Egypt- The Land Of Ancient Marvels

21 Apr 2023
By Deshal Shah

Egypt, a transcontinental country spanning between the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia. It has endured, and often assimilated, various foreign influences, including Greek, Persian, Roman, Arab, Ottoman Turkish, and Nubian. Egypt was an early and important centre of Christianity, but was largely Islamized in the seventh century and remains a predominantly Muslim country, albeit with a significant Christian minority. It has one of the longest histories of any country, tracing its heritage along the Nile Delta.

Our childhood comprised of learning about the most ancient civilization, the Mesopotamian civilization. It gave us all sorts of wonders and worries, mysteries and myths, sagas and songs. We grew up watching the movies and reading the stories of what could have been hundreds of centuries back. So after all these years when I was actually amidst the marvels of the world, living the story that I had heard a thousand times, I couldn’t bring myself to believe the enormity of the Great Pyramids, the grandeur of Karnak Temple and the Philae Temple, the intricacies in the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the modern architecture of Alexandria library and the magnificence of the Muhammad Ali Mosque.

Alexandrian Library

Alexandrian Library In Cairo

I was so much in the awe of the ancient architecture of this country, such that when I came across a modern library, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, I was taken aback.

Established in 2002, while the construction took 7 years involving a group of architects for various phases. The complex houses a conference center; specialized libraries for maps, multimedia, the blind and visually impaired, young people, and for children; four museums, four art galleries for temporary exhibitions, 15 permanent exhibitions, a planetarium, and a manuscript restoration laboratory. It consists of 11 cascading levels. The main reading room stands beneath a 32-meter-high glass-paneled roof, tilted out toward the sea like a sundial, and measuring some 160 m in diameter. The walls are of gray Aswan granite, carved with characters from 120 different human scripts.

Mohammad Ali mosque

Mohammad Ali Mosque, Cairo

This mosque is situated at highest place in Citadel of Cairo in Egypt. The mosque has corridor built with arches alongside which gives us idea of scale. As we enter here comes huge prayer hall which has central dome supported by four domes and other four domes at the corners giving it height and huge volume to this place. The central praying area is lined with hanging lights which adds on to the divinity of this place.

The architect of this mosque is Yusuf Bushnak from Istanbul. So, a glimpse of Istanbul architectural style is seen in this mosque. Outside this mosque, there is a tomb on one end and a huge open courtyard is situated at the entrance. As it is situated at the highest point, we get a mesmerizing view of the entire city from the entrance garden.

The Nile river

Running across the country, the Nile is a breathtaking experience. Most of all the ancient monuments are located at the bank of the river. Felucca rides and cruises in the Nile are famous throughout the world. Each experience of Nile is different. From hearing the folklore from locals to partying at night, it fills your heart and soul with good vibes. The starry sky reflecting in the dark water of the river makes you want more of it.

Visiting the Nubian village from a felucca ride and seeing the local houses, built with ancient techniques of mud construction can transport you back in time. Applying henna and drinking hot chai is a part of their hospitality along with showing the local handmade showpieces, to lure you into buying these. The villages also include market selling colorful scarves, leather footwear and aromatic teas.

Egypt with its history, hospitality and ancient marvels becomes a must visit for everyone. After visiting these places, I could not sum up the overwhelming emotions that surfaced in the presence of such wonders. I cannot conclude my visit to Egypt as it inspired me greatly. It was, after all, just the beginning.