A Places to visit in Cairo, Egypt
Where to Visit Cairo Highlights
- The Pyramids of Giza
- Egyptian Museum
- Islamic Cairo
- Khan el-Khalili
- Old Coptic Cairo
The Pyramids of Giza
Egypt is a river oasis in a desert state. 'A Gift of the Nile', wrote by Herodotus the Greek traveller in about 450 BC. In ancient time the famouse Pyramids of Giza were counted amoung the seven wonders of the world. They were built between 2550 and 2490 B.C. as a royal tombs. The one in a foreground was for Pharoah Menkaure(Mycerinus), the middle one for Pharoah Khafre and the highest one was for Pharoah Khufu(Cheops).
For 4000 years, the Pyramids of Giza just sat there, with their extraordinary exact geometry. Centuries of research have given us some understanding of the ancient Egyptians belief in afterlife. The Pharaoh was the son of the gods' powers to his people. Set between the earth and the sky, connection the worlds mortal and divine, he was therefore honoured in life and worshipped in death.
The Sphinx
Legends and superstitions abound about the Sphinx, and the mystery surrounding its is almoust as intriguing as its appearance.The Guardian of the Pyramids or known in Arabic as Abu al-Hol (father of Terror), the Sphinx was carved from the bedrock at the bottom of the causeway to the Pyramid of Khafre; so it probably portrays his features, framed by the the striped headcloth worn only by royalty. The Uraeus* on its brow and the ceremonial beard are missing and of the pharaoh/s signs of office only the royal head-dress remains. The fallen beard was carted off by 19th century adventureres and is now on display in the British Museum in London.
* the Uraeus is a representation of the sacred appearing in ancient Egyptian art and especially on the headdress of rulers and serving as a symbol of sovereignty
One day Self-explorer walking tour
Giza pyramid complex map
Egyptian Museum
One of the world's most important ancient history museum and the treasures of the most well known young lost nine years old king, Pharoah Tutankhamun ruled Egypt for nine years . Although the real power was in the hands of others, his sucessor and Tutankhamun's exact identity still remain a bit of questions.
Find more Photos and details one of the world most famous Pharoah Tutankhamun; Pharoah Tutankhamun Young Egypt Ruler
It simply cannot see everything in the Egyptian Museum. Recommended to plan on making at least two visits, and decide on the things you absolutely must see and go straight for them. There are several queues before entering the Museum; queue near the gate to pass through and have your bags X-rayed, queue to buy a ticket, cameras and videos are not permitted, and just before enter the building your bags searched again.
The Egyptian Museum Highlights
Tutankhamun Galleries on 1st floor
The treasure of Tutankhamun are among the world's most famous antiquities. The tome and treasures of this young pharaoh were discovered in 1922 by English archaeologist Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings. About 1700 items are spread throughout a series of rooms on the museum's 1st floor. Two Life-size Statues of Tutankhamun at the doorway of Room 45, found in the tomb antechamber. Tutankhamun's wig box is in room 40.
Old Kingdom Rooms on Ground Floor, Rooms 42, 37 & 32
In the centre of Room 42 is one of the museum's masterpieces, a smooth, black, dioritic, larger than life size 'Statue of Khafre (Chephren). The builder of the second pyramid at Giza sits on a lion throne, and is protected by the wings of the falcon god Horus. The choice of stone, which is harder than marble or granite, suggests the pharaoh's power and yet this is theonly survivor out of 23 identical pieces from the pharaoh's valley temple on the Giza Plateau.
Room 37 contains funiture from the Giza Plateau tomb of Queen Hetepheres, wife of Sneferu and mother Khufu (Cheops), including a carrying chair, bed, bed canopy and a jewellery box.
Room 32 is dominated by the beautiful statues of Rahotep and Nofret(No. 27), a noble couple from the reign of Sneferu, builder of the Bent and the Red Pyramids at Dahshur. Almost life-sized with well-preserved painted surfaces, the limestone sculptures' simple lines make them seem almost contemporary, despite having been around for a staggering 4600 years.
Amarna Room Ground Floor, Room 3
Akhenaten (1352-1336), the heretic pharaoh, did more than build a new capital at Tell al-Amarna, close the temples of the taditional state god Amun and promote the sun god Aten in his place. He also ushered in a period of great artistic freedom, as a glance around this room will show. The most striking of all is the unfinished head of Nefertiti, wife of Akhenaten, the extremely beautiful queen. The masterpiece of this period, the finishd bust of Nefertiti, remains in the Berlin Museum.
- Royal Tombs of Tanis on 1st floor Room 2
- Royal Mummy Rooms on 1st floor room 56
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Islamic Cairo
The world's oldest Islamic cities of Cairo has been founded in the 10th century, reaching its golden age in the 14th century, with its famous mosques, madrasas, hammams and fountains.
The wolrd Heritage Multiple locations in Cairo;
- *Al-Fustat,
- *Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tulun, The Citadel Area, The Fatimid Nucleus of Cairo, Necropolis
- *Al-Imam ash-Shaf'i Necropolis
- *Qayitbay Necropolis
Getting Lost to Islamic Cairo
Because it covers a large area, the easiest place to reach is Al-Azhar and Khan al-Khalili. The best approach is on foot from Downtown, called Al-Hussein. Most places can be reached from there to the Citadel and Mosque of Ibn Tulun.
Khan el-Khalili
Once known as the Turkish bazaar during the Ottoman period, is now usually just called the 'Khan'.The market was built in 1382 by the Emir Djaharks el-Khalili in the heart of the Fatimid City. Together with the al-Muski market to the west, they comprise one of Cairo's most important shopping areas.
Khan el-Khalili is the most marvelous bazaar in Cairo for shopkeepers and tourists. You will find imitations of pharaonic objects, Jewellery, items made from copper, marquetry boxes, papyrus paintings, etc. Try the bubble of the water pipe called Shisha, at an Egyptian Coffeehouse or a cup of tea called karkade at the bazaar’s famous Caf? Fishawy also can not miss out. Karkade tea is a deep red drink that is served either hot or cold and has a tangy citrus taste. It made from a variety of hibiscus flower and it contains a lot of vitamin C.
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Old Coptic Cairo
The old Coptic Cairo (in the old time the city is called Masr al-Qadima) is believed that there was a settlement here as early as the 6th century BC. Later the Romans built a fortress which we know today as ' Fortress of Babylon'. The only five of twenty churches built within an area of one square mile are still here today.
Abu Serga; the oldest church of Cairo where the Holy Family, Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus Christ, rested at the end of their journey into Egypt. They may have lived here while Joseph worked at the fortress.
Keniset Mar Girgis; it the best known for its wedding chamber, which dates from the 4th century AD.
El-Mu'Allaqa the hanging church, Cairo's most famous church
The Churches and Convents of Harat Zuwaila in Old Cairo.Tradition holds this district was blessed by the Holy Family during their travels in Egypt.
Interesting Old Coptic Churchs sites to visit;
In spite of the fact that the mystery of the Ancient Egyptian Pyramids, some of the Pharoahs storys are revealed with solid evidences. But up to now the Ancient Egyptian artifacts; from Pharoahs to their Pyramids are one of the world great debates of its' mystery still.
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