Tourism

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.

Have you ever visited Karnak Temple in Luxor? In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Karnak Temple and how its sound and light show is bringing it to life.

History of Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple is one of the most remarkable historical sites in Luxor, Egypt. It was built in 3000 BC, and was the main place of worship for the Ancient Egyptians. The temple was dedicated to Amun, the chief god of Thebes, and it was part of a larger complex that included a palace, an observatory, and a mortuary temple.

Over time, many additions were made to the complex, including the construction of an avenue of sphinxes that lined the entrance to the temple. In total, the temple complex covers an area of about 200 acres and contains numerous monuments and buildings.

Light and Shadow Effects Within the Temple

The Temple of Karnak is a perfect example of the ancient Egyptian art of using light and shadow to create unique optical effects. The temple complex is filled with various monuments that are illuminated at night, providing a captivating view to visitors. The most prominent example of this is the façade of the Great Hypostyle Hall, which has 32 columns each topped with a bud-shaped capital. On special occasions, these columns are lit up with spotlights that create an incredible display of light and shadow. The effect is heightened by the fact that the walls of the temple are made from limestone, which reflects the light to create an even more vivid display. Furthermore, the presence of obelisks in the temple further enhances the play of light and shadow that occurs.

Sound in the Temple and its Acoustical Properties

The Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple in Luxor is a unique experience that combines the mesmerizing effects of light and sound with the ancient history of the temple. But there is also a deeper connection between sound and the Temple of Karnak.

Acoustical properties of the temple were carefully studied by ancient priests and used to create a connection between man and the gods. The acoustical properties of the temple were so impressive that it was said that conversations could be heard from one end of the temple to the other. Music and chanting within the temple was also used to create a spiritual atmosphere, as well as to honor and praise the gods.

The Role of the Priests at Karnak Temple

The priests at Karnak Temple played a significant role in the history of this ancient building. While the Pharaohs were the ones who built, designed and maintained the temple, the priests were in charge of conducting rituals and ceremonies that were connected to the gods. The priests also acted as advisors to the Pharaohs, helping them to make decisions about the temple. They were also involved in writing and reading hieroglyphics, which helped to communicate messages between the Pharaohs and the gods. The priests at Karnak Temple were highly respected and held a great deal of power within the society.

The Role of Hieroglyphics in Karnak Temple

The impressive hieroglyphic carvings in the Temple of Karnak are one of the most fascinating aspects of its architecture. These hieroglyphics tell stories of the gods and goddesses, as well as the history of the people that lived in Luxor. The walls of Karnak Temple are filled with these ancient symbols, and visitors can explore them to get a glimpse into the past. They can also observe the inscriptions written in hieroglyphics, which are believed to have been used to communicate with the gods. Not only do these hieroglyphics offer a glimpse into the past, but they also serve as a reminder of the importance of language and communication.