Ramadan marks the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the exact beginning and end of the month varies depending on astronomical calculations. There is a lot beyond the word fasting (abstaining from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset); it is also a break that one gives the body, as well as a means of feeling the state of hunger the poor and deprived people experience. Moreover, it’s a time for charity work, assisting needy people and learning how to be thankful for what God has provided us with and cement one’s relation with God.

1. Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority News letter
Egyptian tourism promotion authority
E gypt this M onth
August 2011 www.egypt.travel Issue #26
Live Colors Egypt
A tAste of RAmAdAn In egypt
Ramadan marks the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the exact beginning and end
of the month varies depending on astronomical calculations. There is a lot beyond the word
fasting (abstaining from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset); it is also a break that one
gives the body, as well as a means of feeling the state of hunger the poor and deprived people
experience. Moreover, it’s a time for charity work, assisting needy people and learning how to
be thankful for what God has provided us with and cement one’s relation with God.
August . 2011 1

2. Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority News letter Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority News letter
Sufi saint El Mursi Abul Abbas, whose tomb is located in the in lower income areas, where houses are closer to each other, by a wealth of cultural and historical landmarks, including the
El-Moez Street mosque. The mosque is situated in the Anfoushi neighborhood and people can still hear him. Sultan Qalawun mosque. Beit El Oud is also another location,
of Alexandria; another delightful area to visit during Ramadan. established by the famous Oud player Naseer Shamma.
Family gatherings during Ramadan offer the perfect chance Here people can enjoy wonderful concerts, especially when
The Lantern or Fanoos is one of the significant features of to strengthen ties through exchanging visits or inviting one Shamma himself is featured, alongside other oud players.
Ramadan. The ‘fanoos’ is a must-have for every child, and another over the main meal, El Iftar, or the pre-fasting meal,
many homes are decorated with them, hanging or sitting near El Sohour. Guests usually come laden with their favorite dish Wekalet El Ghouri, right behind the Azhar Mosque in
the entrance. These are traditionally made lanterns of tin and or desserts, either homemade or store-bought. Gamaliya, hosts orchestras, singers and dancers from all over
colored glass, with a candle inside. More modern examples the Islamic world, offering some of the best performances
are battery-operated, though lack the traditional spirit (each Certain types of desserts and drinks are only consumed during the month. Last but not least, the Citadel is all lit up
year there seems to be a trend to see who can produce the during Ramadan. The most popular are ‘Konafa’, a shredded during Ramadan, and in various parts of the grounds around
most creative ‘fanoos’). wheat-based pastry baked with sugar, honey syrup, nuts the Citadel, there are many cultural activities, ranging from
and raisins. ‘Qatayef’, an oval shaped pastry stuffed with folkloric dances, to dervishes and famous Egyptian and Arabic
The invention of the lantern goes back to the Fatimid era, different types of nuts and raisins or ricotta cheese, is also singers performing.
when the Fatimid caliph used to check for the new moon a popular choice. ‘Om Ali’, a bread and milk pudding dish
indicating the commencement of Ramadan. The children and lokomades (honey balls). On the table there is usually a Most hotels and coffee shops have special activities, usually
would accompany him on this mission each carrying a Hibiscus (Karkade) drink, served cold, ‘Kamar El Din’ a dried in a tent erected on the grounds, where music, folkloric
apricot juice, and a liquorice drink ‘Erk Sous’, which are all the dances, live singers and traditional Ramadan foods are
most popular during the month. offered. Finally, riding in a felucca boat and enjoying the
El Mursi Abul Abbas
Mosque enchanting lights of Cairo by night is a popular Ramadan
The Charm of El Azhar and El Hussein areas: There is a special pastime. Taking a Nile cruise on one of the many boats that
charm in the atmosphere during Ramadan, especially in local offer Iftar or Sohour is also enjoyable.
cafes in Khan El Khalili, like the popular and traditional Fishawy.
The 200-year-old café is one of the most popular oriental cafes Ramadan tends to make Egyptian nightlife more
within the market area. Open 24 hours and frequented by entertaining, certainly more festive, and nowhere else is this
tourists and locals, it is considered to be an inspiring place more evident than in Egypt.
for intellectuals and writers. The Noble Prize winner Naguib
Mahfouz used to sit at the café and write his novels. The
nearby Naguib Mahfouz café and restaurant named after
the famous Egyptian laureate is also found in the bazaar area.
Do not miss reading samples from his writings on display while
Ramadan is not just special for its religious aspect, but also you are drinking mint tea.
for its distinctive customs and traditions that are cherished in
Egypt, perhaps more than in many other Muslim countries, as Other places to visit in the area are the famous Kebab and
Egyptians are particularly keen on preserving their numerous Kofta house, as well as El Fatatery or the Egyptian pancake,
inherited social habits and traditions. ‘fanoos’ with a candle to illuminate the way for their caliph. which are served with cheese and other accompaniments, or
as a dessert with powdered sugar, jam or cream. You can also
People from all over Egypt make it a point to pay visits to The making of the ‘fanoos’ is quite an important industry have a delicious filling meal of Koshary (lentils, elbow macaroni
sacred and religious sites, where holy and pious people are that is brought to light only in Ramadan. ‘Fanoos’ makers can and sautéed onions and a special sauce).
buried in shrines. One of the busiest places in Cairo during be found in particular areas such as Khan El Khalili bazaar;
Ramadan is the El Hussein area. El Hussein Mosque dates back considered one of the most remarkable markets in Egypt, this There are also a huge number of shops in the area that sell
to 1153, covers an area of around 3,500 square meters, and lies bazaar was inspired by the Mamluk Prince Jaharkas El Khalili all kinds of gifts and souvenirs, so visitors can buy anything from
on the site of an ancient Fatimid Caliph’s cemetery. Another ,back in 1382 AD. The Khan El Khalili area is also where the El silver to jewelry, to copper and other Egyptian handicrafts.
important mosque that Egyptians visit is El Mursi Abul Abbas Hussein Mosque can be found.
Mosque. It is dedicated to the 13th century Alexandrine Cultural activities in Ramadan: Furthermore, people like to
Another special feature of Ramadan is the canon, which is attend different cultural and folkloric events that take place
Khan El-Khalili the signal of breaking the fast. The story goes that in the mid- in historical houses, especially after Iftar. Beit El Harrawi and
nineteenth century a worker was cleaning a canon at the Beit Zeinab Khatoun are two popular choices. Beit El Harrawi is
site of the citadel and fired it by accident, coinciding with considered to be one of the outstanding examples of Ottoman
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Live Colors Egypt
sunset and the moment of El Iftar. This consequently turned Islamic houses, and dates back to 1731. Its construction is
into a ritual during sunset. Though today, this habit has been attributed to Ahmed Ben Youssef El-Serafi. However, it is named
substituted by television and radio announcements, the after its last owner, Abd El-Rahman El Harrawi, who was the
canon is still fired from the Citadel every day during Ramadan. Hakim (Doctor) of Qasr El-Aini Medical School. The house is
located behind El Azhar Mosque next to Beit Zeinab Khatoun.
The Mesaharaty or the caller for Sohour time, the second The latter most probably dates back to the end of the 14th
meal right before sunrise, strolls down different streets and century and early 15th century – approximately the era of
alleys in his neighborhood with a drum, calling for the last Sultan Qaitbay, as noted in the architectural style of the house.
meal before sunrise. In the old days when the population The home is named after Zeinab Khatoun, the last to reside
was not so large, he would call people by their names. He is in the house.
not paid a fixed salary, and relies on individual support and Other places of interest are ‘Beit El Shaer’ (The Poet’s House),
contributions. The Mesaharaty still exists until today, especially located in the heart of Moez Eddin Allah Street. It is surrounded Wekalet El-Ghoury
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3. Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority News letter Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority News letter
hotEls’ activitiEs during ramadan
During the month of Ramadan, most hotels are special cruises can be arranged for groups upon request.
well prepared to serve guests; offering enticing Iftars The Four Seasons Hotel in Alexandria is launching
and Suhours complete with live entertainment. Sweet a Siwa Night, which is its latest dining creation. Set
treats and savory meals can also be provided through on the hotel’s private beach and overlooking the
catering, for those who would like to entertain at home. Mediterranean sea, this will surely be an enticing
Semiramis InterContinental has numerous buffets option for many guests because of the unique
with authentic Egyptian specialities, as well as experience and enchanting atmosphere, all
ethnic food from other countries. The Tea Garden complimented by the skilled service of the Four Seasons.
will be serving a wide range of sweet desserts, and At the beach, guests will be seated in an Arabesque
during the Eid there will be famous Egyptian and set-up, with rugs and cushions on the sand,m
Arabic superstars performing at Haroun El Rashid. overlooking the sea and dining by candle light.
The Four Seasons Hotel Nile Plaza is ideal for those Guests can also experience the underground cooking
who are seeking an oriental setting with spectacular method, “Abou Mardam,” as it is called in Siwa.
views of the Nile. While the Pool Grill will be offering The Sheraton Montazah Hotel is offering an
delectable dishes for Iftar and Sohour, guests can also
opt to enjoy Iftar and Sohour in the privacy of their
attractive discount for groups at the Iftar meal in
Cafe Coquillage. La Terrace Cafe is another option, fAWAnees RAmAdAn
2011 festIVAL
room by using the room service’s special set menu. with entertainment overlooking the Montazah Parks.
Celebrate Ramadan the palatial way at the Cairo A must-try at The Holiday Inn Cairo City Stars’
Marriott, where there are delicious buffets offered, and patisserie is their Konafa dessert with mango, which
guests can also book one night at a special rate which you can have in the Star Corner Terrace overlooking
will include Sohour for two at the Almaz Restaurant. the swimming pool, along with your favorite drink. Under the slogan “Egypt’s Spirit in Ramadan”, The Egyptian efforts by several organizations & governmental bodies will
The Grand Nile Tower attractions this year include a The Fairmont Hotel Heliopolis has live band Ministry of Tourism is launching, for the second consecutive be cooperating in making this festival a successful one. This
gourmet set menu for Iftar at the Revolving Restaurant and performances from Thursdays to Sundays every year, “Fawanees Ramadan 2011” Festival during the month includes the Cairo governorate, the Giza governorate, the
Nubian Village. For those who prefer Nile cruises, Grand week and a daily DJ throughout the week of August. Ministry of Culture, the Egyptian Center for Culture & Arts
Nile Tower’s yacht will provide a daily Iftar buffet and at the Egyptian Night and Pizza Bar outlets. Makan, the Culture Resource Centre, the Sawi Cultural
“Fawanees Ramadan 2011” Festival brings Egypt’s Centre, and the Cairo Opera House – all whom have
unique spirit during the holy month and the Eid El Fitr (the prepared a full agenda of folkloric and religious activities.
3-day holiday following Ramadan) to tourists from all over
the world, and especially to those coming from the Arab A huge promotional campaign has also been put together,
countries, especially from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, including the airing of a 30-second TV spot since mid-July on
Jordan and Qatar. This is the second year that the festival MBC1, Rotana Khalijia, Dubai TV, Saudi TV1, and Al Watan
marriott Egypt propErtiEs • A special $ 25 menu per person in designated
restaurants. will be held, conveying Ramadan in Egypt with all its folkloric Channel. A special supplement has also been made
traditions and habits. available in Haya magazine, with dishes recommended by
arE introducing a wholE Above rates are subject to service charge, taxes, prior reservation,
availability and are valid until December 31st 2011. top Arab TV stars. Other editorials will be included in a variety
Several activities and festivities are on the agenda this year of Pan Arab newspapers and magazines. Lastly, there is an
nEw irrEsistiblE bouquEt of ,starting from the eve of Ramadan, where a huge event advertising campaign on the Internet , facebook and other
spEcial dEals this yEar will be held at the Gezira Garden in Cairo. Other cities and social media. A competition under the title “You Are Egypt”
JW Marriott Hotel Hurghada Marriott towns in Egypt, including Alexandria, Ismailia & Aswan, will for Egyptian youth talent has also been launched on the
Cairo Red Sea Resort also share in “Fawanees Ramadan 2011” Festival by offering Internet, and prizes will be given to the best Egyptian talent
Tel.: +20(2) 2411 5588 Tel.: +20(65) 344 6950 a variety of activities. at the beginning and end of the festival.
Enjoy thE following trEats: Renaissance Sharm El Taba Heights Marriott
Sheikh Red Sea Resort The spirit of Ramadan will not only be limited to Egypt, About Fawanees Ramadan Festival
• Book your stay 7 days ahead and save 25% off Golden View Beach Tel.: +20(69) 358 0100 but will also be transported to the United Arab Emirates, “Fawanees Ramadan Festival” began in 2009 through a
your room or suite rate. Resort with a special set up at the Dubai Mall, in cooperation with website and a promotional campaign on the Internet, and
• Pay for 5 nights in any of our superior suites and Tel.: +20(69) 366 4694 Cairo Marriott Hotel & “Emaar Misr “. Egyptian dishes and special Ramadan drinks, in 2010, the Festival was launched officially in the cities of
get 2 nights FREE! Omar Khayyam traditional folklore tanoora dances, religious and Sufi songs, Cairo and Alexandria, as well as the resorts of Marsa Alam
Sharm El Sheikh Casino
• Book 25 rooms and get either 2 complimentary and other traditional Egyptian customs will be presented to and the North coast area. The Festival was also promoted
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Marriott Tel.: +20(2) 2728 3000
Live Colors Egypt
rooms or 5 upgrades to the next higher room type. Red Sea Resort the public. through various activities held in Kuwait, Tunisia and Turkey,
• Stay on the 25th of any month and pay $ 125. Tel.: +20(69) 360 0190 which led to a 17.3% surge in Arab tourism to Egypt, and a
• Stay over the weekend for $ 125 per room, per Along with Egypt Air, the official carrier of the festival, roughly 25% increase during the El Fitr Eid Holiday.
night.
• Book your meeting for 25 delegates and get one
FREE!
• Special coffee break for L.E. 25 per person for a
minimum of 25 delegates.
• A meeting package, which includes lunch and
2 coffee breaks for L.E. 250 per person, for a mini-
mum of 25 delegates.
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4. Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority News letter
gcc spEcial offErs during
thE month of ramadan and
Eid holiday
safir hotEl Book 3 consecutive nights to receive an upgrade for a Sea
View room
Accommodation rates starts from US$115 for a single
standard room to US$ 249 for a triple luxury room, all inclusive. For reservations call +(2 065) 336 0000
Rates mentioned include accommodation up to two
children under 12 years old sharing a room with parents, an
extra bed upon request and Iftar and Suhour meals at the
coffee shop.
cairo marriott hotEl
Book one night and enjoy a special rate of LE 975 including
Suhour for two people at Almaz or Layali Restaurants,
Other benefits offered during the month include a along free parking at the hotel. The offer includes free
welcome drink, check out at 7 pm, usage of the health club accommodation up to two children under the age of 12
(except massage) and 20% discount at the Asian restaurant. residing in the room with parents, and a 50% discount for
children under 12 for Suhour.
For reservations call: +(202) 3748 2828/3748 2424, Fax:
+(202) 3749 8049or email: resce@safirhotels.com.eg. For Reservation : (+20) 27283000
conrad cairo hotEl four sEasons nilE plaza
Great Getaway promotion with 40% discount in room Validity: Holy month of Ramadan.
rates starting from $102.00 per double room per night subject Rates: $380 subject to 24.32 % service charge and taxes.
to service charge and taxes, promotion includes Suhour Added Value: Sohour included.
meal in Solana all day dining restaurant or in room service. Double at Single rate.
Rates include Eid Holiday Pay two nights and stay the third night FREE.
Guaranteed one step upgrade.
For reservations call: (+20) -25808000 / 25808116
Booking procedures: Guest to mention to our reservation
four sEasons hotEl at thE office that he is care of Fawanees Ramadan promotion
upon booking, so that he gets above mentioned benefits.
first rEsidEncE Booking channels:
Booking through a local travel agency, a special discount
Email: reservations.cai@fourseasons.com
is offeredwhich includes Iftar buffet in Seasons restaurant,
Phone: +20 2 2791 6800
25% discount on Tajin tent in the First Mall and all applicable
Fax: +20 2 2791 6900
service charge and taxes.
intErcontinEntal amErican ExprEss
Four special nights in Cairo for US$430 at the Cairo Marriott
thE palacE port ghalib Hotel. Add three nights in Sharm for US$375 excluding air fare
Cairo/Sharm /Cairo.Rates are per person in double room
rEsort
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based on a minimum of two paying passengers, which
Accommodation rate: includes round trip transfers from airport, four nights at the
Single room: US$ 160, Double room: US$ 190 hotel in standard room, based on bed and breakfast.Special
Crowne Plaza Sahara Sands Port Ghalib Resort & Crowne rates are offered on optional tours on Nile cruise with Iftar
Plaza Sahara Oasis Port Ghalib Resort or Suhour, Pharaonic Village and Suhour at Novotel El Borg.
Single room: US$ 120, Double room: US$ 140
Rates per garden view room per night based on bed and For details call: American Express Travel Services Office,
breakfast and inclusive of service charge and taxes. This offer Farid.joseph@amexfranchise.com
is valid from August 25th till September 10th, 2011
Hotels mentioned above are totally responsibile for the packages
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5. Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority News letter Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority News letter
song Jerusalem. Composer, music Tel: +(202) 2362 5057
producer and pianist Fathy Salama is
RAmAdAn CALendAR of eVents renowned in Egypt and internationally
for his numerous musical projects and
Saturday 27th
tours, and as the first artist in the Arab Nile Troupe for folkloric music
world to win a Grammy Award and instruments
Monday 1st Beit El Seheimy, Gamalia Time: 9:30 pm the BBC award for his album “Egypt”. Beit El Seheimy, Gamalia
Tel: +(202)2591 3391 Tel: +(202) 2362 5057 Geneina Theater, Azhar Park, Salah Salem St. Tel: +(202)2591 3391
National Circus Performance. The Time: 9:30 pm
circus will perform all month Monday 8th Saturday 13th Tel: +(202) 2362 5057 Ara Musa Honra
Agouza, Tel: +(202)3347 0612 (Spain)
Tannoura Performance Tannoura Performance Saturday 20 th Geneina Theater, Azhar
Park, Salah Salem St.
Tannoura Performance (Whirling Dervishes) (Whirling Dervishes) Friday 19th
Time: 9:30 pm
(Whirling Dervishes) El Ghoury Cultural Complex, Azhar El Ghoury Cultural Complex, Azhar Tannoura Performance
El Ghoury Cultural Complex, Azhar Tel: +(202)2511 0472 Tel: +(202)2511 0472 (Whirling Dervishes)
Tel: +(202)2511 0472 El Ghoury Cultural Complex, Azhar
Wednesday 10th Jazz Music by Yehia Khalil at Tel: +(202)2511 0472
Calligraphy art exhibition midnight
by artist Khodair Mawlaweya Folkloric Performance Darb 1718, El Fakhareen, Old Cairo. Monday 22nd
Picasso Gallery for Fine Arts Mahmoud Mokhtar Museum.
The Exhibition is available throughout the whole Tel: +(202)2735 1123 Wednesday 17th Egyptian Pop Songs with Resala Karima Nayet
month Band (Algeria) Nai El Barghouti
(Palestine)
Time: Daily from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm Tannoura Performance Fusion music with Fathy Salama Sawi Cultural Centre, Zamalek Geneina Theater, Azhar
Park, Salah Salem St. Geneina Theater, Azhar
except on Sundays (Whirling Dervishes) Cairo Opera House Grounds. Tel: +(202) 2739 Tel: +(202)27366 178 Friday 19th Park, Salah Salem St.
Friday 26th
Time: 9:30 pm
30 Hassan Asem St , - Brazil-Zamalek El Ghoury Cultural Complex, Azhar 0114 Time: 9:30 pm
Tel: +(202) 27367544 Tel: +(202)2511 0472 Wednesday 24th
Folkloric Ballads with Mawaweel
Tuesday 2nd Harp Music Troupe Tannoura Performance
Sushila Raman
Sakia Cultural Wheel, Zamalek Makan Cultural Foundation (Whirling Dervishes) (India / UK)
Music and songs from Gaafera Tel: +(202)2736 6178 Tel: +(202)2792 0878 El Ghoury Cultural Complex, Azhar Geneina Theater, Azhar
Troup of South Egypt Tel: +(202)2511 0472
Park, Salah Salem St.
Friday 26th
Makan Cultural Centre, Dawaween. Thursday 11th Tannoura Performance Time: 9:30 pm
Tel: +(202)2792 0878 (Whirling Dervishes) Thursday 25th
Badiaa Boherizi
Music and song performance by El Ghoury Cultural Complex, Azhar Geneina Theater,
Wednesday 3 rd
Ara Musa Honra (Spain). Honra Music concert with Nai Azhar Park,
began in 2008 with her band to Thursday 18th El-Barghouthi (Palestine). A
Friday 18th
Time: 9:30 pm
Mawlaweya Folkloric Performance perform music and songs that vary composer, singer and flute player.
Mahmoud Mokhtar Museum. between many music styles ranging Sufi Music Nai took first prize in two consecutive
Tel: +(202)2735 1123 from pop, reggae and flamenco. Saad Zaghloul Center, Sayeda Zeinab rounds of the Palestine National
Geneina Theater, Azhar Park, Salah Salem St. Tel: +(202)2795 6864 Competition of Music (formerly the
Tannoura Performance Time: 9:30 pm Marcel Khalife Competition) for 2006
(Whirling Dervishes) Tel: +(202) 2362 5057 Music Performance with Badiaa and 2008, and ranked second in 2010.
El Ghoury Cultural Complex, Azhar Bouhrizi (Tunisia). The career of She has composed six music pieces
Tel: +(202)2511 0472 Bazaar Badiaa Bouhrizy “Naissato” has gone for the flute. In addition to playing
Crafts Workshops & Bazaars. Open 10 through different phases of modern flute and composing Nai, has her own
Friday 5th pm to 1 am until August 25th music of jazz, rock and reggae, distinctive voice as a singer.
Darb 1718, El Fakhareen, Old Cairo. before creating her solo project, Geneina Theater, Azhar Park, Salah Salem St.
Oud Music Performance with “Nesto,” which represents the original Tel: +(202) 2362 5057
Naseer Shamma essence of the North African spirit.
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Art Exhibition
Live Colors Egypt
Sakia Cultural Wheel, Zamalek Friday 12th Geneina Theater, Azhar Park, Salah Salem St. Friday 26th Picasso Gallery
Tel: +(202)2736 6178 Tel: +(202) 2362 5057
Songs by Maryam Saleh (Egypt). Song concert with Sushila Raman
Tannoura Performance An Egyptian independent singer, Friday 19th (India / UK). Born in Britain in 1973
(Whirling Dervishes) songwriter, and actor who was of Indian parents, Sushila started her
El Ghoury Cultural Complex, Azhar raised by her father, the renowned Songs by Karima Nayet (Algeria), career through south Indian classical
Tel: +(202)2511 0472 theatre writer/director Saleh Saad. accompanied by Fathy Salama. music and then moved toward blues
Maryam has also acted and starred She began her artistic career as music. Her debut album Salt Rain
Sunday 7th at independent film productions and a contemporary dancer. In 1998 has been nominated for the British
she is working now on different new she moved to Cairo and met Mercury Prize.
Nile Troupe for folkloric music projects. Fathy Salama, joining his group Geneina Theater, Azhar Park, Salah Salem St.
instruments Geneina Theater, Azhar Park, Salah Salem St. Sharqeyat and recorded her first Time: 9:30 pm
7 August . 2011 August . 2011 8