0 Mosque of Mohamed Ali

                                                              
Mohamed Ali Mosque is amongst the most interesting Mosques in Egypt. It stands proudly on the highest point inside the courtyard of the Citadel of Saladin, and is also called the Alabaster Mosque. The architect was Yousf Boushnaq, a Turkish man who had come over from Istanbul to build this great Mosque for Mohamed Ali, the ruler of Egypt from1805 until 1849.
He based his plans on the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, and the construction began in 1830 A.D. The work continued ceaselessly until the death of Mohamed Ali in 1849, and had to be finished during the reign of his successors. Mohamed Ali was buried in the tomb situated on the south-eastern side of Beit Al Salah, on the right side of the entrance that leads to the main section.

In 1899 the Mosque showed signs of cracking and repairs were undertaken, but some of these repairs were not adequate. Therefore, in 1931, during the reign of King Fuad I, a committee was set up, comprising of several great architects, which eventually presented a report recommending the demolition of the big main dome, the semi domes and the small domes, and then reconstructing them according to the original design. Between 1931 and 1939, the project, including demolition, building and rebuilding, painting and gilding, was undertaken; the total cost being 100,000 LE.

The main material used for the construction was limestone, but the lower parts of the Mosque, and the forecourt, are faced to a height of 11.5m with alabaster. 

The Mosque is rectangular in shape and consists of two sections: 

• The Eastern Section, which is the main section, called “Beit al Salah" or “House of Prayer”.
• The Western Section, called the “Sahn” "or “Courtyard".

The Eastern Section (The “Beit al Salah" or “House of Prayer”)

The eastern section is the part that was dedicated to prayer. It is square in shape, each side measure 41m, and has a roof with a central dome (52m in height) resting on four large arches supported by massive piers. Surrounding the big central dome there are four half domes, while there are four more small domes covering the corners.

The marble mihrab is covered by a half-dome at the lower level. The domes are pointed and covered with medallions and other motifs. The interior dome is impressive because of its size and shape, similar to the Mosques of Istanbul. There are 6 medallions around the dome, which include the names of Allah (God) and Mohamed (the Prophet), as well as the names of the four rightly guided Caliphs, namely Abou Bakr, Omar, Othman, and Ali.

Click on Thumbnail to enlarge

The mosque has 2 Minbars or pulpits; the original one is the larger, it is made of wood decorated with gilded ornaments, while the smaller one is of marble, it was gifted to the mosque by king Farouk in 1939 A.D.

Above the entrance is a grand gallery supported on marble pillars with bronze balustrade. To the right of the entrance is the tomb of Mohamed Ali. It is  made  white marble covered with floral motifs, and pointed and gilded inscriptions.  originally Mohamed Ali was not buried in his mosque but later during  the time king Abbas I (1849-1854), His body was transferred from Housh El Basha to the inside of the mosque where it rests inside  The bronze grill.

The Western Section (The Courtyard or the Sahn)

It is a large open courtyard of about 54 m in length and 53 m in width. It is surrounded by a single arched riwaqs or naves raised on pillars and roofed with small domes.
In the middle of the courtyard  there  is the ablution fountain, it is octagonal in shape and covered by a large leaded domed canopy resting on 8 pillars with natural ornaments. Inside the dome is another marble small dome and it is octagonal in shape, decorated with floral motifs. In the walls of the riwaqs of the courtyard there are 46 widows. While the Eastern wall which overlooks the Eastern Section,  it has 8 windows above which there is a frieze of inscription of the Koran (Surat Al Fath),

Above the entrance to the Easter section there is  frieze that bears  the name of the Turkish sultan Abd Al Maguid.

Opposite to the doorway of the prayer House, at the far end of the centre of the NW Riwaq is a pavilion, above which is an elaborate French Clock, presented to Mohamed Ali in 1845 by the King Luis Philip in exchange of the obelisk which is now standing in the Concorde square in Paris. This clock has never been working properly!
At the west and the North Corners are 2 slender octagonal minarets that rise to 82 M in height. And has with 2 balconies.

0 Entertainment and night life in Cairo

Most of the tourists who come to Egypt have no owrries of where they are going to spend their mornings, as they would be spending the morning exploring the numerous monuments that Cairo, Luxcor , aswan , and Alexandria host.
If they are in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab, Marsa Alam, or Ras Suder, they most probably would be spending their mornings on the beach . However, the question that most tourists ask is "what is there to do in Egypt at night?" "What kind of activities can one do in Egypt other than visiting monuments and enjoying the sea?"
Most people think that the range of entertainment activities in Egypt, especially outside Cairo, is quite limited. However, this is practically not true. There are many activities for tourists to enjoy in Egypt at night and there are many cities outside Cairo that offer a wide variety of night spots like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. We will try through this article to shade some light on the night activities that Egypt offers to its tourists
Belly Dancing:
Belly dancing or oriental dancing is among the performances that tourists should see in Egypt. Some guidebooks say that if a tourist does not watch a belly dancer during his stay in Egypt, than he hasn't visited Egypt.
The art of belly dancing goes back to the time of the Pharos. There are drawings on many of the temples and tombs of the Pharos that clarified the important part belly dancers played in ancient Egyptian rituals and celebrations. Their movement and their poses are very similar to modern Egyptian belly dancing

However, modern-day belly dancing owes more to the European experience of Egypt in the 18th and the 19th centuries. The sensual movements of the Egyptian belly dancers who blended folk, gypsy, and Ottoman dances inspired the imagination of Europeans. This was largely due to their description that dancing was associated with prostitution, but this certainly is not true. Belly dancing is considered an art and there are even many schools around Egypt and even around the world that teaches belly dancing.
Maybe one of the most interesting aspects of belly dancing is the outfit which traditionally consists of squeezed bras, beaded hip bands, veils and flimsy skirts. These outfits are sold in many tourist shops especially in Khan El Khalili and many other places.
Many hotels around Egypt offer very entertaining belly dancing shows to their tourists. Usually the show consists of one or two dancers who perform a number of dances and changing their outfits before the beginning of every dance. In many places tourists are encouraged to participate in the dances and sometimes they have belly dancing competitions as well.
Where to go :

Auberge du Nil : Royal Nile Towers Hotel, Kornish El Nile Cairo Tel: 02 -2362 1717
Haroun Al Rashid Club: Semeraimis Hotel Tel: 02 27957171
Palmyra : down town Cairo Tel: 02 25743306

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Whirling dervishes:
Although many tourists who come to Egypt enjoy watching whirling dervishes' shows, little of them know the origin of this popular dance. Egypt whirling dervishes are members of the Mawalaya sect of Sufis, followers of a semi-mystical branch of Islam. Sufis were originally associated with poorness and self-denial and wore rough woolen clothes next to their skin and from the word "wool" or "Suof" in Arabic the Sufis name was derived.
The whirling dervishes, so called because of their ritual spinning dances, offer a rare glimpse of this otherwise underground phenomenon. The whirling dervishes perform marvelous shows. Dancers with brightly colored outfits turn like springing tops while a line of musicians create a hypnotic pulse, tossing their heads jerkily from side to side.
A lot of hotels and cultural centers offer whirling dervishes performances among their oriental show. However, the best place to watch whirling dervishes is in Al Ghuri complex located at the back of Al Azhar Street (tel: 02- 25100823)
Read here more about the Al Ghuri complex , and tanoura dance
Cairo Dinner Cruises:
One of the most interesting night activities especially in Cairo is to ride a Nile dinner cruise at night. Riding in the river Nile has its own magical beauty and many of the boats that offer dinner cruises provide their passengers with tasty food and a wonderful entertainment show that usually contains belly dancing, whirling dervishes, and sometimes oriental or western live music.
Here is a list of the most famous Nile dinner cruises in Cairo:

Boat name	address	Telephone:	Sailing Schedule
Nile Maxim This Nile cruse offers a tasty open buffet and a remarkable oriental show	Address: In front of the Marriott Hotel in Zamalek, as it is operated by the hotel.	Telephone: 02/7388888	7 30 PM and 9 30 PM and the cruise takes 2 hours more or less
The Pharaohs Maybe this is one of the most famous dinner cruises in Cairo because of its Pharonic theme and the delicious dishes they offer	Address: 138 El Nile St. Giza	Telephone: 02-57 01 000	7 PM and the main is at 8 PM with two boats and the cruise takes 2 hours in the part of the Nile around Giza and Zamalek
Nile Crystal One of the best dinner cruises in Cairo with a distinctive oriental show. I have been there last winter and I really enjoyed my time with my family	Address: In the beginning of the Maadi Road of Kornish El Nile	Telephone: 02/3190009	Time of Cruises: 8-9 PM with a more than 2 hours cruise
Nile Peking The most unique Nile cruise in Cairo with its special Chinese food and its calm romantic attitude. They offer all sorts of dishes	Address: Kornish El Nile St, Old-Cairo, After El Malek El Saleh Bridge	Telephone: 02/51 70 839	Time of Cruises: 5 PM 8 PM, The cruise takes around 1-1/2 to 2 hours

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Bars and Discos:
Despite being predominantly Islamic, there are many bars in Egypt beyond these in hotels. In Alexandria, there is the Cap d'or, a very stylish bar. In Cairo most of the night spots are in the neighborhoods of Zamalek, Mohandeseen, and downtown. Bars like Deals, L'Ambergine, Le Tabasco, and bull's eye usually host a lot of wealthy young Egyptians and these places offer a huge variety of drinks and cocktails.
Cities like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are packed with night spots and discos. You can know more details about parties that are taking place from magazines like Sinai Today or Red Sea Today, but don't worry, there is action that is going on every single night of the week.
Cities like Luxor and Aswan have their nightspots as well. Luxor has many bars scattered all around the East bank of the Nile. There is a variety of bars that range in cost and style. There isn't a single city or town in Egypt that hosts tourists and does not have a bar.

Deals: Al Sayed Al Bakri street, Zamalek Tel: 02 2763 0502

L'Ambergine: Al Sayed Al Bakri street, Zamalek Tel: 02 2738 0080

Bull's Eye: 32 Jedda Street, Mohandesein Tel: 02 37616888

Cap d'or: 4 Adib Street, Alexandria Tel: 03 487 5177

Le Tabasco: 8 Amman Square, Doqqi Tel: 02 3336 5583

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Egypt Casinos:
Many of Egypt's five-star hotels have casinos that are open for non Egyptians only. (Passports must be shown at the door) All games are conducted in US dollars or other major foreign currencies. The dress code of these casinos is smart casual. Hotels with casinos include Semiramis intercontinental, the Marriott in Cairo, Nile Hilton, and Al Salamlek Hotel and Sheraton Al Montazah in Alexandria. However there are many other examples like Hilton Taba, many hotels in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada.
Al Salamlek Hotel: Montazah Palace, Alexandria Tel: 03 574 7999
Marriott Cairo: Zamalek Tel: 02 2735 8888
Sémiramis Intercontinental: Kornish El Nile, Cairo, Tel: 02 2795 7171
Sound and light shows:
Every major monument in Egypt feels compelled to present a sound and light show. These shows usually begin after sunset. It involves the monument being illuminated by colored lights while recorded voices narrate the story of the monument and its history. The sound and light shows are quite enjoyable and they include shows at the pyramids of Giza, the Temple of Kanak in Luxor, Philae and Abu Simble in Aswan. The shows are presented with numerous languages that include English, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, French, and Arabic.
Sound and lights contact phone number:
33863469(+202) - 33852880(+202) - 33847823(+202)

PYRAMIDS SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW TIMETABLE
Day	Extra Show	1st Show	2nd Show	3rd Show
Saturday	N/A	English	Spanish	Italian
Sunday	N/A	English	German	Russian
Monday	N/A	English	French	Spanish
Tuesday	N/A	English	Italian	French
Wednesday	N/A	English	German	Spanish
Thursday	N/A	English	French	Arabic
Friday	N/A	English	French	Italian
Show in winter From 01/10 to 30/04	N/A	1830	1930	2030
Show in summer From 01/05 to 30/09	N/A	2030	2200	2300
All languages available via headphones offer translation: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Polish, Arabic. Translation headsets for free

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Opera and Ballet in Cairo:
There are many performances that take place in the new Opera house in Cairo specially with visiting companies and troops who come to Cairo to present their art. There are also some attractive performances in the Gomhyrya theatre.

The Egyptian ministry of Culture mounts a grand production of Aida, the opera written in honor of the opening of the Suez Canal. Previous performances have been held in the temples of Hatshepsut and Karnack in Luxor while the most recent venue for this opera performance was the pyramids of Giza.

Cairo Opera House:  Al Tahrir Street in Zamalek Tel: 02 2739 8114
Gomhoreya Theatre: 12 Gomohoreya Street Tel : 02 23907707

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Children entertainment:
The Pharonic village in Giza provides quality time for all members of the family especially the children. The village is an ancient Egyptian theme park situated on the on the west bank of the Nile in Cairo, 10 kilometers away from the city center. Visitors ride in small boats through the reed of beds viewing scenes of Pharonic daily life recreated by costumed actors. The park also boasts a replica temple and some interesting museums dedicated to the Egyptian former presidents Gamal Abdel Al Nasser and Anwar Al Sadat.
The Cairo Puppet theatre located in the Opera square downtown presents traditional puppet shows like Sinbad and Ali Baba.
In some cities around Egypt many amusement parks have been built like Dream Park to the North of Cairo. There is also Aqua Park located 32 kilometers to the east of Cairo and offers water chutes, a wave pool, and a nice play ground.

Pharonic Village:  3 Al Baher Al A'zam street Tel: 02 25718675
Aqua Park: Ismailia Street Tel: 02 2477 0088
Dream Park:  6th of October City Tel : 02 8400561
Cairo Puppet Theatre: Al Azbakeya Gardens Tel: 02 25910954

0 What To See in Cairo

The Pyramids of Egypt, which served as tombs for the Ancient Pharaohs , and the statue of the Sphinx, which dates from 2565 BC and is probably the country's most famous monument, are located just west of Cairo in the suburb of Giza. Despite the desert background usually depicted in photographs, the Pyramids are extremely close to Cairo and are likely to be affected by the city's continued expansion.

Cairo contains numerous religious and governmental structures. The ornate architecture of the Citadel, in eastern Cairo, enhances the city's skyline. Begun by Saladin in 1176 and modified and expanded by later sultans, the Citadel is famous for its Mosques, Museums, and fort; within the complex the Mohammad Ali Mosque (1830) is particularly notable, with its storied domes and twin minarets. The Coptic Church known as Al Mu'allaqa, located in Old Cairo, is believed to be the earliest known site of Christian worship in Egypt; the church was built in the 3rd century, though it has been almost entirely replaced through successive restorations. Old Cairo also contains the Ben Ezra synagogue, the central house of worship for Cairo's small Jewish population, and the distinctive and imposing gates of Cairo. Once part of a wall that encircled the city, these three gates are all that remain of the original eight. Among Cairo's modern buildings are the Cairo Tower, which stands at a height of 187 m (about 614 ft) and commands a view of the Pyramids and the Citadel.

0 History of Cairo

The origins of the present-day Cairo can be traced back to the Egyptian capital of Memphis, which is believed to have been founded in the early 4th millennium BC near the head of the Nile delta, south of the present city. The city spread to the north along the east bank of the Nile, and its location has commanded political power ever since. It was there that the Romans constructed their city called Babylon. Muslim Arabs who immigrated there from the Arabian Peninsula in AD 641 later called the site Al Fustat. When a dissident branch of Muslims known as the Fatimid conquered Egypt in 969, they established their headquarters in the city and called it Al-Qahira (Cairo). In the 12th century Christian Crusaders attacked Cairo, but they were defeated by a Muslim army from Syria, led by Saladin, who founded the Ayyubid Dynasty in the city.

The Mamluke established their capital in Cairo in the 13th century, and the city became renowned throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe. Cairo declined after the mid-14th century, however, when the epidemic of bubonic plague known as the Black Death struck the city, decimating its population.
The Ottomans conquered Cairo in 1517, and ruled there until 1798, when the area was captured during an expedition led by Napoleon I of France. Ottoman rule was restored in 1801, but by the middle of the 19th century Egypt's foreign debt and the weakness of the Ottoman Empire invited greater European influence in Cairo. The Viceroy Ismail Pasha, who ruled from 1863 to 1879, built many European-style structures in the city and used the occasion of the opening of the Suez Canal northeast of Cairo in 1869 to showcase the city for the European powers. However, much of the development that took place during this period was funded by foreign loans, which led to an increase in the national debt and left Cairo vulnerable to control by Great Britain. The British effectively ruled Egypt from Cairo from the late 19th century through the period after World War I (1914-1918), when the foreign presence in Cairo began to diminish.
Cairo's population grew rapidly in the in the war years, reaching 2 million by the outbreak of World War II in 1939. Since that time the city has continued to boom in terms of both population and development. Some of this population growth has resulted from the influx of refugees from cities along the Suez Canal that were damaged in the Arab-Israeli wars of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Many new residential, commercial, and governmental structures have changed the city's landscape. Tourist facilities have proven an important source of foreign revenue for Egypt, and have thus drawn heavy investment from the government.
Cairo has also benefited from Egypt's growing international prominence. The founding of the Arab League in 1945 made Cairo a political capital, as has Egypt's ongoing participation in the Middle East peace process. However, in 1981 the city witnessed a tragic event when Egyptian President Anwar Al-Sadat was assassinated at a military parade by Islamic fundamentalists within the Egyptian army.
Also, Cairo is an important centre for publishing and other forms of media. Its newspapers, which include Al-Ahram (founded in 1875) and Al-Akhbar (1952), exert wide influence within the Islamic world, as does Radio Cairo. The rich cultural life is further enhanced by local theatre, cinema, dance, and music, in addition to the city's vibrant community of journalists and fiction writers; Cairo residents take great pride in the work of Nobel Prize-winning author and Cairo native Naguib Mahfouz, whose fiction has provided a chronicle of the city.

0 Hotels of Aswan

The city of Aswan has very good hotels, with the highest quality of standards and service; where the local people are amongst the most friendly that you will meet in Egypt
Here is a list of the best recommned hotels we have experiancesed in Aswan:

Old Cataract Hotel Built in 1899 on a granite bluff overlooking the Nile, the Sofitel Cataract is an illustrious hotel which has attracted guests such as Winston Churchill, Agha Khan, King Farouk, Lady Diana and Agatha Christie, who wrote 'Death on the Nile' right here.

Movenpick hotel Elephantine Island Aswan This 5-star resort offers 230 well appointed air-conditioned rooms with private facilities - mini-bar and satellite TV. All rooms have a balcony with views of the Nile - Aswan City or the desert beyond. Excellent facilities include A perfect place to relax in some of the most beautiful natural surroundings in Egypt. The Resort is set on an island in the middle of the River Nile in one of the most enchanting natural locations.

Iberotel Aswan Hotel Iberotel Aswan has an excellent location with magnificent views of the Nile and is ideal for romantic getaways, honeymoons or those fascinated by the marvels and mysteries of ancient Egypt in addition to large conferences and incentives. Iberotel Aswan comprises 195 comfortable and spacious guest rooms comprising of Superior rooms, chalets and suites all with a spectacular view of the Nile

Pyramisa Hotel Aswan Exotic resort in the middle of the Nile on an island near the center of Aswan. 28 acres of landscaped gardens with magnificent views of the Nile , mountains and Aswan city. Pyramisa Resort is a few minutes sailing to Agha Khan Mausoleum and downtown shopping area .

The Basma Hotel The Basma Hotel in Aswan, which is one of the major touristic cities located at the southern border of Egypt. This city that looks over several tiny islands scattered in the River Nile's flow, approximately 425 miles south of Cairo, below both the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser.

0 Luxor Hotels - Some Recommended Hotels

	Sonesta St George hotel This is one of the best and ideal hotel in Luxor for short break stay This five-star hotel offers the very best in luxury. The hotel is 12 kilometers from the Luxor International Airport and within walking distance of Luxor Temple and Luxor Museum.
	Winter palace hotel This hotel was abuilt in 1886 to attract European nobleman. It is one of the oldest hotels in the city
	Hilton Luxor Hotel Escape to the serenity of the lush banks of the Nile and receive Egypt's most attentive, friendly service at Hilton Luxor Hotel.This hotel is situated on the east bank of the Nile in the village of Karnak, in Luxor, this property is only 2 minutes from the Karnak Temple, 5 minutes from the city centre and 15 minutes from the Airport.
	Iberotel Hotel Luxor, Luxor, Egypt This hotel is Offering elegant lodging and eminent hospitality, the hotel is centrally located in Luxor, the Iberotel is directly on the banks of the River Nile. This property is just about 10 minutes walk from the Luxor Temple and only 20 minutes from Luxor Airport.
	Luxor Sheraton Hotel Sheraton Hotel and Resort Luxor will make you feel comfortable and connected by providing modern conveniences in a wonderful retreat setting. This hotel is set on the east bank of the Nile, this property is perfectly situated so you can explore the city's antiquities, Nile, and the surrounding countryside while finding comfort in a relaxing, warm atmosphere.
	Maritim Jolie Ville Luxor Island Resort The hotel is a perfect place for relaxing walks, bird watching and an ideal site for watching the sunset. This property offers well appointed rooms and bungalows, meeting room and restaurants. The Jolie Ville Luxor Island Resort is located on Kings Island only 4 Km away from the city centre of Luxor. The Resort is 14 km away from Luxor International Airport. Area attractions are Karnak Temple, The Temple of Luxor and The West Bank.

0 Alexandria Hotel listing

Alist of the most recomended hotels of the city of Alexandria - Egypt

	Sharon Montaza Alexandria Hotel This hotel is perfect for those who are going to spend 1 or 2 nights in Alexandria. The Montazah Hotel is ideally located in Alexandria, the shining pearl of the Mediterranean Sea. We are a great starting point to enjoy Alexandria's magnificent beaches and fascinating cultural and tourist attractions. We're less than one kilometer from the Montazah Palace and Gardens, seven kilometers from the Royal Jewelry Museum
	Cecil hotel Alexandria built in 1929 overlooking the bay and yacht club combines the modern amenities with a touch of the history that Alexandria is so famous for.
	Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, Egypt. Edging the Mediterranean in a setting of legendary glamour, discover an intimate enclave within the stately Grand Plaza shopping and residential complex. Indulge in classically elegant accommodations, European spa treatments and terraced restaurants with fresh sea breezes.
	Palestine Hotel – Montazza palace Garden Alexandria Palaestine Hotel,The hotel faces one of the historical landmarks in Alexandria "Montaza Royal Palace" that was once the site of the late Egyptian Royal Family. This hotel is a five stars hotel with a unique location on the Mediterranean Sea. 350 acres of gardens and golden sandy beaches. magnificent gifts of nature
	The Radisson Blu Hotel The Radisson Blu Hotel, Alexandria is located at the tip of the Northern Coast Road at the 21st kilometre, in the heart of the new private village of Alex West. This premier Alexandria hotel provides guests a convenient 10 minute drive to Borg El Arab Airport, a 25-minute drive to the City Centre Shopping Mall
	Hilton Green Plaza Shop until you drop at the Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza hotel in the Green Plaza Mall, with 370 shops, a cinema and a Fun Castle. Do business in the largest conference room in Alexandria or the Executive Lounge, just 10 minutes from the airport. Relax later in the pool, or sample the 6 bars and restaurants.