Turkey in images

Geography

Turkey is at the northeast end of the Mediterranean Sea in southeast Europe and southwest Asia. To the north is the Black Sea and to the west is the Aegean Sea. Its neighbors are Greece and Bulgaria to the west, Russia, Ukraine, and Romania to the north and northwest (through the Black Sea), Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, and Syria and Iraq to the south. The Dardanelles, the Sea of Marmara, and the Bosporus divide the country. Turkey in Europe comprises an area about equal to the state of Massachusetts. Turkey in Asia is about the size of Texas. Its center is a treeless plateau rimmed by mountains. 

History

Anatolia (Turkey in Asia) was occupied in about 1900 B.C. by the Indo-European Hittites and, after the Hittite empire's collapse in 1200 B.C. , by Phrygians and Lydians. The Persian Empire occupied the area in the 6th century B.C. , giving way to the Roman Empire, then later the Byzantine Empire. The Ottoman Turks first appeared in the early 13th century, subjugating Turkish and Mongol bands pressing against the eastern borders of Byzantium and making the Christian Balkan states their vassals. They gradually spread through the Near East and Balkans, capturing Constantinople in 1453 and storming the gates of Vienna two centuries later. At its height, the Ottoman Empire stretched from the Persian Gulf to western Algeria. Lasting for 600 years, the Ottoman Empire was not only one of the most powerful empires in the history of the Mediterranean region, but it generated a great cultural outpouring of Islamic art, architecture, and literature.

After the reign of Sultan Süleyman I the Magnificent (1494–1566), the Ottoman Empire began to decline politically, administratively, and economically. By the 18th century, Russia was seeking to establish itself as the protector of Christians in Turkey's Balkan territories. Russian ambitions were checked by Britain and France in the Crimean War (1854–1856), but the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878) gave Bulgaria virtual independence and Romania and Serbia liberation from their nominal allegiance to the sultan. Turkish weakness stimulated a revolt of young liberals known as the Young Turks in 1909. They forced Sultan Abdul Hamid to grant a constitution and install a liberal government. However, reforms were no barrier to further defeats in a war with Italy (1911–1912) and the Balkan Wars (1912–1913). Turkey sided with Germany in World War I, and, as a result, lost territory at the conclusion of the war.

Cities of Turkey

ISTANBUL

Istanbul historically Byzantium and Constantinople; is the largest city in Turkey, largest city proper and second largest metropolitan area in Europe, and fourth largest city proper in the world with a population of 12.6 million. Istanbul is also a mega city, as well as the cultural and financial center of turkey. The city covers 27 districts of the Istanbul province. It is located on the Bosporus strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the golden horn, in the northwest of the country. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) sides of the Bosporus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents.

In its long history, Istanbul has served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the (Byzantine) East Roman Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1985.

Istanbul is an old city; you can see the remains of many ancient civilizations and their culture in harmony with Turkish culture. The old versus the new, the traditional versus the modern is a conflict a visitor often observes. The city is full of contrasts, and colorful views.

ANKARA

Very familiar to most people as the capital of Turkey, Ankara is actually only the country's second-biggest city, being considerably smaller than Istanbul. However, Ankara is actually a very large and presentable Turkish city, constantly expanding and offering a rather sophisticated and modern character. Many wide streets are now lined with coffee shops and eateries, particularly around the energetic Kizilay area.

Various tourist hotspots present themselves around the city of Ankara and in particular, along the Ataturk Bulvari, which serves as a prominent artery. The Ulus Meydani, known simply as 'Ulus', is another important tourism hub in the city and this central square is close to a number of leading museums, while also offering a choice of accommodation and inexpensive restaurants. Nearby, the Ankara Tourist Information Office is easy to find and stands directly opposite the Maltepe Akaray Train Station, on the Gazi Mustafa Kemal Bulvari.

Although Ankara is somewhat overshadowed by the enormous Turkish city of Istanbul, but really does compete well in the way of quality tourist attractions. The city's Citadel walls are positively ancient and comprise a mixture of different architectural styles through the ages. Also of a great age and much visited are the Roman Baths of Ankara, which remain is a good state of repair, considering that they are more than 1,700 years old. The Ataturk Mausoleum is yet another major sight, while for families, the attractions within the Ataturk Forest Farm and Zoo and Aquapark Club Watercity comes highly recommended.

ANTALYA Antalya (formerly known as Adalia; from Pamphylian Greek: Αττ?λεια Attália) is a large town and tourist destination, situated on the Mediterranean coast of southwestern Turkey. It is the capital city of Antalya Province. The population of the city is 603,190 (2000 census) but reaches up to two million in summers at the height of tourism season. Situated on a steep cliff over the Mediterranean, Antalya is a picturesque city surrounded by mountains. Developments in tourism, starting in the 1970s, have transformed the city into an international resort. With its airport and central location, Antalya is "the capital of Turkish tourism", a gateway for the Turkish riviera and many historical sites. Furthermore, with its palm-lined boulevards, its prize-winning marina, the unspoilt historical neighbourhood of Kaleiçi, and the modern developments along the coast, the city of Antalya is a major attraction in its own right. Antalya and its surroundings are a very important part of Turkish tourism.

Antalya city corresponds to the lands of ancient Pamphylia to the east and Lycia to the west. Antalya has plenty of accommodation, a very hot climate and many places to visit both in and around the city, including traces of Lycian,Pamphylian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman architecture and cultures.

 

The city as a whole has grown huge now and the infrastructure such as roads and drains are struggling to catch up, but there are still areas that are very attractive indeed: Kaleiçi, with its narrow cobbled streets of historic Turkish and Greek houses is the old center of Antalya, now mainly hotels, gift shops, and many, many bars. The big new hotels such as the Sheraton are along the coast above the Konyaalti and Lara beaches, and indeed spread along the coast in both directions far beyond the city of Antalya itself.

  

KUSADASI

Early settlements in Kusadasi were by the Lelegians and Carians who moved from the central Anatolia around the year 3000BC. They established of a colony on the outskirts of Pilav Mountain in Kusadasi, and founded the cities Ania and Melia. Mild climate allowed the inhabitants to grow essential products such as olive, grape and figs for extracting oil or making wine and sweets on the fertile lands around the city.

In the 10th century BC "12 Ionian Cities "-Samos, Khios, Miletos, Priene, Ephesus, Teos, Erythrai, Priena, Klazonemi, Lebedos, Phokaia, Colophon, Smyrna, were established and were known for the most developed cities of the age. The annual meeting place of the Ionian League, Panionian, was founded around Kusadasi; and the cities of Phygale, Marathesion and Neopolis were established within the borders of the city. 

Kusadasi was ruled by the Ottoman Empire after the invasion of Sultan Mehmet Celebi in the year 1413. During the reign of Ottomans, glorious new structures were built in Kusadasi Okuz Mehmet Pasa Caravanserai is the principal legacy of the Ottoman architecture in the city, and was built by the man of the same name, who was the vizier during the reigns of Sultan Ahmet1 and Osman2. The fortress is gates and walls and many mosques in the centre of Kusadasi, as well as the citadel of the castle in Pigeon Island, were built in the Ottoman period, reflecting the architectural style of the era. "Kusadasi " that means "bird island" and took its name from Pigeon Island.

Today, Kusadasi is one of Turkey's most sophisticated holiday centres; it is a perfect place for vacation with its sandy beaches and glassy water. The contrast between the lively holiday life and the quietness of the ancient ruins create the special atmosphere of the city.

Abu el-Abbas el-Mursi Mosque from Alexandria, Egypt

The most important historic mosque in Alexandria, Egypt, as well as a very beautiful one, is considered to be that of Abu El Abbas El Mursi. Constructed in 1775 by Algerians, it was built over the tomb of the thirteenth century Murcia Andalusan saint, Ahmed Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi (Abu'l 'Abbas) who joined and then lead, as a devout Sufi, the Shadhali brotherhood. Abu El Abbas El Mursi is in himself a very interesting story.

His entire name was Sheikh Shehab El Din Abu El Abbas Ahmed Ibn Umar Ibn Mohamed Al Ansary El Mursi. He was born in Andalusia (an autonomous district of Spain, the capital of which is Seville) in 616 H (1219 AD) to a wealthy family in the trading business. He was therefore well educated, having been instructed in the Quran, Sunna and Shehab, and he grew up helping his father in the trading business. He was also known for his honesty and for his many contributions to the needy.

He left Spain with his family in 640 H (1242 AD) in the face of increasing Christian control over Spain. He was accompanied by his father, brother, and his mother. However, his parents did not make it to Tunisia, their destination. In Tunisia, Shehab heard about El Sheikh Abu El Hassan El Shazly and he accompanied him in his journey to Alexandria. Many Muslim scholars and religious people chose to live in Alexandria after the Christian began to dominate Spain. 

El Sheikh El Shazly was fond of Shehab and in return Abu al-Abbas became one of his best students. Abu al-Abbas married El Shazly’s daughter and had two daughters and a son from her. Shehab Abu El Abbas El Mursi lived 43 years in Alexandria as a Muslim teacher until he died in 686 H (1286 AD).

The site of the modern mosque has a long history. At first, it was only the tomb of Abu El Abbas El Mursi, which remains today on its original site. The tomb was placed in a small building near the eastern harbor of Alexandria.

In the year 1307 AD, El Sheikh Zein El Din Ibn El Qattan, one of the richest traders of Alexandria, visited the tomb. Reverent of the Muslim scholar, he ordered his men to build a mausoleum and a dome for the tomb. He also built a fine mosque with a small square minaret. He even funded an Iman for the small mosque. The tomb was placed under the dome to the right hand side of the entrance. The mosque became a place of pilgrimage for many Muslims from Egypt and Morocco who passes through Alexandria during their Hej journey to and from Mecca.

However, by 1477, the mosque was neglected and in bad need of repair. Therefore, when Gaqmas El Zahry, the ruler of Alexandria, visited it, he ordered that the mosque be renovated. At the same time, he built himself a tomb alongside that of Abu al-Abbas, where he also was buried after his death. Once again in 1596 AD, the mosque was renewed after a visit by Sheikh Abu al Abbas El Khurzemy, who also built himself a tomb in the complex. However, though the original structure does incorporate older elements, it was Sheikh Abu el Hassan El Maghreby who, after visiting the small mosque in 1775, ordered the building of the current one on this site.However, by 1477, the mosque was neglected and in bad need of repair. Therefore, when Gaqmas El Zahry, the ruler of Alexandria, visited it, he ordered that the mosque be renovated. At the same time, he built himself a tomb alongside that of Abu al-Abbas, where he also was buried after his death. Once again in 1596 AD, the mosque was renewed after a visit by Sheikh Abu al Abbas El Khurzemy, who also built himself a tomb in the complex. However, though the original structure does incorporate older elements, it was Sheikh Abu el Hassan El Maghreby who, after visiting the small mosque in 1775, ordered the building of the current one on this site. 

Nevertheless, by 1863, the current mosque was in a bad state once more, unfit for holding prayer services. Therefore, Ahmed El Kakhakhny, one of Alexandria's most famous builders, renewed the current mosque and afterwards, a number of the houses that were built up around the mosque were removed to make more space. Afterwards, Ali Mubarak, and educational leader in Egypt, described it as, "wide, strong, and fine looking and the practice of Islam is being done there in its best manner." By now, the mosque was operated under the Awqaf (Waqf), a governmental endowment for Islamic affairs, which provided Imans as well as caretakers. A mulid, or Islamic religious festival was also established to celebrate the birth of Abu El Abbas, which lasted eight days every year.

King Farouk, whose aim it was to build Cairo into the Paris on the Nile, also sought to make Alexandria the Jewel of the Mediterranean. There, he built a wide square known as "Midan el Masaged", or the "Square of Mosque" covering some 43,200 square meters. The Mosque of Abu el Abbas el Mursi was the focal point and center of this square, and it is surrounded by five other mosques, among which is that of al-Busiri and Yaqut al- 'Arshi. As part of this building program, the mosque was once again rebuilt by the government in the beautiful Arabian style that was popular during the Ayyubid Period, the time when Abu El Abbas El Mursi first came to Alexandria from Spain. They also paid special attention to the mausoleum of the saint during these renovations, leaving it in its original position.

This was a major rebuilding of the mosque. The walls of the mosque stand 23 meters high and dressed in artificial stone, while the minaret, situated on the southern side, rises to 73 meters. It has an Ayoubids design, with four sections. The first section is about 15 meters high and square in shape. The second one is four meters high with eight sides. The third level is about 15 high with sixteen sides, while the uppermost level is 3.25 meters high with a circular shape. The top of the minaret is covered with brass and and has an Islamic moon finale.

The mosque has two main entrances. The one on the north overlooks the square and faces the street leading to the Royal Palace of Ras at-tin. The eastern door also overlooks the square. The stairs of the entrances are made of Egyptian granite.

The main part of the mosque, internally, is an octagon, with sides measuring 22 meters. The internal walls are also dressed in artificial stone, though there is a mosaic dada 5.60 meters high. The entire area of the mosque is 3000 square meters. The ceiling, supported by sixteen columns made of Italian granite which in turn support arches, soars 17.20 overhead. The ceilings are decorated with arabesque.

The columns are solid, or monolithic, including their capital and base. They are octagonal in shape, measuring .85 meters in diameter and 8.60 meters in height. In the center of the ceiling is an elevated skylight with eight sides, known as a Shokhsheikha, that is 24 meters above floor level and 51 meters side. Each side of the skylight actually has three windows of colored glass in arabesque designs, set into aluminum frames. This skylight is surrounded by four domes, placed over the four mausoleums within the complex. The domes have an inner and outer layer. The inner one forming the ceiling stand 22 meters high, and are 5 meters in diameter. The upper domes measure 7.5 meters in diameter and stand 11 meters above the lower domes. The floors are paved in white marble.

The doors, minbar and windows are made of joined and finely carved teak, citronia and walnut. The minbar is 6.35 meters high, capped by a dome, and has verses of Quran written at the top in French gold. The mihrab of the mosque, located in the Qibla wall, stands at the base of the mosque's minaret. It is flanked by two columns of Egyptian granite measuring three meters in height. At the end of each column, the name of Mohamed is written in the Kufic style of Arabic writing. The main rule in Islam, ”There is no god except Allah and Mohamed is the prophet of Allah,” is written twice, also flanking the mihrab.

The mayda, an absolution area, along with the lavatories, are arranged on the western side of the mosque with their own entrance that overlooks the square.

According to a Royal desire, the necessary alterations were made to reserve special quarters for women, with a private entrance, in order that they can perform their religious rites. The Ministry of Waqfs completed the construction of the mosque at the beginning of 1943 at a total cost of about 140,000 LE. It would seem that this amount of funds paid for a very exquisitely beautiful monument that stands as a lasting memory to Alexandria's most beloved Muslim saint.

Traveling in Egypt - short advices

CULTURE

Egypt is a Middle Eastern country and has Middle Eastern customs. Whether Muslim or Copt, the Egyptians are deeply religious and religious principles govern their daily lives. Combined with religious belief is commitment to the extended family. Each family member is responsible for the integrity of the family and for the behavior of other members, creating an environment that would be envied by many people in the West. Certainly, the result is that the city of Cairo is much safer than any western metropolis.

Yet when westerners visit Egypt they are often apprehensive. Their views of Egyptians and Arabs, fomented by unkind and untrue media stories, often bear no relation to reality. Travelers are often surprised by their friendly, hospitable reception and take home with them good feelings about Egypt and its population.

Egyptians have been raised in a social environment steeped in Islam, a background that can color their decision-making in a way difficult for foreigners to understand. Yet it is precisely this training that makes Egyptians some of the most charming and helpful of hosts. By understanding the culture and with consideration for your hosts, you can be a welcome guest in Egypt.

RELIGIOUS LIMITS

Devout Muslims do not drink alcohol though most do not object to others imbibing in reasonable amounts. If in doubt, ask. In addition to the prohibition on alcohol, the faithful do not use drugs or eat pork, which is considered unclean. Explicit sexual material--magazines, photos, tapes, or records--is illegal and subject to confiscation.

Keep in mind that proselytizing is illegal in Egypt. Foreigners actively working to convert Egyptians have been asked to leave. Remember, almost all the Egyptians are either conservative devoted Muslims or Copts.

Moral Codes

In Egypt there are hardly any restrictions on foreign women. Ticket lines, for example, are occasionally segregated. Women should line up with other women (especially since the lines are usually shorter). On buses, the driver may want you to be seated in the front with other women. On the metro lines, the first car is usually reserved for women.

For men, speaking to an unknown Egyptian woman is a breach of etiquette. Take care in any liaisons you form because some families still follow ancient traditions.

SOCIAL MORES

In general, Egyptians are most accommodating and they will go out of their way to help you and respond to any questions you have. Most Egyptians require little personal space and will stand within inches of you to talk. You will find that whenever you start talking with an Egyptian, you will inevitably draw a crowd, and often the Egyptians will start discussing among themselves over the correct answer to a question.

Invitations

Egyptians, if offered anything, will refuse the first invitation which is customary. Therefore (unless you're dealing with Egyptians used to Western frankness) you should do the same. If the offer is from the heart and not just politeness, it will be repeated. If you're invited into a home, especially in small villages, and have to refuse, the householder will often press for a promise from you to visit in the future, usually for a meal. If you make such a promise, keep it, for having foreign guests is often considered a social coup. If you fail to arrive, your would-be host will be humiliated. To repay invitations, you may host a dinner in a restaurant, a common practice.

Baksheesh

Please do not offer tips to professionals, businessmen, or others who would consider themselves your equals. You may seriously offend them by your act.

Women

Before the famous Egyptian feminist Hoda Shaarawi deliberately removed hers in 1922, the veil was worn in public by all respectable middle-class and upper-class women, Muslim, Jew, or Christian. By 1935, however, veils were a comparative rarity in Egypt, though they continued to be worn as an item of fashion in neighboring countries like Syria and Jordan for 30 more years and have remained obligatory in the Arabian Peninsula to this day.

Nowadays in Egypt, most of the Muslim women still wear the veil demonstrating either modesty or Muslim piety. One reason this is favored by many young professional women, is that it tends to discourage male advances, physical or verbal.

From the 1930s onwards, Egyptian women began to enter into business and the professions. Thus by 1965, thanks in part to social changes affected in the course of the July Revolution, Egypt could boast a far higher proportion of women working as doctors, dentists, lawyers, professors, diplomats, or high officials than might have been found in the US or in any European country outside of Scandinavia.

Women Traveling Alone

In Egypt, before the revolution, a woman traveling alone was generally safe, but she could be noticed, less in large cities than in the country. 

These days, it is better to come in a touristic group or if it is a must to travel alone in Egypt, make sure that you have everything settled there: from hotel booking, to driver to pick you up from the airport, and if it is possible, even someone you know and you trust, to wait you there (this is for your safety due to the criminals that are still out there free after they were released from prisons). However, if problems do occur, seek help from the police or any shop nearby.

Although you probably will never be accosted, take simple precautions as you would anywhere: don't walk in deserted areas alone or in empty dark streets, don't go in neighborhoods you don't know and sure, avoid to take taxi's from the street (if you are in Cairo always take the white taxi - that is the safest one and the honest one - who counts your real road and the right amount to pay for it). 

Although most invitations are innocent, don't accept them from strangers and don't enter in conversations with them.

VISITOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Visiting Mosques

Major tourism mosques are open to the public unless services are in progress (the main service is on Friday at noon). Other mosques are not. Keep in mind that a mosque differs from a western church in that Christian churches are considered houses of God, while mosques are more a gathering place for the faithful of Islam. Unless otherwise posted, tickets to some that have been restored are sold by the caretaker for about LE3-6. All visitors to mosques, mausoleums, and madrasas must remove their shoes. Most Muslims walk around in their stockings but those mosques that are major tourist attractions have canvas overshoes available; a tip of 50PT to LE1 is in order for the people who put them on for you. Women must cover bare arms and should also have a hat or a head scarf (remember, on a visit in Egypt in 1992, Princess Diana of Wales was covering her hair and let out her shoes before she enters in el Azhar from Cairo). 

Princess Diana of Wales in el Azhar - May 12, 1992

The Mosque at the Citadel offers the canvas overshoes for 5 LE or one dollar.

Crime and Drugs

Crime in Egypt was before revolution nearly nonexistent, and violence was usually limited to family feuds. After the revolution, things are still healing in Egypt, but from my own experience, I'm telling you that if you follow all the steps from above, you have nothing to be afraid off. However, in tourism areas some pickpockets and petty thieves may exists, so be careful and remember that the ever helpful tourism police are usually nearby. Women must be cautious, especially in out-lying areas. Stay completely away from drugs and leave yours at home.

Egypt - The Mother of the World - part I

 Bismillahi Rahmanu Rahim!

Once upon a time, there was a land where the Sun was sacred! That land was Egypt! Today, Egyptians offer you their most precious treasure: the Sun! Egypt - where all begins! Nothing compares to Egypt! Egypt - Mother of the World!

I just love this video so much and I was thinking to share it here...  Today I want to describe Egypt - Masr - Om el Donya...

When I speak to someone about Egypt, I see that people get fascinated... but they are like this because they see Egypt from the side of curiosity, from the side of a tourist... people who don't actually feel the soul of Egypt, can't reach the heart of this country.

My beloved husband call me "the daughter of Egypt" "enty benty Masr"... he knows and understands, as also he is not jealous at all because my heart was kidnapped 20 years before I met him, by Egypt. Therefore, he is so proud with this, as he is with my knowledge and reading about Islam, years before we found each other. 

When I speak about Egypt, I get confused and I have millions of ideas in my mind how to describe it. Some are seeing Egypt as the land of pharaohs, the place of the pyramids, and Sphinx, sand and dust, Red Sea and the resorts from there... for someones Egypt is similar with the best vacation they had or with the riding of a camel... 

Others see Egypt as a country of Third World, so poor and dirty and after they have the chance to see it once, they came back to their ordinary life with the idea: "Egypt - yeah... so much dirty there and omg... did you notice the smell from the streets? and those people how they live??? horrible"... 

None of the situations above don't actually contain the view with the heart, the view with the soul, as a simple person... not the tourist who comes and goes, who's unique desire is to have a real "cool" story to say it when he returns home! Visiting a place, even if it is or not Egypt, has nothing to do with the thing "to be cool"! You can be "cool" too even if you feel and breath the feeling and the soul of the places you walk, you can be "cool" even if you stop a moment to admire and see what others can only imagine and hope that one day, they will see!

 

Allah have granted me the possibility to visit many countries from Europe before I reach Egypt... I still remember when I first visited Le Chateau Versailles - I was 19 years old... the minute we entered inside and I saw the beauty from there, my heart was like stopping... I could hardly breath... I was looking to all the amazing things creating by humans hands and keep thinking that Allah gave us the possibility to create beauty, as also the possibility to destroy it! 

When we reached Nothe Dame and Sacre Coeur, my eyes and my entire body were swimming in tears and keep thanking to my parents, to Allah - that they have made this dream possible for me! I still remember even now how my father was so proud to hear that the high school selected me to represent the city in France to the IUFM Arras - L'Institute des Maitres" - my father did everything that time to make sure I will be there!

After this first chance to see the world with my eyes, Allah gave me other opportunities and one of the most precious is the one when I first visit Egypt.

 

The first thing I remember from that trip is the people from outside the airport after I arrived. I keep see in my mind not the clear images, but many people dressed in white clothes, brown or black and from one place to another, a spot of blue or green or red color... the spots were the women... Little voices you could hear all the parts - kids jumping next to their parents... taxi drivers who were asking you if you need a cab or not, hopping to have a new customer, so that at the end of the day, to return home with some pounds... they know that the tourists can be generous, especially the Europeans and they count on this!

It is impossible not to feel as soon you get out of the airport, the hot dry wind of the Egypt and the power of his ancient God - RA! No wonder that in Antiquity the ancient Egyptians were seeing the sun as their God - RA and were so happy that they are blessed by His gifts.

 As soon I got in the cab, my mind relaxed again and I started to enjoy the view. Some of you could think that what view??? Sand and Dust? well YES! for some.. but for me was more!I was following the line of the road with my eyes and watching the sides to see behind the dunes... I was keep thinking all the time to the wonder of those sand mountains and how that the powerful wind was not vanishing them from years... Because the wind is so powerful!!!!

When I reached the hotel, I remember that the manager, an Italian lady was waiting for me and I was amazed to see a non local actually living and working there and feeling so good!!! But more amazed I was when I heard her speaking Arabic with the employees and give them particular requests!And I can tell now after years, that she is not the only one! 

When I was entering in a fruit shop (I am crazy about fruits!!!), the seller from there was always having with him 2 little assistants: his 2 little boys, all contrary with what I was hearing before - that women are the only ones who take care of the kids and are the only ones responsible for them! The kids were so shy, but with really good manners.

All the parts I was going, you could see all kinds of people: from tourists to locals Egyptians as non locals too... in every shop you enter, even you don't actually buy something, the seller was thanking you for visiting his shop:"shokran ya oustez/ shokran ya anisa". I hear many times from the tourists who went in Egypt that the sellers were after them to make them buy something from them... well... I wonder if those tourists ever informed before how to avoid these situations and what to say to sellers (we don't speak about the sellers from the stores, but from the ones near to the touristic points - pyramids, Sphinx, etc). 

Believe me, it is enough to say a simple "No, thank you sir" or "La/a, shokran ya ustez" and they will not continue to bother you! After all, no matter how poor they are many of the Egyptians, all of them possessed the Egyptian proud! Also, we have to think that this people are living from the trade with tourists and to sell their products, they just can't stay like statues and wait, maybe a tourist will go and buy something from them! I mean... let's face it... if you see a local Egyptian sellerr and you are for the first time in Egypt... would you just run to him to buy quick souvenirs? Me I was not knew what to do first and where to go first! 

Tourists are the "kawaaga"... the ones who come to see Egypt and take a part of Egypt with them when they return... because Egypt leaves marks in everyone of us, after we saw it! And some of us, wish and pray to come back...

Speaking about wishing... I remember that I found a fountain and I dropped a coin on it, wishing from all my heart to come back in one year! AlhamdulilAllah, it happen and after one year I returned in Egypt, that time as the fiancee and the future wife of my beloved husband.

To tell you the truth, when I was in France... I dropped coins in all the fountains from Versailles and Paris, wishing to come back... but  don't think I actually did it with the wish in my heart! I did it because I saw others doing this thing and I said..."Me too"...

When I returned in Egypt, this time I was seeing the Egypt from other side... as a future local from there... as a future wife of an Egyptian... many of you could think that the first trip in Egypt was the one who bring together me and my husband... As a matter of fact... it was Allah's hands and our destiny... because nothing guarantees you that a true friendship can turn into real love and a blessed marriage! But that time... none of us was searching to get married and sure not with a foreigner... 

The man that is my husband he was actually having my destiny in his hands from years before he knew me... my destiny locked in a stone... jade stone... When I look now to the jade necklace, I see on it my past, my present and my future...

Egypt was preparing my destiny from far away... I can look back and see a little girl carrying a huge book in french language about ancient Egypt... I look back and I see a teenager drawing Egyptian antique images... I look back and I see a young lady devouring documentaries and movies about Egypt from yesterday and Egypt of today... I can loo back and I can see a sleepy student reading about the Mystery of Egypt... I look back and I see me... 

But when I look to now and in front, I see US together... I see family...

Egypt has everything what you can find in all the other countries and even more! Egypt has luxury and poverty, technology and rudimentary ways, Egypt has cleaning and dirty, sand and dust as also so good roads, good people as bad ones, children, women and men, old and young people, hard workers and lazy ones, single and married, divorced, Muslims, Christians and other Non Muslims ... shortly Egypt has everything that could make you feel home or stranger... it depends on the eyes of the one who see Egypt and on each one of us way to feel the breathing of this country! And lately Egypt got back something so precious: Freedom!

Above of this, I can tell you for sure that for the Egyptians, the dust of Egypt is much more precious than anything in this world!

Ya Masr Om el Donya!

Fashionable Muslimah

Fashionable hegabs and different ways to wear veils 

Who says that a Muslim woman can't be fashionable? That she can't be modern and stylish and chic? If we take good care of ourselves and we never forget that we are WOMEN and how our husbands fall in love with us and for what, we don't have to be worried that he might ever look to somebody else... and sure we have to use our wisdom and our quality of women so that our husbands see in us all the women in this world, all the women that they need in their lives: friend, lover, sister, wife, the child, the crazy one, the wise, the silly, the sexy one... and the list can go on...

I invite you to see some veils that I really love and definitely I tried too because I just simply love and adore all what is Fashionable ;).



 

 

So don’t you see?

That I’m truly free
This piece of scarf on me
I wear so proudly
To preserve my dignity...
My modesty
My integrity
So don’t judge me!




Also, there are some tutorials about how to make a veil, a hegab that can be so fashionable, but also respecting the meaning of the hegab.