|
SINAI
The land of history and sanctity, Located east the Suez Canal
overlooking the Red Sea between the Gulf of Suez and The Gulf of
Aqaba, Sinai have history and civilization since the Pharaonic era,
Goddess Isis crossed Sinai in search of her husband Osiris. Because
of its sanctity, the Pharos made goddess Hathur mistress of this
part of their land, the Pharos explored it for gold, copper and
turquoise. It is also witnessed several military battles in which
the Pharoanic armies from the era of Ahmos (1500 B.C.) who fight the
Hyksos.
Sianai was the battle field of October 1973 war, Sinai also
witnessed the exodus of Jews from Egypt with Profit Moses, it is the
first route of the first Egyptian expedition took to achieve the
greater unity under the command of Thohotmos III in 1479 B.. and to
punish the invaders. It also was crosse by the Macedonian Alexander
the great in the invasion of Egypt in 333 B.C.
One of the outskirts routes lie El Farma town near Port Said to the
east where the armies of Cleopatra met those of her brother Ptolemy
in anticipation of the battle in 48 B.C.
The Holy Family also crossed Sinai on their way to Egypt and took
the north coast of Bardawil lake. The alst that crossed this route
was the Muslim Arab armies under the command of Amr Ibn El-As
Sinai abounds in natural fascinating scenery of high mountains in
the south and palm trees which extend parallel to the north coast,
Sinai also noted with its fresh water springs of curative
properties.
Sinai coasts exceed 750 Km long , the Red Sea with its warm clear
waters, offers colorful coral reefs and rare marine life.
Sinai is one of the most suitable places for diving and surfing ,
also for desert safari trips
North Sinai
It lies on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and cover the area
between Balouza (west) to Rafah (east). The coastal line is known
for its abundant olive and palm trees.
Main Cities:
Al Arish : Considered the capital of north Sinai, its
distinguished by its clear blue water, wide speared, fruitful palm
wood on the coast, and its soft white sand, it has a yacht marina
and a local airport.
Rafah : 50 Km. from El-Arish and 369 Km from Cairo, it is the
only eastern outlet of the Egyptian international boundaries on the
coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
Sheikh Zeweyed : Between El-Arish and Rafah on the coast of
the
Mediterranean Sea.
Bir El_Abd : Midway between Qantara east city and El –Arish.
Rommana : On the Mediterranean Sea and its enjoys tranquility
and beautiful landscape.
North Sinai N Attractions:
El-Arish Citadel : Built on a hillside south west of
El-Arish, on ruins of Pharoanic fort. The fort has been demolished
expect two towers and the eastern wall, it has been reconstruction
by the Turkish Sultan Soliman El-Qanoury in 1568.
Nakhl Citadel : In Nakhl village south of El-Arish
constructed by Sultan Qansouya El-ghuri in 1510 A.D.
Farma Citadel : In Balouza zone 32 Km. from Qantara East city
on the way to El-Arish, the citadel has 36 defense towers
constructed by El Mutawakel Ala Allah.
El Zaraneek : Known for migrant birds from east Europe and
south Asia seeking warmth.
El- Bardaweel Lake : known for fishes and migrant birds.
South Sinai
Its extend from Taba to Gulf of Aqaba through the north of El-Tih
Desert to Ras Mohamedin the south. It also has the highest mountain
in Egypt, the Summit of Saint Catherine which is 2637 meters high
above sea level, it hasd El-Tor city on the Suez Gulf about 400 Km.
from Cairo, its distinguished by its wonderful climate throughout
the year and by its various orchards. It has international airport
in Sharm El Sheikh, Saint Catherine, Taba in addition of El-Tor
airport, It also host Nuweba and Tl-Tor ports, its main cities are
Abu Redis, Ras Sidr, Saint Catherine, Sharm El Sheikh, Dhab and
Nuweba
South Sinai Attractions:
Religious Sites :
Religious tourism is a major tourist attraction in South Sinai which
includes:
Saint Catherine Monastery : Its constructions back to 4th
century A/D. it lies on the Foothills of Moses Mountain and it
include:
1- The Basilica : Built By Emperor Justinian in the 6th century A.D.
in the monarchal style with its three halls which consists of the
Sanctuary, the Altar and the Nave, above the arch of the Sanctuary,
there are the oldest and most beautiful mosaics in the Eastern
Orthodox Church.
2- The Chapel of the Burning Bush : behind the main church of
the monastery.
3- The Library : the library of Saint Catherine it said to a
rank second only to that the Vatican as for the extensive collection
of the rare manuscripts (3,500) in various languages.
4- The Mosque : it lies beside the main church, constructed
during the reign of Fatimed Caliph El- Amek-Bi Ahkam –Ellah in the
11th century symbolic of love and fratemity on the land of Egypt.
5- Museum Of the Monastrey : Its hosts a rare collection of
icons (2000) and the most precious objects , offered as gifts send
by kings and rulers of the Christian world as crosses , gold crowns
inlaid with precious stones and also gold plated chandeliers.
Moses Mountains : it is 2285 meters high. On its highest
summit there is a small church and a mosque, Visitors are keen in
climbing the mountain to watch sunrise, its called Mt Moneiga where
God spoke to his Profit Moses.
Deir El Banat : it is in Firan valley and contains the
remains of a church, on its rubble a new church has been built, its
high mountains are the most beautiful in the world with their
various colors and shapes.
Shrine of Profit Harun : in the Raha ( Rest) valley at Saint
Catherine`s
Valley near Sefsafa Mountains.
Shrine of Profit Saleh : 10 km. from Saint Catherine at the
meeting point of Murrah Valley and El- Sheikh Valley .
Historical Sites :
Sirabit El- Khadem Temple : its lies on a small mountains
north west of Firan, established by the Pharaohs north east of Abu
Zenema and include the cave of Goddess Huthor.
Hammat Pharoan ( Pharos Bath ) : a group of hot sulphur springs,
with a temperature of 72 C at the source.
Al Gondi ( The Soldier) Fort : constructed by Sultan Salah
El-din Al-Ayoubi about 65 Km east of Ras Sidr in 1165 AD.
El-Tor Fort : Built by Sultan Selim in 1520 A.D.
Sallah El-Din Fort : built by Sultan Salah El-din Al-Ayoubi
on Pharoas`s island in 1170 A.D. and its known for its unique
position overlooking El Aqaba Gulf.
Attractions :
Ras Sidr : overlooks the Suez Gulf and its distinguished by
several natural tourist aspects, towering mountains, huge valleys,
soft golden sands, beaches and clear blue water, its is considered a
beautiful summer and winter resort.
Ras Mohamed : it is 80 Km. south of El-Tor at the tip of
Sinan peninsula on the Gulf of Suez and el Aqaba at Tiran Strait it
is renowned for being the most fit areas or diving all over the
world as it include the most exquisite coral reef and rare colored
fish, it has ecently declared as National Park.
Sharm El Sheikh : 336 km, from Suez. 53 Km. from Ras Mohamed,
it lies on El-Aqaba Gulf, an international summer and winter resort
preferred by vacationers to experience fishing, swimming, diving and
relaxing,,,,,,,etc
Dahab : about 81 Km from Sharm El-Sheikh, one of the most
beautiful beaches of Sinai, its named dahab which mean in Arabic
gold due to its golden sandy beaches.
Nuweiba : about 87 km. from Dahab, on the Aqaba gulf, palm
trees cover its beaches, it has camping sites and hotels, it is also
a major site port in South Sinai.
Taba : considered Egypt `s eastern border line overlooking
Aqaba Gulf, 70 Km from Nuweiba, famous for its fascinating natural
beauty, clear blue water and abundance of bays which are considered
among the landmarks of this tourists region, it has also an
international airport.
Pharaoh's island : known as Salah El-Din Fort and it has a
unique location , beside its historical background, it occupies a
strategic position overlooking Aqaba gulf, a visitor may locate
Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Taba.
Firan Valley : know for its greenly and orchards, Deir El
Banat, is a monastery located in a high mountain, regarded as the
most beautiful in the world due to their various colors and shapes.
Resources :
There are natural springs, medicinal plants, and herbs which heal
many ailments, and the most famous in South Sinai are:
Pharos bath : 110 Km. from the tunnel of El Shahid Ahmed
Hamdi. its consists of 15 springs rom which flow hot water suitable
for the treatment o eyes, skin and chest diseases.
Moses Bath : 3 km, from Al-Tor city, its sulphuous water is
goiod foir the treatment of many thewumatic and skin diseases.
The area enjoys diverse, extensive desert wich abound in mountain
chains suitable for climbing and sensaltional avdentures.
Of these mountains are, Mt Moses, MT Catherines, Mt Safsafa.
|
