Mystical Egypt

With such an incredible history, Egypt is one country on most people’s list of places to visit. Herodotus wrote in his journal during the 5th century that Egypt was a place of magical and marvelous things to see, as he put it, “unspeakable greatness”. Since that time, Egypt is still a country of unspeakable greatness, an extraordinary place with Sphinx, the River Nile, pyramids, ancient Luxor, and much more. With a powerful legacy of Romans and Greeks, you will find all types of monasteries and churches of early Christians among the vast number of sites.

Today, as you make your way through Egypt, you will discover these very legacies and more just about every place you go. However, these ancient leftovers are mingled in with modern day architecture, making this country even more interesting. For example, it is common to see mud-brick villages blended in with millennia old ruins that are then surrounded with incredible, modern architecture consisting of glass, brass, and steel.

Even so, the old days of Egypt are what people find so intriguing. This would include the Bedouins who live in goatskin tents, townsfolk dressed in colorful and flowing robes, or donkey-drawn carts. Again, these old beliefs and lifestyles are intermingled with teenagers walking around in Levi jeans, wearing Reebok tennis shoes, and listening to westernized rock and roll music. This unique balance is just one of the many things that make Egypt so incredible.

Take the city of Cairo as a perfect example. This city is large, colorful, and very, busy. You could probably compare Cairo with a city like New York, people milling about, horns honking, and so much noise and activity but just as you see old and new architecture and lifestyles mixed in Cairo, you will also find another speed of Egypt in some of the other cities. In fact, while people in Cairo drive cars, transportation in other Egyptian cities involves a boat trip down the Nile River or a camel ride on the hot sands.

Sadly, Cairo went under attack by terrorist in 1997 at which time 57 tourist and 10 locals were killed. This violent act led to reinforcement of law and since that time, no other tourists have been harmed. In fact, you will find Cairo to be a city today where accommodations are comfortable and people exceptionally warm. The only warning you will hear is that you should avoid any type of political demonstration or gathering.

Egypt is a country with almost 70 million people, consisting of Bedouins, Berbers, and Nubians. For religion affiliation, you see 94% of the people of Egypt being Islam with just 6% being Christian. One of the most notorious things about Egypt is the Nile River. Interestingly, the banks of this very river are where new and powerful civilizations came, writing and erecting the first known stone monuments. The Nile River also became an important economical source and some 5,000 years ago, the independent states became one under the Menes rule, which gave rise to the first Pharaoh dynasty.

During the earlier years, pharaohs were actually divine, ruling over a society that was considered highly stratified. Then in the 27th century BC, the first pyramid was constructed and for the following 500 years, more and more monuments were built. By the 4th century, the monarchical power was at its greatest at which time Mycerinus, Khafre, and Khufu built what we know as the Great Pyramids of Giza. Then during the 6th and 7th centuries, the power of dynasties began to decrease and small principalities started to form.

Soon, Heracleopolis was established as a second capital, launching Egypt into a civil war. Then at Thebes, which is what we know today at Luxor, an independent kingdom was established. Under the leadership, Egypt came under one pharaoh. Moving from 1550 to 1069 BC, this new kingdom blossomed. In addition, Tuthmosis I who was the ruler also became the first ruler to be entombed in the Valley of the Kings. After his death, Tuthmosis’ daughter Hatshepsut (just one of a few female pharaohs) along with Tuthmosis III was successful in ruling the country, even expanding it all the way into western Asia.

Over the years, other rulers came and went but in 332 BC, one would appear who still today is studied in history – Alexander the Great, a Greek conqueror. With his arrival, a new capital was established called Alexandria, which under the ruling of Ptolemy I would become a magnificent city. The Ptolemies remained in control over the country for some 300 years but when faced with powerful rivalries, they were exiled and assassinated. One of the most fascinating things about this time of Egypt is that the Roman Empire started showing some interest in Egypt, making this particular scene one of the most popular and world’s oldest soap operas.

Then came Cleopatra VIII (depicted in the sculpture to the right), Julius Caesar, and of course, Marc Anthony. Even with the fall of the Roman Empire in the 3rd and 4th centuries, the country of Egypt remained strong and stable. However, Arabs arrived in the country, bringing with them Islam and the establishment of Fustat, which is found at the site of today’s Cairo. From that time to present, so many things happened in Egypt to include western European Christians seizing the Fatimid Empire, the Syrian-based Selijuks army going into the country, and the invasion of Napoleon in 1798.

Keep in mind that these are just a few of the many things that have occurred in Egypt since its beginning. Today, we see a lifestyle in Egypt that has actually changed very little over the past two centuries. Music is just one of the aspects of the country that has changed. Until 1975 when Om Kolthum, the “mother of Egypt” died, songs were based primarily on operettas and poetry. However, we now see many of the people enjoying new westernized pop music along with contemporary Egyptian music.

Dance is also an important part of the Egyptian culture, specifically belly dancing. Interestingly, while belly dancing has long been considered a part of the society, it is still considered a sign of promiscuity and vulgarity because Arab women are not allowed to behave in such ways and show so much skin. Therefore, much of the belly dancing you find in Egypt is done in tourist hotels or resorts where it is more accepted, or perhaps at a private party or wedding.

The country of Egypt stretches out more than 621,000 square miles with more than 95% of the land being barren desert and just 3% being fertile Nile Valley and Delta areas. To the west of Egypt, you would find Libya, to the south Sudan, on the north side is the Mediterranean Sea, and to the east, the Red Sea. One of the highest points of the country is a mountain called Mt. Katherine, reaching 8,666 feet above sea level. Egypt also boasts a number of magnificent, white beaches with several that have now been developed into popular tourist areas.

For centuries, the Egyptian people worshipped a number of animals, most of which are no longer in the country such as cheetahs, oryx, hyenas, leopards, and three specific species of gazelle. However, what you will find plenty of is bats, rodents, donkeys, and of course, camels. While animal life has decreased, you can still find more than 430 species of birds with approximately two million passing over the country each year as they migrate from Europe to Africa. In addition, you will discover some 34 varieties of snakes, the most popular being the King Cobra. Other life form includes scorpions but these are not seen very often. Finally, when visiting the Red Sea, be prepared to see stingray, sea turtles, starfish, dolphin, mollusk, and amazing, colorful coral.

The climate in Egypt is undoubtedly dry and hot for the majority of the year. As an example, the winter months that run from December through February have temperatures averaging around 68 degrees when on the Mediterranean coast but if you go to Aswan, they go up to 80 degrees. However, it is relatively common to have temperatures anywhere from 88 all the way to 122 degrees. Even at night during the colder winter, temperatures only dip down to 45 degrees. Therefore, be prepared for a hot climate and plan your trip accordingly.

Holidays and festivals are also an important part of the culture in Egypt starting with the celebration of the new Islamic year called Ras as-Sana. Another popular celebration is known as Moulid an-Nabi, which honors the prophet Mohammed’s birthday. Regardless of the celebration you enjoy, the streets are filled with drums, wonderful sweet foods, bright lights, huge feasts, and colorful costumes. As you can see, Egypt offers so many things from a rich, diverse history to traditional customs to modern day amenities and activities. While there, take time to visit Cairo, the heart of this country for more than 1,000 years along with a number of other cities, each unique and just as interesting.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

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