Middle East Journey - World Journey Gold Edition

Author: Zhang Fenzhen / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Cairo is a microcosm of the world. It is dazzling yet full of vitality, carrying on ancient history while still beating with a fresh pulse. It leaves people in awe of its glorious past yet showcases its modern face. The bustling streets are filled with cars flying by, the sound of incessant horns, and the sharp calls from the towering minarets of mosques, forming a high-decibel urban symphony. Amid the busy traffic, it is common to see young men cycling, balancing large wooden boards on their heads, piled with hundreds of traditional Egyptian breads. With their right hand on the handlebars and their left hand supporting the board, they navigate through the gaps between cars like acrobats, rushing to deliver their goods. This scene is a common sight in modern Cairo.
P33 On the other side of the hectic lifestyle, streets and alleys are filled with Egyptians leisurely smoking traditional water pipes in cafes. They focus intently on playing Egyptian poker, seemingly unaware of the passage of time. The modern high-rise buildings and luxury hotels rising along the Nile River contrast with the towering minarets of mosques. Oil-painting-like ancient markets stand beside apartment buildings, and the noisy yet vibrant Cairo is the capital of Egypt, located at the intersection of East and West. It is the largest city in Africa and the heart of the Arab world. Known as the "Mother of the World," Cairo is situated on the Nile River in northern Egypt. Although it is not an ancient city from the time of the pharaohs, its history spans over 1,300 years. In Arabic, Cairo means "victory." In 641 AD, the Arab general Amr established the city of Cairo (Old Cairo) in the Fustat area. By 969 AD, the Fatimid general Muhammed built a new Cairo north of Old Cairo, which developed into the largest city in Western Asia and Africa by the mid-14th century and remained the capital of various dynasties in Egypt. Today, Cairo is not only the capital of Egypt but also its political, economic, cultural, and transportation hub. It is the largest city in Africa with a population of 7.5 million. Due to its development strategy of preserving the old city to the south while expanding the new city nearby, the urban area has grown significantly, becoming a megacity.
Cairo is centered around the Nile River, extending to both banks, with the main urban area on the eastern bank. The average summer temperature here is highest at 34.2°C and lowest at 20.8°C; the winter temperature is highest at 19.9°C and lowest at 9.7°C.
P34 Cairo has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Arabs, Crusaders, Ottoman Turks, French, and British, leaving behind a rich historical heritage. The oldest are undoubtedly the ancient Egyptian pyramids in Giza, dating back thousands of years. The most abundant Egyptian artifacts are housed in the Egyptian Museum. Early pyramid complexes and the ruins of the Temple of Ramses II in areas like Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur near Cairo are also important parts of ancient Egyptian culture. Visiting Cairo is like enjoying a feast of ancient Egyptian culture.
Another period in Cairo's history can be simply called the Islamic era, with sites reflecting this period including the Citadel of Saladin, royal palace buildings left by Arab dynasties ruling Egypt, and grand mosques from various dynasties. This makes Cairo a showcase of Islamic ancient architecture, with the entire city acting as a massive architectural museum.
Despite carrying so much history, Cairo still retains a strong modern atmosphere. Its rapid metro transports a large number of passengers daily, while the bright lights of advertisements for modern consumer goods from global companies, as well as KFC and McDonald's fast-food chains, illuminate the night sky of Cairo. The Nile Riverbanks are brilliantly lit, with tourist-filled boats bustlingly navigating the waters, keeping Cairo vibrant at night. The presence of foreign tourists on the streets shows the enduring success of the tourism industry.
The bustling Ataba Market is a popular shopping destination for locals, while the lively Khan El-Khalili Market attracts the most foreign tourists. It primarily sells local handicrafts, offering a rich Egyptian ambiance. Immersing yourself in the daily life of Cairo's streets is an important way to understand modern Egyptian culture and customs.
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