|
Adel Murad
Egyptian
Attractions:
Searching for the Hidden Jewels
There is a wealth of architecture to be enjoyed in Egypt,
spanning seven millennia, but not all are so obvious or well
known. Some attractions belong to different eras yet stand side by
side, and some others get overlooked by the magnificence of the
attraction adjacent.
In old Cairo, the mosque of Ibn Tulun is a rare gem, even by
Cairo standards. It dates from the 9th and 10th
centuries, and features a rare detail: a spiral staircase snaking
around the outside of the minaret. All around the mosque are
buildings many centuries younger. A visit to the mosque is a must
for the serious tourist, but before leaving the square back to the
centre of Cairo, have a look at the house at Number 4 Midan Ahmed
Ibn Tulun. From the outside it looks ordinary, rectangular, and
aging, but the house has an interesting history.
Now under renovation, The Gayer-Anderson House that is in fact
two adjoining houses, part 16th and part 18th
century. About 36 rooms over three floors are full of history,
part sophisticated and part eccentric, all achieved by a Major
Robert Grenville Gayer-Anderson. After retiring from a colourful
British army career, he decided to stay in Egypt and spent most of
his life collecting valuables and antiques from Egypt and as far
as Persia and Syria. When he decided to leave, in 1942, he
bequeathed the house and its contents to the Egyptian Nation. He
was rewarded with a title of Pasha, and given the rank of Lewa’.
Amongst the treasures to be seen are original Mashrabiya
screens on the windows, designed to let the light in without
exposing those within to the outside world. The wood is so
intricately carved and beautifully designed in late 19th
century fashion. Inside there are examples of Anglo-oriental
themes such as a Queen Anne Room opposite a Harem Room and a
Damascus Room. There is plenty to see and appreciate from
authentic gilded antique furniture to alabaster tables, marble
fountains, inscriptions and more than 2,000 books some dating from
the 16th century. One of the drawings depict Major
Gayer-Anderson as the Sphinx.
A major effort is underway to restore the house to its former
glory. Once the project is finished, this hidden attraction will
be worth adding to any Cairo itinerary.
- Gayer-Anderson House
- 4 Midan Ahmed Ibn Tulun
- Tel. 00202 364 7822
Cleopatra Dazzles London in
the Spring
This spring will see one of the most dramatic
exhibitions ever to be staged at the British Museum in London. One
of the main attractions of the Roman Egypt Exhibition is a first
Century bust of what is thought to be Caesarion: the son of
Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. The bust will be exhibited, along
with many reminders of Cleopatra’s era, to a fascinated public
who have seen many TV documentaries on the subject. Most of the
exhibits were salvaged over the past few years from the shallow
waters of Alexandria’s harbour.
Caesarion’s bust, measuring 80 centimetres
was discovered three years ago under 10 meters of water off shore,
where the ancient earthquake-shattered Royal Palace lies since the
first century BC.
In a recent television documentary, a French
diving team discovered statues, columns and sunken ships in the
harbour. Many ancient artefacts and jars were raised and
documented. Satellite mapping and sonar equipment were used for
the first time to pinpoint the location of the many treasures on
the seabed. Further research will be conducted in coming seasons.
The exhibition will be named, "Cleopatra
of Egypt: from History to Myth and will be held between April 11th
and August 26th, 2001.
Egyptian proverbs:
This proverb is usually said to indicate inherited intelligence
and cleverness. The English equivalent is "The son of a duck
is a floater". The literal translation is "The son the
goose is a good swimmer".
Egyptians use many proverbs in their daily conversations. These
proverbs represent the tradition wisdom and cultural heritage,
even for those who did not receive formal education. Most Egyptian
proverbs encourage hard work, good deeds, modesty and wisdom.
Above all they teach faith in God and courage in meeting destiny.
Egyptian Quotes:
"If I weren’t Egyptian, I would have loved to be
one"
Mustafa Kamel, a historical national Egyptian leader. |
