as in other Muslim countries also. Many Muslim tourists visit Egypt during Ramadan.
Eid al Fitr
This religious event marks the end of the month long fasting or Ramadan period for Muslims.
Eid al Adhha
This religious event begins about 70 days after the end of Ramadan and is dedicated to Abraham's sacrifice of a sheep in place of his son. This event lasts for four days.
Getting There
Marsa Alam is a very important destination in Egypt and is located almost 790 kilometers south to Cairo. The Marsa Alam International Airport ensures that tourists reach this place easily and comfortably. Egypt Air offers some flights to Marsa Alam. Misr Petrol Company also provides important flights to Marsa Alam and from Marsa Alam to other places. All flights are in service from Monday and Thursday. The flights are all charters and doesn't cost exorbitant.
All those interested in reaching Marsa Alam by road can avail the facilities of bus services. The Bus services are provided from Cairo to Marsa Alam every night at 11.00 pm. There are numerous bus services provided by various bus companies. Buses provide comfortable seating provisions and there is provision of entertainment on the way like special screening of movies. The bus rides don't cost much and are quite efficient. Tourists can also reach the place by cars as well.
Hotels in Egyp
