January 2023

From a distance, Queen Hatshepsut’s temple in Luxor is unrivaled. It’s magnificent to see the unusual multi-tiered building clinging to the limestone cliffs on the river valley’s shoulder. Its layout is as distinctive as the Pharaoh who ordered its building.

Who is Hatshepsut the Great?

The only female pharaoh in Egyptian history was Hatshepsut. After the passing of her father Thutmose I and half-brother Thutmose II, she ascended to power in the New Kingdom.
The visual impact of the Temple of Hatshepsut is notable from a distance. It’s magnificent to see the unusual multi-tiered building clinging to the limestone cliffs on the river valley’s shoulder. Its layout is as distinctive as the Pharaoh who ordered its building.
The only female pharaoh in Egyptian history was Hatshepsut. After the passing of her father Thutmose I, her half-brother, and her husband Thutmose II, she ascended to power during the New Kingdom.

In her shrine, relief carvings honour her accomplishment. She made significant contributions to numerous temples, notably Karnak. When it was unearthed in the middle of the 19th century, the temple was in ruins and had been destroyed by Thutmose III. It was severely damaged after he assumed the throne, most likely as a result of Hatshepsut keeping him out of power.

 Queen Hatshepsut temple as a monastery

The location was also used as a monastery in the first century AD, which possibly hastened its demise. Major restoration was the outcome.
Many of the reliefs have deteriorated, and the majority of the pillars are not genuine. As a result, the temple may disappoint if it’s close by, especially given how well-liked it is with tourists.

It’s easy to become engrossed in Luxor’s beauty and wonders after your hot air balloon Luxor flight, forgetting that the traditional food is distinctive and worth learning about. What to expect: Traditional Egyptian cuisine frequently has lamb, cattle, and fish, with a focus on rice and other grains, as well as beans and vegetables. As a result, Egypt has a wide variety of delectable food, even for vegetarians.

It might be difficult to decide where to eat when traveling to any place, even Luxor (you can Visit the valley of the kings and the colossi of Memnon). However, keep in mind that the greatest Egypt tours ought to include visits to some of the most traditional eateries in the nation, so make sure before making a reservation. An knowledgeable guide can steer you toward the Egyptian cuisine you’ll want to see, touch, and taste. When visiting Egypt, make sure to bring your appetite and curiosity along, and try these eight delicious meals.

1- Koshary meal

The popular street meal koshary, also known as kushari or koshari, is the national dish of Egypt. This filling mixture of lentils, chickpeas, rice, macaroni, tomato sauce, and fried onions will satisfy even the pickiest diners. Despite being a regular sight on Arab tables around the globe, koshary has long been a favourite street meal in Egypt.
A hearty serving should only cost $1–$2 and provide enough energy for an afternoon.

2- Falafel dish

Although the origin of falafel is still up for question, it is frequently connected with the Middle East, but still one of the most important traditional food in Egypt, however, has its own variant of falafel that substitutes dried fava beans for dried chickpeas. The list of ingredients is completed by a medley of fresh herbs, including parsley, dill, and cilantro, as well as onion, garlic, ground cumin, and coriander. Fava bean balls can be fried and then covered in sesame seeds. Tahini and pita bread, of course, make great sides. Ta’ameya can be served with a tomato and cucumber salad.

3-Fattah dish

This common traditional food dish is usually offered during feasts and celebrations including Ramadan, weddings, and childbirths. Fattah begins with fresh or toasted flatbread or pita split into wedges, then tops it with layers of rice, onion, garlic, spices, yoghurt, zesty tomato sauce, and occasionally eggplant or aubergine. The meat is typically beef or lamb, but chicken is also occasionally used.
Fatteh is finished with a scattering of pine nuts for texture, and when it’s all done and placed on a tray, with pita wedges in place of tortilla chips, the mix of colours makes it look like nachos.

4- Ful (beans) dish

This fabled ancient Egyptian meal originated during the reign of the pharaohs. Traditional Egyptian breakfast delicacy known as ful Mudammas is a well-liked snack that is available all day long. It also has a fava bean basis at the outset. After being cooked from an overnight soak, the beans are placed in a bowl with minced parsley. In most cases, hard-boiled eggs are also included (perfect for breakfast), and pita bread is essential once more. As desired, a dressing of olive oil, salt and pepper, pepper flakes, lemons, crushed garlic, and ground cumin is drizzled over the ful mudammas.

5-the sea

Those who enjoy seafood won’t want to miss the chance to sample one of Egypt’s famed fish dishes. A whole white fish is cleaned, seasoned with salt, pepper, and spices, pan-fried, and then finished in the oven with tomato sauce, onion, and bell pepper. Fish sayadiya is occasionally topped with toasted almonds when it is served over rice, which gives this savoury meal a pleasant crunch.

Valley of the Kings is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Egypt, you can have a Hot air balloon Luxor to enjoy sightseeing. it’s the home to the tombs of many famous pharaohs, it’s a great place to visit, learn about ancient history, and appreciate some truly amazing architecture from thousands of years ago. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at why the Valley of the Kings is so special.

The Valley of the Kings

Valley of the Kings (Arabic: وادي الملوك Wādī al-Mulūk; Coptic: ϫⲏⲙⲉ, romanized: džēme Late Coptic: [ˈʃɪ.mæ]), also known as the Valley of the Gates of the Kings (Arabic: وادي أبوا الملوك Wādī Abwāb al-Mulūk), is a valley in Egypt where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, rock-cut tombs were excavated for the pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom (the Eighteenth to the Twentieth Dynasties of Ancient Egypt).

The valley stands on the west bank of the Nile opposite Thebes (modern Luxor), within the heart of the Theban Necropolis. The wadi consists of two valleys: the East Valley (where the majority of the royal tombs are situated) and the West Valley (Valley of the Monkeys).

With the 2005 discovery of a new chamber and the 2008 discovery of two further tomb entrances, the valley is known to contain 63 tombs and chambers (ranging in size from KV54, a simple pit, to KV5, a complex tomb with over 120 chambers). It was the principal burial place of the major royal figures of the Egyptian New Kingdom, as well as a number of privileged nobles. The royal tombs are decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology and give clues as to the beliefs and funerary practices of the period. Almost all of the tombs seem to have been opened and robbed in antiquity, but they still give an idea of the opulence and power of the pharaohs.

This area has been a focus of archaeological and Egyptological exploration since the end of the eighteenth century, and its tombs and burials continue to stimulate research and interest. Since the 1920s, the valley has been famous for the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun, and is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. In 1979, it became a World Heritage Site, along with the rest of the Theban Necropolis. Exploration, excavation and conservation continues in the valley, and a new tourist center has recently been opened.

Exploration the valley 

valley of the Kings has been a major focus of modern Egyptological exploration for the last two centuries. Prior to this time, it was a site for tourism in antiquity (especially during Roman times). The area illustrates the changes in the study of ancient Egypt, starting as antiquity hunting, and ending as scientific excavation of the whole Theban Necropolis. Despite the exploration and investigation noted below, only eleven of the tombs have actually been completely recorded. (you can have an see all of the valley during your hot air balloon flight in Luxor)

Many of the tombs have graffiti written by those ancient tourists. Jules Baillet has located over 2,100 Greek and Latin instances of graffiti, along with a smaller number in Phoenician, Cypriot, Lycian, Coptic, and other languages. The majority of the ancient graffiti is found in KV9, which contains just under a thousand of them. The earliest positively dated graffiti dates to 278 B.C.

In 1799, members of Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt (especially Vivant Denon) drew maps and plans of the known tombs, and for the first time noted the Western Valley (where Prosper Jollois and Édouard de Villiers du Terrage located the tomb of Amenhotep III, WV22). The Description de l’Égypte contains two volumes (out of a total of 24) on the area around Thebes.

Tourism in kings valley 

Most of the tombs are not open to the public (18 of the tombs can be opened, but they are rarely open at the same time), and officials occasionally close those that are open for restoration work. The number of visitors to KV62 has led to a separate charge for entry into the tomb.

The West Valley has only one open tomb—that of Ay—and a separate ticket is needed to visit this tomb.[56][108] The tour guides are no longer allowed to lecture inside the tombs, and visitors are expected to proceed quietly and in single file through the tombs. This is to minimize time in the tombs and prevent the crowds from damaging the surfaces of the decoration.

In 1997, 58 tourists and four Egyptians were massacred at nearby Deir el-Bahari by Islamist militants from Al-Gama’a al-Islamiyya. This led to an overall drop in tourism in the area.

On most days of the week an average of 4,000 to 5,000 tourists visit the main valley. The West Valley is much less visited, as there is only one tomb that is open to the public.

Are you looking for a historical and cultural experience in Cairo? Look no further than Khan El Khalili Street! This old market has been around since the 14th century and is filled with shops, restaurants, and more. Here’s what you need to know about this unique destination.

Khan el-Khalili

Khan el-Khalili (Arabic: خان الخليلي) is a famous bazaar and souq (or souk) in the historic center of Cairo, Egypt. Established as a center of trade in the Mamluk era and named for one of its several historic caravanserais, the bazaar district has since become one of Cairo’s main attractions for tourists and Egyptians alike. It is also home to many Egyptian artisans and workshops involved in the production of traditional crafts and souvenirs. The name Khan el-Khalili historically referred to a single building in the area; today it refers to the entire shopping district.

History

The site of Khan el-Khalili in Fatimid times (10th-12th centuries)

Cairo was originally founded in 969 CE as a capital for the Fatimid Caliphate, an empire which by then covered much of North Africa and parts of the Levant and the Hijaz. Jawhar Al-Siqilli, the general who conquered Egypt for the Fatimids, was ordered to construct a great palace complex to house the caliphs, their household, and the state’s institutions. Two palaces were eventually completed: an eastern one (the largest of the two) and a western one, between which was a plaza known as Bayn al-Qasrayn (“Between the Two Palaces”). The site of Khan el-Khalili today was originally the southern end of the eastern Fatimid palace as well as the location of the burial site of the Fatimid caliphs: a mausoleum known as Turbat az-Za’faraan (“the Saffron Tomb”).57  Also located here was a lesser palace known as al-Qasr al-Nafi’i (today the site of the 19th-century Wikala of Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar).

Under the Fatimids, Cairo was a palace-city which was closed to the common people and inhabited only by the Caliph’s family, state officials, army regiments, and other people necessary to the operation of the regime and its city. The first attempts to open the city to merchants and other outsiders took place in the later Fatimid period, on the initiative of powerful viziers. Between 1087 and 1092, Badr al-Gamali, the vizier under Caliph al-Mustansir, undertook the task of enlarging the city and building the stone walls and gates that still partly exist today. At the same time, he also opened the city to the common people, but the decision was quickly reversed. Between 1121 and 1125, al-Ma’mun al-Bata’ihi, vizier under Caliph al-Amir, undertook many reforms and construction projects, including the creation of a mint, known as the Dar al-Darb, and of a customs house for foreign merchants, known as the Dar al-Wikala. These were placed in a central location not far from the current site of the Madrasa of al-Ashraf Barsbay (15th century). This introduced foreign trade into the heart of the city for the first time.: 199 (vol. II)

Development of Cairo as economic center (12th-14th centuries)

Cairo was only definitively opened to all people under the rule of Salah ad-Din (Saladin), who dismantled the Fatimid Caliphate in 1171 and embarked on the construction of a new fortified Citadel further south, outside the walled city, which would house Egypt’s rulers and state administration. The old Fatimid palaces in the city were opened up to redevelopment. This ended Cairo’s status as an exclusive palace-city and started a process by which the city became an economic center inhabited by everyday Egyptians and frequented by foreign travelers. At the same time, the nearby port city and former capital of Fustat, until then the economic hub of Egypt, was in a slow decline, further paving the way for Cairo’s ascendance
The main axis of Cairo was the central north-to-south street known as the Qasaba (now known as al-Muizz Street), which ran between the gates of Bab al-Futuh and Bab Zuweila and passed through Bayn al-Qasrayn. Under the Ayyubids and the later Mamluks, this avenue became a privileged site for the construction of religious complexes, royal mausoleums, and commercial establishments. These constructions were usually sponsored by the sultan or members of the ruling class. This is also where the major souqs of Cairo developed, forming its main economic zone for international trade and commercial activity thereafter

An important factor in the development of Cairo’s economic center was the growing number of waqf institutions, especially during the Mamluk period. Waqfs were charitable trusts under Islamic law which set out the function, operations, and funding sources of the many religious/civic establishments built by the ruling elite. Funding sources often included the revenues of designated shops or other commercial establishments. Among the early and important examples of this institution in Cairo’s center was the complex of Sultan Qalawun, built in 1284–85, which included a madrasa, hospital, and mausoleum. A part of the complex’s revenues came from a qaysariyya (a bazaar or market complex made up of rows of shops) that was built in front of the nearby Ayyubid-era madrasa of al-Salih. This qaysariyya was a prominent early example of the purpose-built commercial structures that came to be erected in Cairo under the Mamluks as part of a waqf. Qalawun’s qaysariyya had a front on the Qasaba street while some of its shops were reached by an inner alley off the main street.

Present day

The Khan el-Khalili today is occupied by local merchants and traders and is significantly geared towards tourists. Shops typically sell souvenirs, antiques and jewelry. The adjoining goldsmiths’ souq is still important for locals. 81  Although less widespread than in earlier days, many crafts workshops continue to operate within the bazaar (usually in the courtyards or upper floors of buildings) and in the surrounding districts, manufacturing some of the products sold here or exported elsewhere.

In addition to shops, there are several coffeehouses (Arabic: مقهى, romanized: maqha), restaurants, and street food vendors distributed throughout the market. The coffeeshops are generally small and quite traditional, serving Arabic coffee and usually offering shisha. One of the oldest and most famous coffeehouses is El Fishawi’s, established in 1773. 109

Midan al-Hussein and al-Hussein Mosque, on the eastern edge of Khan el-Khalili
The Khan al-Khalili proper is delimited by al-Muizz Street to the west, al-Muski Street to the south, and the Mosque/shrine of al-Hussein to the east, with its northern boundary less clear. In reality though, the bazaar area spreads beyond these limits and is closely integrated into the surrounding districts.[8] For example, al-Muski street, which runs perpendicular to al-Muizz street and cuts across the south end of Khan al-Khalili, continues over a long distance and functions as a major souq street frequented by locals for much of its length.

In addition to the important Mosque and shrine of al-Hussein, Al-Azhar University and the Al-Azhar Mosque are also nearby. The monumental area of Bayn al-Qasrayn is also just northwest of the district. Some of its historic Islamic buildings were once maintained with the help of revenues from designated shops and commercial buildings in the area

If you are looking for a stunning awe-inspiring site, look no further than the Colossi of Memnon. These two huge statues built in Egypt during the 13th century B.C. are an amazing sight to behold. In this blog post, the importance of cool effects is shown.

The Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon (Arabic: el-Colossat or es-Salamat) are two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, which stand at the front of the ruined Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III, the largest temple in the Theban Necropolis, near to valley of the kings. They have stood since 1350 BC, and were well known to ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as early modern travelers and Egyptologists. The statues contain 107 Roman-era inscriptions in Greek and Latin, dated to between AD 20 and 250; many of these inscriptions on the northernmost statue make reference to the Greek mythological king Memnon, whom the statue was then – erroneously – thought to represent.

Scholars have debated how the identification of the northern colossus as “Memnon” is connected to the Greek name for the entire Theban Necropolis as the Memnonium.

Colossi of Memnon’s Description

The twin statues depict Amenhotep III (fl. 14th century BC) in a seated position, his hands resting on his knees and his gaze facing eastwards (actually ESE in modern bearings) towards the river. Two shorter figures are carved into the front throne alongside his legs: these are his wife Tiye and mother Mutemwiya. The side panels depict the Nile god Hapi.

The statues are made from blocks of quartzite sandstone which was quarried at el-Gabal el-Ahmar (near modern-day Cairo) and transported 675 km (420 mi) overland to Thebes (Luxor). The stones are believed to be too heavy to have been transported upstream on the Nile. The blocks used by later Roman engineers to reconstruct the northern colossus may have come from Edfu (north of Aswan). Including the stone platforms on which they stand – themselves about 4 m (13 ft) – the colossi reach 18 m (60 ft) in height and weigh an estimated 720 tons each. The two figures are about 15 m (50 ft) apart.

Both statues are quite damaged, with the features above the waist virtually unrecognizable. The southern statue comprises a single piece of stone, but the northern figure has a large extensive crack in the lower half and above the waist consists of 5 tiers of stone. These upper levels consist of a different type of sandstone, and are the result of a later reconstruction attempt, which William de Wiveleslie Abney attributed to Septimius Severus. It is believed that originally the two statues were identical to each other, although inscriptions and minor art may have varied.

The original function of the Colossi was to stand guard at the entrance to Amenhotep’s memorial temple (or mortuary temple): a massive construct built during the pharaoh’s lifetime, where he was worshipped as a god-on-earth both before and after his departure from this world. In its day, this temple complex was the largest and most opulent in Ancient Egypt. Covering a total of 35 hectares (86 acres), even later rivals such as Ramesses II’s Ramesseum or Ramesses III’s Medinet Habu were unable to match it in area; even the Temple of Karnak, as it stood in Amenhotep’s time, was smaller.

With the exception of the Colossi, however, very little remains today of Amenhotep’s temple. It stood on the edge of the Nile floodplain, and successive annual inundations gnawed away at its foundations – a 1840s lithograph by David Roberts shows the Colossi surrounded by water – and it was not unknown for later rulers to dismantle, purloin, and reuse portions of their predecessors’ monuments.

Roman era inscriptions

The statues contain 107 Roman-era inscriptions in Greek and Latin, dated between 20-250CE; these inscriptions allowed modern travellers to connect the statues to the classical Greek and Latin literature. Many of the inscriptions include the name “Memnon”.

They were first studied in detail by Jean-Antoine Letronne in his 1831 La statue vocale de Memnon considérée dans ses rapports avec l’Égypte et la Grèce and then catalogued in the second volume (1848) of his Recueil des inscriptions grecques et latines de l’Égypte.

Are you dreaming of a getaway to Egypt? Whether you’re looking for ancient monuments, historic sites, or modern culture, Luxor Attractions have it all. This blog post will give you the ultimate guide to exploring this incredible city and all it has to offer. So put on your explorer hat and let’s dive in!

Discover the Ancient Temples of Luxor

Luxor is home to some of the most incredible ancient monuments in the world. Luxor Temple, a graceful monument located on the east bank of the Nile River, is one of the oldest surviving sites from Ancient Egypt. A mile north is Karnak Temple, an impressive complex of temples, obelisks and sphinxes which was once the home of the local god Amun-Ra. The tombs of the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens are also located on the west bank and are an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Luxor. With so much to explore, it’s no wonder that Luxor is often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum.

Experience a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Luxor

For those looking to experience a different side of Luxor, a hot air balloon flights are the perfect way to do so. Taking off before sunrise, you will be able to take in the breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding area.

As you fly over the ancient monuments, you will be able to appreciate their grandeur in a way that can only be experienced from above. With knowledgeable guides on board, you will gain insight into the history of Luxor and its many attractions. This is an experience that can’t be missed, so if you are looking for something truly unique, a hot air balloon ride is the perfect way to explore Luxor from a new perspective.

Learn About Traditional Handicrafts in Luxor

Luxor is a city brimming with rich cultural history, and learning about traditional handicrafts is one of the best ways to experience it. Visitors can explore the vibrant markets, where local artisans display their handmade goods.

From intricate jewelry and pottery to vibrant textiles and leather goods, the markets are full of unique and interesting items. Visitors can also find handmade souvenirs like papyrus paintings, scarabs, and more. In addition to shopping for traditional handicrafts, visitors can also learn about their cultural significance from the artisans themselves.

Taste Local Cuisine in Luxor’s Restaurants and Markets

After experiencing the wonders of Luxor’s temples and monuments, why not explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene? Luxor’s restaurants and markets offer a variety of local Egyptian traditional Food that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. From the traditional koshari – a mix of rice, macaroni, and lentils covered in tomato sauce – to fuul medames, a dish of cooked fava beans served with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, you can find something for everyone.

For those with a sweet tooth, the local specialty Umm Ali is a must-try. This delicious pastry is made with filo dough, nuts, raisins, and cream – perfect for satisfying your cravings after a long day of sightseeing. So make sure to enjoy some local Egyptian traditional Food when you are in Luxor!

Explore Luxor’s Nightlife and Entertainment Scene

Luxor is not only home to some of the world’s most remarkable ancient monuments and breathtaking views, but it is also known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. Whether you’re looking for a place to chill out with friends or have a lively night out, Luxor has something to offer everyone.

Explore the city’s side streets and alleys to find the perfect spot for your night out. There are also plenty of local music festivals and events taking place throughout the year, so make sure to check them out if you’re looking for something more unique.