For 350 years, the Ottoman Turks ruled Egypt. Now, their descendants are writing about Egypt as tourists. (Warning: several pairs of dots appear in the following sentence.) Focus on Travel News is a website made in Türkiye to which travel journalist Özgür Töre contributed an item entitled ‘Few Compelling Reasons Why Add Egypt To Your Travel Bucket List’ which was posted on May 6.
“Egypt is a country that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable travel experience,” Töre writes, adding, “Egypt is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks that have stood for thousands of years, and they continue to awe visitors with their grandeur and mystique.”
Reason #1: The Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest and only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is “an awe-inspiring sight to see up close, with its sheer size and the incredible amount of labour and engineering that went into building it”.
Reason #2: Don’t settle for one enigmatic smile by Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris. Go the extra mile (2,400 kilometres, in fact) and see the Sphinx, another “must-see landmark with its enigmatic smile and imposing presence”.
Reason #3: The Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor is “testament to the grandeur and sophistication of ancient Egyptian civilisation, with its intricate tombs and stunning artwork”.
Reason #4: As the land of ancient history and culture, Egypt’s many museums and archaeological sites in the country give visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of ancient Egyptians, their deities and the life of people at that time.
Reason #5: The author recommends visiting the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, downtown Cairo. Built in 1902, the museum houses a vast collection of artefacts.
Reason #6: The stupendous temples at Karnak, Luxor, Abu Simbel and Philae “offer a glimpse into the rich and complex culture of ancient Egypt”.
Reason #7: From a Nile cruise boat, you can take in the beauty of the desert and the lush greenery that lines the riverbanks. For a unique perspective on Egypt’s natural beauty, one can try camel riding.
Reason #8: “Visitors can experience the hospitality and warmth of the Egyptian people through their food, music, and customs,” the author writes.
Indeed, Egypt can expect tourists inspired by the writings of Töre, who is keen to share the Egyptian experience with his readers.