the history of egypt

Middle Egypt Day 4 Photos

2010-10-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

Local Crafts

Royal Tomb

Royal Tomb

Negotiating the northern tombs with help

Tomb of Ay

Northern tomb

Northern Tomb

Northern or Nefertiti Palace

Aton temple

Boundary Stele

Petosiris

Petosiris

First dynasty burials

2010-10-24T17:43:00.001-07:00

Richard Sellicks has sent me another load of pictures for all you first dynasty fans, Djet, Den and Khasakemway in 1999......enjoy

Al-Ahram Weekly | Heritage | Architecture for the poor

2010-10-24T17:42:00.001-07:00

Fantastic News for the Hassan Fathy village, especially the lovely family that live at the house who have tried their best to preserve and promote it.

Al-Ahram Weekly | Heritage | Architecture for the poor: "Overall, those living in New Gourna would benefit from the plan in the form of better housing conditions, and they would be able to capitalise on the national and international attention focussed on the village.

Local businesses could develop as a result of the new emphasis on mud-brick conservation, and villages could become entrepreneurs renting out rooms, running local eateries and shops and setting an example to surrounding communities of the social and economic gains to be made through the conservation and adaptive reuse of their own heritage.

1st International School in Luxor - visit report

2010-10-24T17:39:00.000-07:00

I made a pleasant visit to Luxor’s 1st international school last week. Their name is International German School Luxor; they are now independent . They started the year with 21 students which was a fantastic start and they have a big mixture of nationalities German/Egyptian, British/Egyptian, Egyptian, Italian/Indian. There are 10 kindergarten children and 11 primary (this is much more than other German schools - in Cairo started 8 students 12 years ago).

I am sure the support from Dr Samir Farag whose children go to the Cairo school is no little help. Science, Art and English are taught in English by a Montessori trained American teacher. They are taught history, religion and civics by an Egyptian Muslim who speaks English and German and although Muslim, has studied Christianity.

The atmosphere of the school is bright and welcoming with many examples of the children’s work around.

There was a cute family tree with pictures of the pupils and the leaves representing all the members of their family and hanging from the ceiling were the planets of the solar system.

There was some quality support equipment in all three languages.

I was given little demonstrations in the English and Arabic classes and thought that after only 4 weeks the standard was really high. The children seemed very happy, interested and relaxed. The little ones were listening to a story and one of primary classes was working on the solar system and the other on Arabic.

They are located in a huge villa which they have called Villa Shems (Sunshine House) on the banks of the Nile which even has a small swimming pool which they are making full use of.

They do nature walks in the local area, which is rural and has both agricultural and livestock. The ground floor is for the kindergarten and has a quiet area for naps, facilities for those little accidents that happen at that age. Healthy meals are provided and smelt delicious.

The school year takes account of both local and foreign holidays, I saw Halloween pumpkins, talk of St Martin’s, a German festival and the school had just been closed for 6th October.

I was very impressed to be honest and I think if you have the money it is a great place to send your child.

PS Apologies for the quality of the pictures, I haven’t got a decent camera at the moment and I deliberately didn’t take photos of the kids themselves, these days it is best not to but they were really happy and engaged.

Egypt's Plans for Luxor: Vegas on the Nile? - TIME

2010-10-24T17:33:00.000-07:00

Egypt's Plans for Luxor: Vegas on the Nile? - TIME: "Luxor has long been Egypt's prize possession. It was here that the ancient Egyptians at one time built their capital of Thebes; where Pharoahs dedicated massive temples to their gods; and where Howard Carter unearthed the world-famous boy King, Tutankhamen, in his tomb full of riches in 1922. 'It has been one of the biggest and most famous tourist attractions for at least 200 years.'says Francesco Bandarin, the head of the World Heritage Center at UNESCO. Adds Mansour Boraik, who oversees Upper Egypt for for the country's Supreme Council of Antiquities, '30% of world monuments lie in Luxor, and 70% of the monuments in Egypt are in Luxor.'

In an effort to preserve the riches — and beef up the number of tourists they attract — local authorities have been pressing an ambitious project to reinvent and revive Luxor; rehabilitating tombs, and expanding the city's tourist infrastructure at a dizzying pace to the tune of hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars. Egyptian authorities are in the process of excavating an ancient 'Avenue of the Sphinxes,' a 2.7 kilometer pathway once lined with the human-headed lion statues from the pharaonic past; after it has been resurrected, the avenue will link the Luxor Temple on one end to the colossal Karnak temple on the other. The plan is to turn the city into an open air museum by the year 2030. 'Luxor needs a pioneer project like this to preserve it for the new generation,' says Boraik of the ongoing work. (From TIME's Archives: The bitter aftermath of the discovery of King Tut's tomb.)

However, all this construction may be at the expense of the current generation of Egyptians living in Luxor. On the project's agenda is the creation of protective 'buffer zones' between local communities and the ancient relics. That is, as some critics suggest, keeping the natives away from the treasures. To turn Luxor into a modern city of five-star hotels and wide pedestrian avenues, the authorities want to push back the crowded slums and mismatched buildings that arose in recent decades. The American consulting firm Abt Associates, which came up with the master plan, describes the eventual results as 'reclaimed lands.' Luxor residents say it is more likely to be the fruit of forced evictions. (See pictures of an exhibition of the treasures of Tutankhamen.)

'They're sending us to the desert,' says Leila Mohammed Ahmed el-Tayyib, whose house is one of hundreds being demolished to widen the street that will run alongside the Avenue of the Sphinxes. 'We want TV cameras to come and film this. It's like Palestine here,' she says, gesturing to the bulldozers. Many of Luxor's residents have watched the transformation with disgust. 'Ninety percent of the people here are angry, but there is nothing they can do,' says Abu Quzaifa, a shopkeeper. Much of the anger lately has swirled around the Avenue of the Sphinxes, where the mass displacement is currently focused. One British archaeologist, who has worked in Luxor for more than a decade, says Luxor's governor Samir Farag wants to move the city back to the pharaonic period. 'Nothing else can exist.'

The government says each family they move is compensated with either 75,000 Egyptian Pounds (about $13,000) or a brand new apartment. But residents say they're often given far less — or nothing at all. 'Half of the house is gone,' says Fatima Abbas, 50, who lives in a partially collapsed shack on the edge of the construction zone. 'We were sleeping when they did this and we woke up when it collapsed on part of our house. Our cow died. The refrigerator and furniture were destroyed,' she says. 'They offered us 15,000 LE to leave. Where? We don't know.'

A polished socialite with gray-blue eyes and a politician's smile, Samir Farag is not shy to acknowledge his opposition. 'It was very difficult to convince the people that this is a master plan is for the sake of them,' says the former chairman of the Cairo Opera House. 'Everybody thinks about himself, what the benefit is for himself.' Indeed, Farag is the man who resurrected the development plans, which Abt Associates had first presented in 1999 only to see the project languish for six years. (See TIME's photo-essay 'Cast in Mud: Child Laborers of Cairo.')

In the five years since Farag took office, the rapid pace of change has shaken this city to the core. Authorities have widened streets, and cleared out the old souk, adding a new design, public toilets and new cafes. The government knocked down homes and paved a huge piazza in front of Karnak Temple, pushing back the locals it claimed were encroaching. The Abt report calls for 6,600 new hotel rooms, and officials say that 18 new hotels are already under construction, including the sprawling 34,000-square-meter Luxor Four Seasons, on the bank of the Nile. The McDonalds has a spectacular view of the 3,300-year-old Luxor Temple, and the colonial-era Winter Palace Hotel nearby is getting a heavy-duty facelift that will expand the hotel right up to the lip of the temple.

To some, Farag is a visionary who has done great things for a developing world town with a lion's share of archaeological riches. 'Luxor, in my view, is very well managed,' says Bandarin, the UNESCO World Heritage head. 'This is a place where 10 years ago, the situation was very bad, physically. Now everything is full of flowers.' To others, however, the new Luxor seems more Vegas than Egypt. The original plan, says the British archaeologist, 'was dismissed by the international community at the time as a pile of rubbish. Basically what they were doing was the investment side of it: how money could be made from Luxor.'

Worse, some critics complain that the dream of a recreated pharaonic Luxor actually is potentially destructive to the antiquities still beneath the surface. Many scholars are angry about the bulldozers and backhoes at work at construction sites — violations of modern archaeological standards — and by what they view as complete disregard to any cultural heritage that isn't from the age of the pharaohs. In 2007, the village of Gurna on the west bank of the Nile was demolished and its residents relocated, due to what authorities said was a damaging proximity to ancient tombs. In the process, Egyptian authorities hastily destroyed a unique village culture that had existed in the hills around the tombs for more than a century, says one Egyptologist. Now located further from the tourist zone, residents of the New Gurna complain of cramped housing and few job opportunities. (Comment on this story.)

And then there is the question of the spectacular Avenue of the Sphinxes. Some experts say that many of the sphinxes were destroyed over the millennia, hacked to pieces or harvested for stone by the civilizations that followed the Pharaohs. '[Egyptian authorities] were told that by every archaeologist and Egyptologist: that if they found anything, it was going to be fragmentary,' says the British archaeologist. The plan moved forward anyway.' Says one Egyptologist: 'There's nothing there.'

Some locals question whether the enterprise makes economic sense. How can Egyptians benefit from all these projects, residents ask, when package tourists stay increasingly cloistered in their boats and hotels, and locals eager to make a living are being quite literally pushed out of town. 'When you fly in now, there's this huge grid next to the airport of streets and electricity and lights but no houses,' says the British archaeologist. 'And that's where they want Luxor people to go. To live in this shithole in the desert, in the undying heat.'

Meanwhile, on the west bank of the Nile, where the prized Valley of the Kings sits, thick bushes of pink flowers along the roadways cannot completely obscure the mud-brick poverty and trash-filled irrigation canals of the villagers who say they have been cut out of the governor's plan for prosperity. 'Samir Farag says, 'Oh, the streets are wider now, it's better,'' scoffs one shopkeeper, who declined to be named for fear of the authorities. 'All these are lies. Tourism is going down and the hotels are empty.'

In the end, many with a stake in Egypt's most celebrated city are wondering what the new version of Luxor is going to look like. Some see a major success; some predict Disneyland; others see a sick joke. Says the Egyptologist: 'I think it will be very shiny.'

- Sent using Google Toolbar"

More from Richard Sellicks's: Horemheb at Sakkara

2010-10-24T17:32:00.000-07:00

Manchester Exhibition

2010-10-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

Not Luxor, not even Egypt. I got sent these wonderful photos from the new exhibition. Enjoy!

Book review: Egypt 1250 BC: A Traveler's Companion

2010-10-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

Even those with a particularly strong sense of national pride would probably agree that Egypt’s Golden Age is a thing of the distant past. Home to one of the earliest recorded civilizations and architectural monuments that continue to astound the modern world, Egypt has a unique and varied history. Given its unstable present and uncertain future, it is understandable that one might consider the wonders of Egypt’s earlier days with curiosity, and even a little envy. For those who have ever wondered what life was like when the Egyptian empire was the heart of the civilized world, some answers can be found in Donald P. Ryan’s book, Egypt 1250 BC: A Traveler's Companion.

Published this year by AUC Press, Egypt 1250 BC takes the reader back in time to an age when Egypt was “prosperous, energetic, and full of ambition.” Written in the style of a contemporary travel guide, Ryan’s book describes the sights and sounds of a theoretical journey up the Nile river during Ramesses II’s fifty-fourth year of reign.

Egyptian Mummification

2010-05-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

What Is Mummification?

Mummification is the preservation of a body, either animal or human. Some mummies are preserved wet, some are frozen, and some are dried. It can be a natural process or it may be deliberately achieved. The Egyptian mummies were deliberately made by drying the body. By eliminating moisture, you have eliminated the source of decay. They dried the body by using a salt mixture called natron. Natron is a natural substance that is found in abundance along the Nile river. Natron is made up of four salts: sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, and sodium sulfate. The sodium carbonate works as a drying agent, drawing the water out of the body. At the same time the bicarbonate, when subjected to moisture, increases the pH that creates a hostile environment for bacteria. The Egyptian climate lent itself well to the mummification process, being both very hot and dry.

Why Did The Ancient Egyptian's Mummify Their Dead?

The Egyptians believed that there were six important aspects that made up a human being: the physical body, shadow, name, ka (spirit), ba (personality), and the akh (immortality). Each one of these elements played an important role in the well being of an individual. Each was necessary to achieve rebirth into the afterlife.

With the exception of the akh, all these elements join a person at birth. A person's shadow was always present. A person could not exist with out a shadow, nor the shadow without the person. The shadow was represented as a small human figure painted completely black.

A person's name was given to them at birth and would live for as long as that name was spoken. This is why efforts were made to protect the name. A cartouche (magical rope) was used to surround the name and protect it for eternity.

The ka was a person's double. It is what we would call a spirit or a soul. The ka was created at the same time as the physical body. The doubles were made on a potters wheel by the ram-headed god, Khnum. The ka existed in the physical world and resided in the tomb. It had the same needs that the person had in life, which was to eat, drink, etc. The Egyptians left offerings of food, drink, and worldly possessions in tombs for the ka to use.

The ba can best be described as someone's personality. Like a person's body, each ba was an individual. It entered a person's body with the breath of life and it left at the time of death. It moved freely between the underworld and the physical world. The ba had the ability to take on different forms.

The akh was the aspect of a person that would join the gods in the underworld being immortal and unchangeable. It was created after death by the use of funerary text and spells, designed to bring forth an akh. Once this was achieved that individual was assured of not "dying a second time" a death that would mean the end of one's existence.

An intact body was an integral part of a person's afterlife. Without a physical body there was no shadow, no name, no ka, ba, or akh. By mummification, the Egyptians believed they were assuring themselves a successful rebirth into the afterlife.

Mumab I A Modern Mummy.

From May 21, to June 25, 1994 A.D. a team of scientists from The University of Maryland and The Long Island University performed the first human mummification in nearly 2,000 years. They used replicas of ancient Egyptian embalming tools, one hundred yards of fine Egyptian linen, more than 600 pounds of natron, frankincense and myrrh, oil of cedar, palm wine, and natural resins. The mummification was preformed at The University of Maryland Medical School in Baltimore, MD.

The two men responsible for this giant leap back in time are Ronn Wade (left), the Director of Anatomical Services at the University of Maryland Medical School in Baltimore; Bob Brier (right), an Egyptologist at the C. W. Post Campus of Long Island University. Their mummy is called Mumab. According to Ronn, Mumab has been tested before and during the mummification and will continue to tested in an effort to create a baseline against which all mummies can be scrutinized. Unlike ancient mummies, this one has a medical history, past, present, and future. Let's take a look at what they have accomplished and learned from Mumab.

For some time Ronn and Bob had been searching for a suitable donor. They had a list of requirements that had to be fulfilled. They were looking for an average human specimen, someone they could compare to the average Egyptian. It had to be someone who had donated their body to science and was available for a very long, long-term project. It had to be someone whom had never had a major disease and never had an operation. Death must have occur from natural causes, but it did not matter if it was a man or a woman. As luck would have it, it was an elderly man from Baltimore who died from heart failure. The ancient Egyptian mummification process took 70 days. After that this elderly Baltimore man would be Mumab.

In light of all that the Ancient Egyptians have told us in countless text and paintings about almost every aspect of their civilization, It is strange that they left such gaping holes in our knowledge. For instance, we know very little of how the pyramids were constructed, or how obelisks were raised. Like these mysteries, the ancient Egyptians have told us nothing about the mummification process. Perhaps it was considered so sacred that it was only past on verbally to those considered worthy of the knowledge.

One written record concerning mummification to have survived comes from the Greek historian Herodotus, who visited Egypt around 450 BC. He described how the Egyptians preserved their dead. But even with the help of Herodotus, many questions remain. Much of Herodotus' account of the process is sketchy and open to speculation. For example, how the Egyptians used natron to dry the body has been a controversy ever since early Egyptologists translated the text of Herodotus. Some translated it to mean that the body was "pickled" in a natron solution. This technique would require large vats to soak the corpses in, no evidence to support this theory has ever been found. Instead, there is evidence of large tables being used for the drying process. But it has never been clear why these tables are nearly six feet across, wide enough to fit two corpses. These and many more questions were answered during the mummification of Mumab.

The first step in putting together a modern mummy was to gather the tools and ingredients that would be needed for the process. A silversmith made replicas of Egyptian embalming tools (above). A master carpenter was enlisted to construct an authentic embalming table, similar to one found in an Egyptian tomb. The ceramics department of Long Island University was commissioned to make all the vessels needed for the process. Each marked with hieroglyphs to denote its function. That department also made the canopic jars and 365 ushabtis (left) one spiritual worker for each day of the year.

A trip to Egypt was necessary to collect the spices and oils that would be used. Bob went to the Wadi Natrun district between Cairo and Alexandria to collect the more then 600 pounds (270 kilograms) of natron that would be needed. Here, the Nile river feeds several lakes that rise and recede during the course of each year, leaving large salt deposits along the shore. This natron would be used to dry the body. According to Ronn, "Natron works by getting water out of the tissue, if you don't have water, you don't have decay."

It was time to begin. Ronn and Bob brought the elderly Baltimore man to his ibu the "tent of purification," which in this case was a room at the School of Medicine in Baltimore. Here, the body was washed with a solution of natron and water. In order to dry the body completely, the internal organs must be removed.

The first organ removed was the brain. The Egyptians believed that the brain was of little importance and it was thrown away when removed. Once again we use Herodotus' account for guidance. He states that the brain was extracted by poking a hole in the thin bone at the top of the nostrils, the ethmoid bone. A large bronze needle with a hooked or spiral end was used to perform this procedure. However, it has never been clear how such a large organ was removed through such a small hole. It had been speculated that the Egyptians would insert this hook through the nose and the brain could be pulled out in pieces. It proved very difficult to remove using this method. Ronn and Bob improvised. With the corpse lying on its back, they inserted the hook through the nose and managed to pulverize the brain tissue into an almost liquid state. Then they turned the body over onto its stomach, and the liquefied brain tissue drained out through the nostrils. Palm wine and frankincense was used to flush and clean the cranial cavity.

Following Herodotus' lead, the next step was to remove the internal organs. Herodotus described using of a sharp black stone to slice open the abdomen. It is assumed this was made of obsidian, a black volcanic glass. It had been speculated that obsidian was used because of ritualistic purposes. But, it may have been used simply because it was the best material available for cutting through human tissue. A small incision was made on the left side through which the internal organs where removed. The heart was the only organ that the Egyptians left intact because this is where they believed the essence of a person lived. After removing the internal organs, they were washed with frankincense, myrrh and palm wine. Then they would be dried using natron. After being individually preserved, the organs are stored in a special canister called a canopic jar. The lids of canopic jars are shaped like the heads of Egyptian gods, the four sons of Horus. They are the guardians of the entrails. The canopic jars with their contents would be placed in the tomb with the mummy.

The Canopic Jars of Mumab I
The Four Sons of Horus:	Imset	Duamutef	Qebehsenuf	Ha'py
Guardian of the:	Liver	Stomach	Intestines	Lungs

Once the internal organs were removed, Ronn and Bob rinsed his abdominal and thoracic cavities using palm wine and myrrh. This ritual probably had practical roots as it provided a more pleasant aroma than that which typically emanates from a dead body. These cavities were then stuffed with small bags of natron to dry the corpse from the inside out.

The embalming table was constructed to match the specifications of those that had been found in Egyptian tombs. The questions of why this table was so wide would soon be answered? As natron was first poured on the table and then over the body it became clear that they would need the width to keep the body completely surrounded with the 600 pounds of natron. The temperature was maintained at about 115'F (46'C). The humidity was kept under 30 percent. The same conditions as those found in ancient Egypt. After 35 days buried in natron, Mumab was completely desiccated. The moisture that he lost amounted to 100 of his original 160 pounds.

The drying process of mummification only took 35 days. Why then did an Egyptian mummification ritual take 70 days? The answer may lie in the movements of the star Sirius. Sirius was an important star to the Egyptians and we know that they followed its movements very closely. The rising of the dog star, Sirius marked the Egyptian New Year, the beginning of the season of inundation. The time when Sirius disappeared in the sky until the time it returned (Egyptian New Year) was 70 days, perhaps the Egyptians equated this astronomical phenomena with the time needed from death in the physical world to rebirth into the afterlife.

Now that the drying process was complete, the bags of natron that had been placed inside the body could be removed. The empty cavity was swabbed with palm wine, and packed with spices, myrrh, and muslin packets of wood shavings. The body was rubbed with a mixture of five oils: frankincense, myrrh, palm, lotus, and cedar. The scientists removed tissue samples for biopsy, and the mummy was completely checked for the presence of bacteria. Remarkably, three months after this man had died, all the cultures indicated that there was no bacteria present. This was the point at which the mummification was considered a success.

The process was not finished, because the mummy still needed to be wrapped. Photographs of the mummy of Tuthmosis III would be used as a guide. The wrapping was preformed using long strips of linen bandages and shrouds that had been imported from Egypt. Each strip of linen was complete with appropriate hieroglyphic inscriptions. They were attached using a natural resin. In some ancient Egyptian mummies, this resin appears to have been poured on, covering the entire body. Observations of this tar-like substance is how mummies got their name. Early observers believed this resin to be bitumen (tar), the Persian word for bitumen is moumia. The entire wrapping process took several days and required more than 6 layers or 20 pounds (9 kilograms) of linen. In accordance with ancient practice, a heart amulet was placed over Mumab's heart.

At this point, if Mumab truly were an ancient Egyptian mummy he would be going through burial rituals that dealt with purification and preparing for the afterlife, such as the opening of the mouth ceremony. Mumab's body is not destined for the afterlife. He is now resting in the Museum of Man in San Diego, CA. He will continue to be studied by Ronn Wade, Bob Brier, and scientists of this, and future generations.

source

Data and figures about tourism in Egypt

2010-01-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

"Arab tourists come on top of our priorities is not the links of cultural, national, and by, but because the Arab tourists also a longer and more spending, and thus is the most-favored a national first-class house in Egypt, the Arabs."

"We're a few years ago we urge the Egyptian tourism sector to understand the dimensions of the current developments and future global tourism market and urge him to prepare for them through the process of concentration and integration into larger entities to be able to work in all circumstances."

Data show that the Central Bank of Egypt tourism revenues in 1999/2000 was 4314 million, and payments were 1028 million dollars, and became a surplus of $ 3286 million, representing a rate of 76.3% of the total revenue. In fiscal year 2000/2001 revenues were U.S. $ 4317 million and 1054 million dollars of payments surplus of 3263 by 75.6% of total revenue.

Labor-intensive tourism industry and a multiplier effect on 70 industries and services and complementary feeding (study of the World Tourism Organization), which provide employment opportunities and careers in the activities of multiple direct and indirect.

Tourism activities are more environmentally friendly, self-investor is committed to preserving the environment because it is marketed as a component of the tourism product, and maintain because it is the background that can not be without them to sell tourism products in the present or the future.

The raised that domestic investment still represents 83% of the volume of investment in the tourism sector does not reflect the realities of investment in this activity is inherently attractive to foreign investment and suffice it to recall the exact figures are available and documented on the investments made in the areas of the Tourism Development Authority, which increased the hotel capacity to 32 thousand hotel rooms, as they represent Arab and foreign investments in which 32% of the total cost of $ 6.23 billion pounds, other than the cost of infrastructure, facilities and services.

It is hoped that the inclusion of the Ministry call for more investment in tourism development in Egypt under the revitalization plan and promotion, carried out in foreign markets as one of the attractions to a significant increase in that ratio, especially in light of the changes that began in the direction of investment flows at the international level since the events of September 2001.

Beltagui

Egyptian Tourism Minister and former Minister of Information, the current

III: Plans for future tourist

2010-01-02T18:55:00.000-08:00

The future development plan prepared by the Tourism Development Authority until 2017 to divide the region into six tourist centers include a new lump (10 thousand) hotel rooms, services and facilities of each center, including such services and facilities, desalination plants and sanitation, energy, and Dial-up networking, wireless and divided these centers separated by areas of natural insulation as follows:

1 - Al Ain Sukhna: 1500 Chamber of the beach area and 500 rooms in the region the background.

2 - Majesty: 800-room beach area and 200 rooms in the region the background.

3 - Center north of Abu stairs: and 1000 hotel rooms in the front and 600 hotel rooms in the villages built on mountain and will be expanded this center within the region and desert dune valley in order to organize safaris and adventures and the establishment of the desert villages.

4 - Center south of Abu stairs: with 1200 hotel rooms the beach area which is characterized by Bhiabha rock formations and rare.

5 - Center Houri: includes 1500 rooms hotel in the beach.

6 - Center Jerivat: includes 1300 hotel rooms in the beach area.

7 - Status of the northern ÇáÒÚÝÑÇäÉ: and 1000 hotel rooms in the area of the beach.

Incentives and facilities for investment in tourism

The government placed on the list of policy priorities to encourage the private sector domestic and international, to invest in various sectors of production and services and play a greater role in the development of national economy, and for that the government gives investors a package of incentives, exemptions and facilities, providing for the establishment of tourism projects to be held desert areas such as Al Ain Sokhna and Zafarana the following incentives:

1 - exemption from profit tax for a period of ten years starting from the fiscal year that comes after the startup.

2 - the possibility to renew the exemption from profit tax for five more years with the consent of the Council of Ministers.

3 - Exemption from stamp tax on capital.

4 - Exemption from stamp tax and registration requirements for all construction contracts until the date on which the implementation of the project.

Tourism in Egypt .. Mother of the World Commission on Land

2010-01-02T18:49:00.000-08:00

Egypt is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the world because of its many tourist treasures of faces, the most important cultural tourism, where lie the ancient civilizations of the eye, and speak what it was that the nations that built civilizations since the dawn of history.

Adjacent to the old cultural tourism product, the accumulation of a tender of those civilizations was stored in the unique heritage of humanity expressed in the lives of the Egyptians, rich and diverse patterns of distinct natures, manners and customs of the Egyptians made the same passions Basarp legacy of ancient civilizations, a tourist attraction alone.

Did not skimp on Egypt Battaiha nature has given by God - Glory be to Him - in the distinctive nature of enticing eyes and hearts, and not only the beauty and magic of the Nile as soon as the pot forever settle it, but spread the beauty of Egypt to decorate Sahaliha on the Mediterranean and the Red and dive deep into their level and spread in the desert and to do that Address all months .. Egypt genius of the place, Egypt is well known .. The most famous in history .. Fronia and Greeks, Romania and the Arab and Islamic.

In philanthropy is a laboratory product and store cultural and humanitarian situation in Arab thought and literature, politics, art, journalism, architecture, unique to Egypt has frequently attractive regions for tourism.

Coupled with this enormous ingredients of the product of the Egyptian tourism developed infrastructure and modern facilities, installations and services requirements of the various high-end tourism from a wide range of luxury international hotels to the transport network, air, land and sea and river and to the excellent communication facilities and centers, tourist guidance making a visit to the tourist to Egypt for whatever purpose and purpose of a visit full of fun and excitement and interest.

Travel to Egypt

2009-07-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

If you are planning a trip to Egypt, a cruise along the Nile should be top of your list. The River Nile is a monster of a river that flows through the heart of Egypt. Its history is unparallelled with any other civilization, and the ancient sites are still there to be seen.

Egypt is a country in North Africa, with the majority of the Egyptian population, estimated at over 70 million, living along the river Nile. It has one of the oldest cultures in the world and dates back over 5000 years. Earliest records show that civilization began around 3000BC.

The capital city of Egypt is Cairo, and the one place that all tourists should see is the Museum of Antiquities. This is a fabulous Museum with over a hundred thousand artefacts. Cairo offers all the comforts of modern society but real comfort can be enjoyed all along the north and east coast.

There are over eighty pyramids still standing today in Egypt and most are situated close to the River Nile. The most popular of these are the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Some of these have been built over 3000 years ago, and are by far, the most supreme Egyptian treasure.

Egypt is full of historical sites, temples and artefacts, with the following well worth visiting:

The Valley of the Kings is situated on the banks of the Nile. Located in Thebes, the Valley of the Kings is home to sixty-two tombs, where some Egyptian Pharaohs are laid to rest.

Karnak Temples are also a popular and important historical site. Built over 1300 years ago, it includes three large temples with many smaller ones. The Temple of Amunis by far the most popular.

The waters around the Red Sea Riviera are perfect for all types of water sport, especially windsurfing and scuba diving, and it is also a great destination for sailing and water-skiing.

After your cruise along the River Nile or your trip to the capital, a trip up north to Egypt's Red Sea Riviera will be an immense pleasure. This scenic coastal area is very relaxing and will make for a perfect vacation for someone who is a little less active. The Red Sea is well known for its luxurious resorts and stunning sun-drenched beaches.

Egypt offers a wide range of accommodation to cater for Western style living, including hotels and lodgings. Price wise, the options range from less than 30 US Dollars per person for a bed to more than $250 per person for a night at a first class hotel.

The national dish of Egypt is thick soup called Molohia. Fish is a popular dish that features on most menus. The Egyptian diet also consists of pigeon, chicken, mutton, camel and buffalo. Minced meat is made into rissoles and kebabs.

Caution is always needed when travelling to a country where Islamic extremists are active. While overall crime is low in Egypt, some Westerners have been targeted by such groups and occasionally bombs have been left in holiday resorts.

TJ Tierney is an award winning photographer and a freelance writer. To find out more information on the Egypt visit his travel guide or his travel directory

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=TJ_Tierney

Touring Holidays in Egypt

2009-07-01T10:39:00.000-07:00

Egypt is a country

with a rich history and a colourful present. This is a land that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime - fortunately it's never been so accessible.

The country seems to have followed in the footsteps of Tunisia and Morocco in becoming a very popular location for package holidays. Many opt to come to Egypt for the wonderful beach resorts and the glorious hot weather. In some senses, it must be said that those who visit the country purely to spend time on the beach are missing out. There are plenty of holiday resorts around the world that are great if you simply want to get a tan and have a dip in the sea.

To visit Egypt solely for such a purpose seems to be missing the point - there is much more to this country than modern hotels, sandy beaches and sunshine. The great history of the Egyptians is well documented and it would seem to be a shame to visit the country and not take the time to seek out the great historic sights and monuments.

There may well be great beaches in plenty of locations around the world but Egypt is the only country that can boast the Pyramids, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is sites such as this that are part of the real Egypt. If you're interested in making the most of your time in Egypt then it is undoubtedly worth travelling as part of a guided tour. These often combine local knowledge with an English-speaking guide who can lead your way.

Many escorted touring holidays of Egypt will allow you to take in all of the major sights. Cairo, Luxor, the Red Sea and a cruise down the famous River Nile should all form part of any such experience. Egypt is about much more than modern holiday resorts - make sure that you make the most of your visit.

To find out more about Touring holidays in Egypt, check out Keith Barrett's other travel articles. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Barrett

Scuba Diving Vacation in Egypt

2009-07-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

Once you start practicing scuba diving it will be hard for you to give up this sport. You will certainly choose to get better and better and you will start searching for beautiful places for scuba diving. The existing variety of destinations for scuba diving is practically endless and you will have a hard time taking a decision. You will find that many places provide you with clear water, great visibility and interesting things for you to see. One of the most beautiful destinations when it comes to scuba diving is the Red Sea in Egypt.

The Red Sea in Egypt presents a wonderful variety of creatures to the ones that choose to practice scuba diving there. After you see the unique life that lies beneath these waters you will surely want to do scuba diving again. An exciting and dangerous creature that can be found in the Red Sea in Egypt is the tiger shark. This species of sharks is very harmful to humans. When scuba diving in Egypt you have to be careful with this shark, you have to take care not to attract its presence near you. Stay away from making gestures that could signs which may attract dangerous creatures such as the tiger sharks.

When you will dive in the Red Sea in Egypt, you will surely want to see Thistlegorm. This vessel is now a famous wreck close to Ras Muhammad, very visited by the divers. You do not have to be a professional diver to get to see such beautiful things. But if you are a beginner you should always ask for assistance. Scuba diving on your own can be interesting and exciting but your safety is more important. In plus, if you dive surrounded by people who can provide you lots of information during the trip you will easily learn everything you need to know. The experience you gain by scuba diving along a professional diver can be quite unique.

When you are going on a scuba diving holiday you should choose the best crews you can find there, no matter if you are a beginner or a professional diver. In what concerns the Red Sea in Egypt, their college may be the best option for you. When it comes to where you are going to stay during your scuba diving trip in Egypt you don’t have to worry. You can find many hotels that offer great services to their customers and are close to the Red Sea.
If you are interested in scuba diving, from the amazing things that can be seen underwater you should choose to visit at least once the Red Sea in Egypt. Take some time for planning your scuba diving holiday in Egypt and you will surely have a lot of fun. Decide on what things you want to see and where you are going to stay once you get there and enjoy a beautiful vacation. The visibility of the Red Sea’s water is good so your eyes will be amazed of the spectacular colors and creatures that exist there.

To find out more about diving in Egypt, please visit http://www.scubish.com where we have information about over 400 dive shops in Egypt. A travel guide for the region is located at http://www.scubish.com/overview/315/Africa/Egypt and you can discuss your perfect vacation at the Egypt forum: http://forum.scubish.com/egypt/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthias_Zeitler

Culture of Egypt

2009-06-28T20:18:00.000-07:00

Culture of Egypt

Culture of Egypt five thousand years of recorded history. Ancient Egypt was among the early civilizations. For thousands of years, Egypt maintained the stability of the culture that influenced later cultures of Europe and the Middle East and Africa. After the Pharaonic era, Egypt itself came under the influence of Hellenism, for a period of time, Christianity, and later, Arab and Islamic culture. Today, many aspects of ancient Egyptian culture exist in interaction with the latest components, including the impact of modern Western culture, itself with roots in ancient Egypt.

Launched on the River Nile in the ancient Egyptian language the name "Iitoro types." The waters of the Nile, with the channels and canals, wells and lakes, the importance of washing and cleansing rituals.

Has lost a number of ancient Egyptians and Arbab, Rabat associated with the Nile River.

The Lord Chief among them is the Habi or "Habi Abu Arbab"; was portrayed as a man with a full belly and breasts, and applied to black or blue, symbolizes the fertile Nile, which was granted to Egypt.

Habi was also depicted carrying flowers and poultry, fish, vegetables and fruit; as well as palm fronds, a symbol of years.

The Lord of the Nile is also sometimes depicted carrying a lotus flower on the head (the slogan of Upper Egypt) and papyrus plant (the slogan of Lower Egypt).

It also heads the Nile "Subic"; Lord crocodile, who was worshiped in Esna and Kom Ombo, Fayyoum. And the events that have taken months in the history of Pharaonic Egypt, is the entry of Alexander the Great of Egypt in the autumn of 332 BC. M, where Alexander was seized by the Persians out of the hands Ctrbp Mazaks to start after the provision of the land of Egypt, the Macedonian Although Alexander did not stay the same for a long time in Egypt. In this short period was able to establish the basis of Alexander the Macedonian kingdom in the face of Western Greek Egyptian assets have continued to state Ptolemy brilliant staff a strong foundation and a full three centuries in the course of such a long time played a great renaissance of Egypt in terms of knowledge and science, economy and trade and industry and increasing population.

The head of the flood and creation is the Lord Knom, with a ram and was worshiped in Aswan. Knom the Lord and was responsible for the creation of human beings and their lives with guardians "Elka".

The buy "Sataat" Knom wife to the Lord, and was the center of worship and belief the key to the Lord Knom in Aswan.

And oversaw the Status of Aswan on the religion and distribution of water, from the island to the north Alilventin; Bjah when the island is the first waterfall, to the south.

The "she recalled," buy the frog, is the goddess of water, and the perception is usually close to Knom; when he was a child and the guardian spirit of the vehicle Fakharani.

Egypt was affected by many cultures around the world throughout history, becoming alleged Kallouhp painted on each line by one of the civilizations of Egypt and its civilization own distinct ...................... .........................................

The oldest culture of Egypt was the ancient Egyptian culture, which has seen year Bruatha even if it is one of the oldest civilizations, but it replicated the culture of science and the modern era.

Education in Egypt

2009-06-28T19:50:00.001-07:00

Education in Egypt

Egyptian educational system is highly centralized system under the control of the central government in Cairo. And is divided into the following phases:

* Basic Education
o primary education
o prep education
* Secondary Education
* Post-secondary education

View of the extension of compulsory education in Egypt to cover the preparatory phase, the integration of lower secondary and primary schools to be the so-called "basic education" in the Egyptian education system. And education is beyond the capacity of these phases on the same student.

Primary education

Egyptian law, children are forced to take and pass the primary school. Attend the majority of children attend these schools, except to drop out of education. This phase aims to give children a minimum of education

Secondary education

Secondary education is divided into three different sections: the General, technical and professional level.

General secondary education

Is the establishment of a modern education to the early last century by Italian, French missionary

The duration of general secondary education, three years of study. In the first year (first grade secondary) students of the scientific and literary, and these materials are: Arabic, English, second foreign language (German, or French, or Italian, or Spanish) as the province where the student learns, and materials science (chemistry, biology, physics), and geography and history and philosophy. In the latest amendment to the school system is divided into two chapters, the first group is studying chemistry, biology and history, while the second group is studying physics and philosophy and geography. Then the two groups exchange roles in the second half of the school.

The second and third year of secondary education General secondary collectively, depending on the degree the student is part of the three Oksabim: either a scientific sport, science, scientific, or literary. Each section of these sections focuses on a specific group of subjects. To be completed in the second year student studying second language Alognip, and stop the study in the third year. Brings the total students in the past. Identifies the total university student input.

Given the cause of education of the psychological and financial pressure on the parents of the students, the restructuring of the educational system in Egypt in the agenda of the Egyptian Ministry of Education, where speculate that there are plans and a new system of education in Egypt, which is the final stages of preparation. And quote this new education system leaves much to be found in education systems Diploma of America. Nea Nea

Technical secondary education

This type of education programs that take 3 or 5 years. And contains the following fields: industrial, commercial and agricultural.

The educational system in the Al-Azhar

Run the education system in Al-Azhar Supreme Council of the Institute of Al-Azhar, which is autonomous from the Ministry of Education and monitored by the Prime Minister of Egypt.

Al-Azhar schools are usually called the "Institutes" and include the following stages: primary, preparatory and secondary schools. These institutes in the fields of others studying the religious to some degree but not as intense as it is in public education. All students in these institutions and separating between Muslim students and students in the secondary stages Aldrasepaliaadadip and Al Azhar. Azhar institutes spread throughout Egypt, especially in rural areas, can also complement the secondary school student of Al Azhar university education in the completion of Al-Azhar University.

Education after-secondary

Egypt has two types of institutes of higher education institutions are either private or public institutions. The public higher education in Egypt free of charge except for payment of a registration. On the other hand, the Egyptian private institutes too expensive compared to the per capita income in Egypt. Bbbb of the Egyptian government's top universities

* Cairo University, estimated the number of students demanded 100.000 b
* Alexandria University
* Al-Azhar University is considered one of the oldest universities to the point of the Earth's estimated age b in 1000.

Months of the Egyptian private universities

* American University in Cairo
* Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport.
* Misr International University.

Types of schools

Public schools

Generally divided into two types of public schools

*
o examine the schools through the Arabic language: government education taught through the use of Arabic
o pilot schools: The school curricula across the English language in addition to teaching the French language.

Private Schools

Special schools generally divided into three types:

*
o ordinary schools: taught courses similar to the government, but usually the student Mathtm more than public schools because of the financial support of the existing
o schools language: taught courses similar to the English government, but in addition to the teaching of French and German languages.
o religious schools: These schools derive support from the Muslim Brotherhood to be returned in the western part of the delta. The different approaches presented in this report on the schools in the school of Al-backed government.

Illiteracy

Illiteracy is in Egypt, of the problems that hinder the programs of the State Development and Reform Commission. The percentage of educated people in Egypt (according to the report of the United Nations Human Development 2006) 71.4% of adults (15 years and over) and 84.9% for youth (from 15 to 24 years) according to 2004 statistics. Estimated proportion in 2005 Istia those who read and write 83% of males and 59.4% of females according to a book realities of the world [3].

According to official statistics, the number of illiterates in Egypt is 17 million people in 2006 to approximately (20%), but that some intellectuals in Egypt is likely that the illiteracy rate of up to 50% of the population. In the statistic by the Guinness Book of States estimated illiteracy rate in Egypt at about 45% of the population in 2000 from the other statistics of UNESCO in 2003 showed that the proportion of illiteracy among males over the age of 15 is common in Egypt, 42% of the male population and 53% for females over the age of 15 Common

History

The history of literacy is in Egypt to the end of the nineteenth century in attempts began in 1886. But it did not take the legal form as it had not been implemented on a national scale and widespread. Continued these efforts by the leaders of the national struggle in the beginning of the twentieth century that was the first law of literacy in the year 1944, and implementation is entrusted to the Ministry of Social Affairs

Egypt adopted the law of compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 to 12 years old in 1953 and Egypt has adopted a policy to combat illiteracy in 1976, the program has been able literacy 4.5 million people, but that in spite of the decrease in the proportion of illiteracy among the population, the increase in the numbers of illiterates and rates of population growth large in Egypt; According to official reports, the number of Egyptians who were ignorant of reading and writing the 14 million people in 1976 and went to the 17 million illiterate in 2006

Places of illiteracy

The illiteracy rate among females is higher than the males, are in rural areas more than urban areas in general and the high illiteracy rate in general in the provinces and province-level lake and is the province of Fayoum is the largest province with the largest number of illiterate people throughout the Arab Republic of Egypt, according to official statistics, and an estimated 595 A mother or the equivalent of 42% of the population of the province, while in the province of Minya province, 37% and 37% in Assiut province, the lake, and finally 35%, however, and despite the decline in illiteracy rates in the provinces of Lower Egypt and urban governorates, however, that the number of illiterates are concentrated where the largest containing 5 provinces in the number of illiterates and the Governorate of Cairo, a province of the lake and the comfort and Giza governorate and the East where the illiteracy rate is about 28%

History of Egypt

2009-06-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

History of Egypt

Egypt's history is the longest continuous history of the country in the world for more than 3000 BC. [1] [2], where Egypt was characterized by the presence of the Nile River which runs its territory, which was the main reason for the ancient civilization, as Egypt is a distinct geographical location linking the continents of Asia, Africa and the continent is linked to Europe through the Mediterranean Sea. All of this led to a civilization known as the oldest civilization in human history.

1 : Pharaonic times

Days of the old

Egyptian civilization developed and evolved the principles of "central government" around 3200 BC. M. Mina, where the King and the consolidation of the kingdoms of the north-south, the Egyptian. The era of this country a comprehensive renaissance in all aspects of life, where he reached the Egyptian hieroglyphic writing [3] any sacred carving, Memphis and founded the first capital of the country and took the Kings to secure the country's borders and the active trade movement between Egypt and Sudan and Egypt received a prosperous era in its history known as the the era of the builders of the pyramids, this era saw the construction of the first pyramid in Egypt and the world and is known as the Pyramid of Zoser pyramid of Saqqara, which is the first stone structure in the world and was established 2861 year BC. m [4], with the development of art, agriculture and industry, the Egyptians used the first Barre fleet rivers to transport their products was a great maritime affair and has become a trade like any other craft organization established by the famous ancient Egypt, and in this day and age of the family ruled the third family to the family of six.

Days of the State Central

Preceded by the Central State (2040 - 1640 BC. M.) Times the average and the first in which it sentenced Alosrat started seventh and even the tenth, which ended the division of the country, comes to the era of the Central State started the second pharaoh Mentouhtb in 2065 and who was a prince of the good and the reunification of the country and impose order, the kings of the State concerned and the Central projects most beneficial to the people Vazdahrt agriculture and handicrafts developed, produced and Egyptian artists and engineers Trathaaly a wonderful spread in Luxor, Fayoum and Ain Shams also art and literature flourished in this age, and of the kings of this era Omnmhat I, Omnmhat the third and subsequent times the State average and the second in which it sentenced Alosrat from 13 to 17, which weakened the State Central led to the incursion of tribes inhabiting the region known as the Eastern Mediterranean to Egypt and Alhecsus invaded areas in the northern and central part of the country

Days of the modern state

(1580 - 1150 BC) after it had been the king Ohms, the eradication of Alhecsus and expelled out of Egypt's eastern border had returned to the security and stability throughout the country and Egypt began a new era is the era of the modern state of Egypt and realized the importance of military force to protect the country, was the establishment of a strong army to form great empire stretched from the Euphrates River east to the fourth cataract of the Nile south of Egypt has become the first great power in human history [6], and thus become a vast empire of great parties and the oldest empire in history has won the kings and queens family twelfth international fame in the fields of politics, war, culture, civilization and religion Ohms hero of liberation, Amenhoteb I just passed a law to prevent forced labor and the development of standards for fair wages and incentives, Tuthmosis I, who has expanded the veteran Egyptian border north and south and the dissemination of education and the expansion of the opening of the mines and the mining industry, Tuthmosis II and Tuthmosis III, dude Emperor the outstanding military genius and the first light in the great history of the world and the diplomatic, Tuthmosis IV, who was the first codification of the care and the registration of international treaties
Amenhoteb and the third richest king in the ancient world and has opened schools, "houses of life" for the dissemination of education and fine and applied arts and Akhnaton Standardization of the first to call for the ancient Egyptian gods and the symbol of the sun and have a disk of Tutankhamen, who won fame in the modern world most famous queens this family, for example, the wife of Queen Oah Anb King "Sagnn Ra," and Queen "Ohms - Nefertari," the first wife of Ohms, and the daughter of Queen Te Amenhoteb third wife and mother Akhnaton and Queen Nefertiti wife of Akhenaton, and the great Queen Hatshepsut, who ruled Egypt nearly twenty years amounted to Egypt back in the top of civilization, architecture and international trade, where the Mission sent the Merchant Marine to the country's scientific and "Puntland" and also built one of the greatest architectural monuments and the most wonderful, and His Excellency, a temple, "the monastery sea" on the west coast of the Nile to Luxor Temple which is unique in its design and not is unprecedented among all the temples of the ancient world and the Temple of Karnak is the largest temple in the ancient world and this era also witnessed the "religious revolution of Akhenaton," when he called for the worship of one God and a symbol of a sun disk and has established a new capital of the country he called "Okhittatun"
The lobby of the pillars of Karnak Temple

King Ramses II, who defeated the Hittites and their own contract with the first peace treaty in history, was built about 6 of the most famous temples of Abu Simbel Temple, Ramses III, who repulsed attacks by Libyans and peoples of the Mediterranean, and Egypt has been sentenced to up to 28 family 21 of the occupation of each of the Assyrians in 670 BC and the Persians the rule of the Pharaohs ended up with the family 30 and the entry of Alexander the Great of Egypt

2 : Greek age

Alexander the Great succeeded in defeating the Persians in Asia Minor and the continued breakthroughs, even India, where there is believed to be used offshore team and Egyptian crews Explorers [7], and earlier managed to expel the Persians from Egypt who did not resist [8] year 333 BC. Alexander has been crowned himself king of the pharaohs and the development of curriculum-based pilgrimage city of Alexandria and the Temple of Amon in the oasis of Siwa, who was world famous and large at the time

And the rule of the Ptolemy dynasty, which were descended from Ptolemy Alexander the close of one of the leaders of Egypt, even since 333 BC 30, where he was king of Egypt 15 Btlemya, [9] has been a strong state in the era of Ptolemy kings first and then resolve the weakness of the result of the weakness of kings The Romans took advantage of the situation and affected the independence of Egypt, as Rome sought to extend its influence on Egypt and the Ptolemies ruled the age of 30 BC, during the rule of Queen Cleopatra VII was the last king of Egypt, Batlmip and ended the independence of Egypt and joined the Roman Empire.

The Egyptian Civilization under the Ptolemies

Ptolemy of Alexandria was built in the palaces and gardens, Alexandria became a center of civilization, where widespread fame in the field of art, science, industry and trade, as it was the first port in the Mediterranean, thanks to the famous Mnartha which the Greeks as one of the seven wonders of the world

Alexandria has a great Hellenistic-Egyptian civilization was:

* University of Alexandria (ancient), which was established by the Ptolemies, scientists at the University of Alexandria, arrived at scientific facts about the earth's rotation around the sun and the approximate circumference of the globe, and the university was also famous for the study of medicine particularly anatomy and surgery is months, scientists at the University of Alexandria Euclides world engineering, and "Ptolemy "Geographical and Maniton of Egyptian

* Library of Alexandria and cultural impact: Ptolemy established a large library in Alexandria was considered the greatest library in the world contained more than half a million rolls Brdy, and Ptolemy is to guide each guest scientists from the city of Alexandria, a copy of his writings and thus the number of library books, more than 700 A. book

* The work of Ptolemy to respect the religion of the Egyptians and the sacrifice made for the Egyptian Mabboudat, and built temples to them, such as the Temple of Edfu and the Temple of Dandara and Philae temple, Aswan, and the Ptolemies used to appear at official events, using the pharaohs.

* Inclusion of the first Ptolemy to Egypt a number of accessories and is gently south Syria, Vinkie, Palestine and Cyprus.

3 : Roman age

the Roman Entered Egypt 30 BC and became one of their mandates, but Egypt has become one of the most important mandates of the Roman Empire because of the economic importance of Egypt, then known as the breadbasket of the Romanian State, becoming the second most important cities of Alexandria, the empire after Rome and Alexandria continued to University (the old) to work. [ 10]

As famous for glass industry, paper, linen Gdhavp of perfumes and cosmetics in Egypt.

4 : Coptic age

Christianity entered Egypt in the middle of the first century AD and that the entry of St. Mark to Alexandria and the founding of the first church in Egypt, and Africa as a whole.

Christians have suffered persecution from the Romans of them, especially in the Emperor, hence Alqubt taken from assuming the throne of the empire in the beginning of the annual calendar of the Coptic Christians have.

And flourished in this era, the construction of churches and monasteries, the Coptic style of photography has also figures as in previous times

5 : Islamic age

Islam entered Egypt in the Arab Caliph Omar bin al-Khattab and the leadership of Amr Ibn El-Aas-General 641 meters. Egypt witnessed a period of Arab rule over the Muslim areas of progress in the construction and the arts such as architecture and decoration and inscriptions Islamic style was also the construction of several mosques, fortresses and walls.

In the Fatimid era, Al-Azhar mosque was months in the era of Art Architecture Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt in addition to several other conditions, also built in the era Ayouby Qal'at Saladin castles months which is the city of Cairo, in addition to the architectural wealth, which appeared in the Mamluk

6 : modern times

Muhamm ad Ali is the founder of modern Egy pt for his reforms covering all aspects of life in conformity with the spirit of the modern age at the time, began the construction of Egypt's strong army and established a military school, and emerged in the shipbuilding industry and Bulaq yard in Alexandria. The most advantageous conditions for agriculture and irrigation, and established the dams, bridges and canals, and established factories and laboratories to meet the need of the army and the sale of the surplus of people, work in the area of trade, Muhammad Ali Pasha, the deployment of security for internal trade routes and the establishment of a fleet of foreign trade, where trade flourished in Egypt.

And education for the needs of government offices established at all levels of schools and the various missions sent to Europe and the transfer of modern science

And the sons of Muhammad Ali tried to take the attitude in trying to catch up with European civilization, has seen the country in the era of Khedive Ismail Pasha, was a renaissance in the administrative reform has also seen a revival of industry, agriculture, and prospered in his care and the construction and architecture, and established the opera house Kdioip, and to extend railroads, in year 1869 opened the Suez Canal to international navigation in a major ceremony.

Egypt has seen several uprisings against foreign interference in the national movement was intensified Orabi Revolution in 1882 that ended in the occupation of Egypt and Britain, which announced the protection of Egypt in 1914 and ended the formal subordination of the Ottoman Empire.

7 : Egypt's modern history

Entered Egypt to the twentieth century, the burdens of the British colonial Dgoth to plunder its resources, and increased popular resistance and the national movement against the occupation led by Mustafa Kamil and Muhammad Farid emerged with a strong sense of the national revolution of 1919 to demand independence and the national leader Saad Zaghloul, a prominent role, then was the abolition of the British to Egypt in 1922 and the recognition of its independence and was the first Egyptian constitution in 1923

The revolution

Gamal Abdel Nasser led the revolution of July 23, 1952. Which has many of the most important tasks of the issuance of the agrarian reform law, and established the first five-year plan for economic and social development in the history of Egypt in 1960 and try to develop industry and production has been the establishment of high-dam 1960-1970 and help the country in the field of education, health, construction, reconstruction and agriculture. In the area of foreign policy has worked to promote the July Revolution, the liberation movements of colonialism has also taken a policy of positive neutrality, a fundamental principle in foreign policy.

By Israel in June 5, 1967 attack on Egypt, Syria, Jordan and the occupied Sinai and the Golan Heights and the West Bank of Jordan

The Army managed to Egypt in spite of the enormity of the loss to express their strength in this ordeal to the entry of Israeli troops and the war of attrition, and in that time, died of "Gamal Abdel Nasser," in September 1970

October War

Mohamed Anwar Sadat took power after Gamal Abdel Nasser, the work to settle the internal problems of the state and the preparation of Egypt to go to war to liberate the Sinai. In October 6, 1973 at noon in the second well, the Egyptian armed forces carried out the armed forces and the Syrian Arab attack on Israeli forces in each of the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights. The war began on the Egyptian front, the air strike launched by the Egyptian Air Force against the Israeli forces, and Egyptian forces crossed to the East Bank and the Egyptian flag.

President Anwar Sadat came to the settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict to find a lasting peace in the Middle East, the peace treaty agreed to by Israel (Camp David) in March 26, 1979 with the United States after having cleared the visit of President Sadat to Israel in 1977, Israel withdrew from the semi - tip of the Sinai well in April 25, 1982 withdrawal while retaining the tape Taba border and the government recovered the tape later, based on arbitration, which took place in the International Court of Justice after

Egypt raised the signing of the peace agreement and the visit of Sadat to Israel Astiaa inside and outside Egypt. Proponents of this view of the Convention that it had the Sinai to Egypt, and paved the way for peace in the Middle East. While opponents see the effects of this Convention that the isolated state with an Arab political and military weight of Egypt is the Arab-Israeli conflict, and worked to limit the scope of the movement of the Egyptian army in Sinai, as it has weakened the leadership role of Egypt in the Arab world. In November 2, 1978 conference of the League of Arab States, it was decided to transfer the headquarters of the League of Arab States of Egypt, Egypt's membership was suspended from 1979 to 1989, participated in this summit is ten Arab countries in addition to the Palestine Liberation Organization, has opposed the United Arab Emirates Arab steps against Egypt.

Sadat's assassination

By autumn 1981 the government campaign of mass arrests, including Islamic organizations, officials of the Coptic Church, writers, journalists, intellectuals, liberals and leftists, the number of detainees in Egyptian prisons and detainees to 18000 after the occurrence of signs of strife and turmoil of the popularity of rejecting peace with Israel and economic policies of the State.

In October 6, 1981 (after 31 of the Declaration on the decisions of arrest), Sadat was assassinated in a military parade was held to mark the anniversary of the October war and has led the assassination of Khaled Islamboli of the Organization of the Islamic Jihad, which was strongly opposed to the peace agreement with Israel and has fallen short of its campaign of repression Organized by the Government in the month of September. and his successor in the Chair, Vice-President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak.

Mubarak

October 14, 1981 Muhammad Hosni Mubarak assumed the presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt, after the nomination of a popular referendum of the People to him.

October 5, 1987 was a referendum by the President of the Republic for a second term.

1993 was a referendum by the President of the Republic for a third term.

September 26, 1999, a referendum has been President of the Republic for a fourth term.

Were also elected for a new mandate in 2005 in the first multiparty presidential elections in Egypt after a constitutional amendment.

Governorates of Egypt

2009-06-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

Governorates of Egypt

Arab Republic of Egypt is divided administratively into 29 provinces (provinces combined) contains the city of dealing administratively Kmhafezp is shorter. This division, the division replaced the directorates created by Napoleon Bonaparte after the French campaign on Egypt, Muhammad Ali after him. [1] Maintain a summit in Egypt is the pyramid of administrative divisions, which includes five levels (province, center, city, district (live in the cities are divided into sections and then chiefdoms), the village), each headed by a governor appointed by the President of the Republic. Beyond the most densely populated provinces of the thousand people per square kilometer, while the less densely populated in the three provinces, the largest area of Nsmtin per square kilometer.

Provinces that are either fully urban, or a mix between urban areas and rural areas, the official distinction between urban and rural areas in the provinces have the lowest administrative division, is not entirely southern provinces of urban centers, which are gatherings of a group of villages in the city correspond to the urban governorates. Furthermore, it could be the entire province is a city of just one as in the case of Cairo, and Alexandria. And cities divided into districts run by elected local councils. Each province's capital are often the largest cities.

In April 17, 2008 issued a republican decree as Helwan, and two separate October 6.

List of the provinces of Egypt

1 Alexandria Alexandria 2.679 4,110,015
2 Aswan Aswan 679 1,184,432
3 Assiut Assiut 5.926 3,441,597
4 lake Damanhour 10.130 4,737,129
5 Beni Suef Beni Suef 1,322 2,0,527
6 Cairo 214 Cairo 7,0,640
7 Dakahliya 3.471 4,985,187 Mansoura
8 Damietta Damietta 589 1,0,316
9 Fayoum Fayoum 1,827 2,0,792
10 Western 1.942 4,010,298 Tanta
Giza 11, Giza, 85.153 6,272,571
12 Ismailia Ismailia 1.442 942.832
13 Kafr El-Sheikh Kafr El-Sheikh 3.437 2,618,111
14 Matrouh Marsa Matrouh 212.112 322.341
15 Minya Minya 32.279 4,179,309
16 Monoufia 1.532 3,270,404 Shebin
17 New Valley 376.505 187.256 emerging
18 North Sinai-Arish 27.574 339.752
19 Said Port Said Port 72 570.768
20 Qaliubiya 1.001 4,237,003 Banha
21 Qena Qena 1.851 3,001,494
22 Red Sea, Hurghada 203.685 288.233
23 East 4.180 5,340,058 Zagazig
24 Sohag Sohag 1.547 3,746,377
25 South Sinai 33.140 149.335 Tur
26 Suez Suez 17.840 510.935
27 * See below Luxor Luxor 55 451.318
28 HELWAN n / a 643,327 HELWAN
29 October 6 n / a 500,000 6 October

* 27 * Luxor, is not apparent in the map; because it is located between the small province of Qena and Aswan on the map.

Egypt Geography

2009-06-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

Egypt Geography

Egypt can be divided geographically into two main sections, as Egypt was located in North Africa, while the Egyptian Sinai peninsula, south-west Asia.

Egyptian border

-western border It is the between Egypt and Libya, which is a border line, a distance of 1049 km and extends as far south as straight complete the tri-border convalesce for a distance of 804 km and appears to winding of the Siwa Oasis to the north to a distance of 290 meters, so a combination of reduction and reducing the astronomical engineering.

2 - the eastern border between Egypt and Palestine to begin from the top of Taba on the Gulf of Aqaba coast of the Mediterranean and even to a distance of 210 km and this is consistent with the line along the 34 east. And Egypt has also limited the Red Sea from the Middle Boukljugip Suez and Aqaba.

3 - the southern border between Egypt and Sudan on the line of engineering Itaamd natural and human phenomena and extends with the direction of the Middle Owainat about the Nile River and is in the middle of this reduction and the Nile Valley, and even complement the Red Sea, when the cities of Halaib and Shalatin Egyptian.

4 - the northern border the Mediterranean Sea and is a natural end overlooking the emergence of the Mediterranean Sea, where the northern boundary extends from the east of Rafah, the Egyptian town of Salloum to the west, where a distance of thousand kilometers. At this point there are three water border of Egypt with all of Cyprus and Turkey and Greece.

Provinces Egypt (states)

Egypt is divided into 28 provinces. Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Aswan Helwan October 6 New Valley Qena South Sinai North Sinai, Assiut, Minya, Sohag, Beni Suef, Fayoum, Ismailia Qaliubiya Dakahliya lake is West Damietta Port Said Suez Monoufia Kafr el-Sheikh Red Sea, East

Natural division

More than 75% of Egypt's area within the tropical dry desert region

First: The Western Desert of Egypt:

Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea from the north and Libya on the west and the Nile Valley in the east and an area of 681 thousand square kilometers and appears closer to a rectangle and the most important characteristic of Western Sahara and low Owainat Mount Dropper is distinct regions known as Western Sahara, the northern coast and the most important of Marsa Matrouh, where agriculture water Rain and groundwater through shallow wells, which defines Balsoany

Second: the Nile Valley and Delta:

River Nile is a distance of 1536 km within the Egyptian territory and take into Egyptian territory, where several directions is alternately to the north-east and then north and the other is to the north-west and then to the north and the estimated number of islands of the Nile River island of Ngo 300 Islands of the mud deposits of the Nile River, most of haunted and some are a key part of the important cities, such as the island of Zamalek and the school in the city of Cairo and there Jeranite such as the Aswan Island and the Isle of Selloukh and Sohail

Nile Delta: with two branches, one along the Damietta branch of 245 km and an average 286 meters and the presentation of inches higher than the level Rashid Branch Bnhor last two and less along the -239 km - but more broadly from the Damietta branch - 554 meters on average - there are lakes and coastal discriminate Shal Aldltaoi is Manzala Lake, Lake Prince and BG

Third: the Eastern Desert:

1 - the coast line of the beach extends from the top of the Gulf of Sudan to the borders with Sudan and extending in a straight majority of sectors along with the Japanese head of the most important ground Jmsp and Ras Abu Somp show several islands to the coast, the most important and largest island of Cduan 2 - Mountain Red Sea is a set of blocks mountain, which extends straight from the sea close to where you just go south 3 - Alhilli scale is the Hipti Majesty's navy and to the north, tribal Alajellalh The main part of the plateau is the plateau and the limestone plateau Almezp Alababdp

IV: Sinai Peninsula:

And is divided into three sections

1 - the northern section is known Balshol North

2 - the middle area of this section is one third of the Sinai, and appear in this section and the limestone plateau wilderness called this name because of the Jews out of Egypt and later in the Tahoua region 40 years and in the south of Plateau, the smallest kernel of the hill Now

3 - Triangle firearm south of the Sinai is multi-edged mountain peaks and the most important summits of the mountain close to some of the top of Mount St. Catherine, the highest mountain peak in the 2600 Egypt-fertilization

Pyramids of Egypt

2009-06-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

Pyramids of Egypt

Pyramids of Egypt are the pyramids of the ancient Egyptians built. The most famous pyramids of Giza.

Built the pyramids in Egypt

Pyramids of Egypt more than 90-100 the pyramid on the one stretching from Abu Rawash even Howara Giza on the outskirts of Fayoum. Ownership of buildings which were built by ancient Egyptians in the period from 2630 BC. M. Until the year 1530 BC. M. May include a phased construction of the pyramid of King Zoser Kahrm (3630 BC. M. - 2611 BC. M). Saqqara pyramid was drawn to the figure in the form of a hierarchical Kohramat Giza. The King Cheops pyramid was built on one the seven wonders of the world. The Egyptian pyramids were tombs of kings and queens. The temple stands next to adopt priests to help the spirit of the property is later life. In the Old Kingdom Old Kingdom (2585 BC. M. - 2134 BC. M). Inakecon the Egyptian artists Balheiroglevip room on the walls of the burial of the mummy of a property texts and hymns followed by instructions to the gods and amulets of the guarded Mamrh in the post-life. These texts are the texts known as Al-Ahram Pyramid Texts. Azarethzh the time of the Old Kingdom pyramids were built of large stones, but with time, less size. Because it was expensive. For this we find in the Middle Kingdom Middle Kingdom (2630 BC. M. - 1640 BC. M.) Building a brick from the Milky Tabn. The side lying directly above the four-Ahram Gahat with the original four cardinal directions (north, south, east and west). Most of the pyramids were built in the desert west of the Nile left the sun never set. Because the ancient Egyptians believed that the spirit of the deceased King left his body to travel the sky with the sun every day. When the sun never set on the west is the soul property of the pyramid, Mqbernha to renew itself. The tide was left in the middle of Wa Alohermat the northern side of the pyramid. Ernf the entrance to the pyramid and the largest over 17 meters from the surface of the Earth, where the corridor down to the King's Chamber. Change the design of the pyramids with the times. However, under the entrance to the north will lead to a corridor and down to the bottom of Ohabana lead to the King's Chamber, which pays tribute to a point at the center of the base of the pyramid. And sometimes the rooms are adjacent to the King's Chamber Tkhozbn collections and objects used in his life, including Alokroip valuable items. It was a risk of looting and theft . The pyramid was built around the temples and pyramids of the small temple for the priests and senior statesmen. The beach is related to the port of Albi and the Nile several related channels. It was called the valley temple, which was connected by a long-high pyramid, and square to move it. This was the road from the valley through the desert to lead to the funerary temple called the Temple of the pyramid and was related to the status of the eastern facade of the pyramid, which was comprised of a group of pyramids including the Pyramids and the Pyramids of Queens aftershocks. This was a total small aftershocks places for burial and did not know herself. The statues represent the spirit of the King . The small pyramids of queens and Bsitpouholha The small temple dedicated to the burial of his wives Almahbbat it. Called the pyramid of King Khufu's pyramid is the largest desert west of Giza in Egypt and adjacent Hermaalmlk Khafre (Khufu's son) and King Menkaure (Khufu's grandson). The method of burial may have started in ancient Egyptian tombs of the ancient pyramids to the years between 2920 BC. M. To the year 2770 BC. M. Since 2770 BC. M. -2649 BC. M. Kings were buried in graves in the town of Obaydos a brick wall of the terrace above the sand. In the year 2649 BC. M. Until the year 2575 BC. M. Kings were buried under the mud-brick terrace. But the king Zoser, who ruled from the year 2630 BC. M. Until 2611 BC. M. Saqqara chain built on a terrace on the square area of a large and progressive terraces above the area of a pyramid above. And consists of 6 terraces. He was designed by architect Amenhotep. And then the Kings are building Massadobam stones. The first pyramid was built from the real king in the town of Dahshour Snfro. And between the years 2465 BC. M. And 2323 BC. M. The pyramids were built Royal Aehtm good. In the era of the modern Kingdom (1550 BC. M. -1070 BC. M.) Is no longer kings buried in the pyramids, were the location of graves and burial in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, the capital of the new (good).

Is too pleased that the Pyramids in Giza pyramids Heights (unimplemented or Memphis) Egypt, the West Bank of the Nile. Built around 2480-2550 BC. M, is a three pyramids is the Pyramid of Khufu and Khafre pyramid and the pyramid of Menkaure. And would like to point out that the pyramids are the property of their respective graves in the name of the King, which was built and was buried after his death, and here is the pyramid construction stage of the evolution of architecture defined graves and ancient Egypt, which started in a small crater turned into a room under the ground and then to several rooms above terrace, and then evolved to take on the form of the pyramid by architect Aimahotb Minister pharaoh Zoser in the Third and the pyramid is in the cemetery of Saqqara, and the subsequent attempts of the king Snfro founder of the fourth form of pyramid building and the whole afternoon, but Zulema Yoma Alhermen non-form and They are analogous to one in Dahshour Qaeda and the other was taken after half of a smaller size, and the engineer was able to engineer Hmeono that King Cheops pyramid up to the ideal form and the construction of Cheops in Giza, turn on an area of 13 acres and was followed by Khafre pyramid and Mancaora.