Alamein & Marsa Matrouh June 2015 issue 13

Truly Love Egypt Alamein & Marsa Matrouh

June 2015 Issue 13

Omayed Biosphere Reserve WWII sites Cleopatra’s Bath Leukaspis Tahini, Baba Gahnoug & Hummus Dips Extra: Ramadan

PLEASE TURN ON YOUR SOUND

The song that’s playing is Law Kont Niseet by Shireen & Tamer Hosney

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE ‘Amunia’ of the ancient world lies near one of the most memorable battles of the 20th Century!

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Cont

EXTRA: Ramadan Kareem El misaharaty; the human alarm clock!

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TRULY LOVE NATURE Omayed Biosphere Reserve; an amazing national park!

12 TRULY LOVE

6 Ramadan Kareem

DAY ACTIVITIES The best of Mother Nature’s beaches, Cleopatra’s Bath, Rommel’s Cave, Greco-Roman city of Leukaspis and much more!

16 SCRAPBOOK PAGE 18 TRULY LOVE HISTORY From ancient Egyptian temples to World War II sites, including those used by Rommel, the Desert Fox himself!

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12 Ageeba Beach

tents

24 TRULY LOVE SHOPPING Unique, rare Bedouin products and a variety of international ones!

28 TRULY LOVE NIGHTLIFE Relaxing luxury!

32 TRULY LOVE INVESTING Great potential for business in a serene environment!

18 German Memorial

34 TRULY LOVE CUISINES Tahini, Baba Gahnoug & Hummus Dips

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FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS Yasser ElRasoul & Mohamed Gelany

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OTHER EDITIONS

40

UPCOMING ISSUE

34 Tahini based dips!

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Please note that very soon, all our ezines will be placed exclusively on our website www.sarkiss.net

EDITOR’S MESSAGE Our mission is to deliver the most accurate, up-to-date information in order to show different kinds of visitors what may interest them.

West of Alexandria, along the coast of the Mediterranean and extending to the Egyptian-Libyan border is the beautiful region of Marsa Matrouh.

It is, for the most part, protected from the high seas by rocks which act as natural water breakers and keep the large bay that is the town of Marsa Matrouh quiet and serene, with long white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

Named ‘Amunia’ by the ancient Egyptians, ‘Paraitonion’ by the Ptolemies and Byzantines and ‘Paraetonium’ by the Romans, Marsa Matrouh started off as a small fishing village and was treated as a stopover to Siwa, where the Oracle of Amun was a popular site to visit.

However, it seems that Marsa Matrouh was also revered by the ancients. Several sites bear witness to this; Cleopatra’s Bath, the Temple of Ramses II and the Greco-Roman city of Leukaspis.

To the east of Marsa Matrouh and west of Alexandria is a site that gained importance thousands of years later, when Egypt was under

British rule. Alamein became the site of choice for the famous World War II decisive Battle of Alamein.

Erwin Rommel, the Desert Fox, picked a cave near what later became known as Rommel’s Beach and turned it into a command center for operations during the battle. The cave, which was later transformed into a museum, is still there and can be visited. Not far from the battlefield is a series of memorials to honor the thousands of soldiers who gave their lives there. A war museum was also erected nearby and is worth visiting. Several international films have been made about the Battle of Alamein, including several BBC documentaries.

Manager, Editor and Designer Amani Adel Sarkiss Freelance Writers Aisha Abdelwahab Basma Amer Enas Elmohands Omar Ibrahim Amal Sarkiss Photography: Ahmed Yaqub: p40 Yasser El-Rasoul: p36 Mohamed Gelany: p37 Ahmed Emam: cover, p3 top, p14, p16 to p21, p24, p27, p28, p30, p32 Amal Sarkiss: p3 bottom, p34 right Amani Sarkiss: p2 bottom Yahoo images: other pics

To get to Marsa Matrouh: By coach from Turgoman Terminal in Cairo (500km in 5 hours). You can fly to Marsa Matrouh from Cairo.

Average temperatures: October to April 15 Celsius. May to September 25 Celsius Manager, Editor and Designer

Amani Adel Sarkiss

Ideas and content are copyright and property of Sarkiss Publicity and Advertising Registered in Egypt: 64958 truly-love-egypt@sarkiss.net 5

RAMADAN KAREEM

By Amani Sarkiss

El misaharaty; the human alarm clock Imagine a ‘job’ that only lasts 28 or 29 days a year! There is no application form to fill, no experience or degree required and no idea of how much you will be paid. Each household pays the amount of their choosing, or none at all, at the end of the period.

You also get to choose where to work.

And from the fact that there has never been an incident of two misaharaties covering the same area, I imagine there must be some kind of agreement before Ramadan as to who is responsible for which area. The only requirement for the ‘job’ is the discipline to wake up at the right time to ensure you wake up everyone in your chosen area for sohour; the last meal before the dawn prayer.

El misaharaty is one the oldest Ramadan traditions. They walk through streets, beating a drum to a simple rhythm, stopping in front of each house and

chanting, “Es-ha ya nayem. Wahed aldayem. Ramadan kareem!” (Wake up, you who are asleep and praise God. Ramadan is the month of generosity!)

In the early days of Islam, Bilal Ibn Maktoom was the first misaharaty. He used to call on people from the top of a mosque. In Egypt, the first misaharaty was Antaba Bin Ishaq, the ruler of Egypt, in the year 238 AH (Hijri Calendar). He would walk from Fustat City to Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque in Old C a i r o c ha n t i n g , “ Eb a d A l l a h , tasaharo!” (Worshipers of Allah, have sohour!) Later, the drum was used to help el misaharaty in his task.

Today, even though most people have either alarm clocks or mobile phones with alarms to wake up in time, the chants of el misaharaty are still music to people’s ears. There is a definite sense of warmth and nostalgia to them.

Ramadan kareem!

Do you know who should fast in Ramadan?

Do you know what is eaten and when?

Do you know what the Night of Fate is?

Do you know the culture practices related to Ramadan?

Do you know the benefits of fasting?

Find the answers in issue 2, July 2014: Gouna & Hurghada

TRULY LOVE NATURE

By Basma Amer

An intricate symbiotic community, 80 km west

marine habitat were included.

of Alexandria, brings a unique character to

However, the ecosystem is, essentially, a warm

Marsa Matrouh. El-Omayed Biosphere Reserve

desert and semi-desert ecosystem with more

is set amongst a diverse terrain, uniting a

than 800 species of organisms scattered across

bountiful collection of wildlife and people.

the different habitats.There are several types of

The protected area is one of two national parks

vascular plants, soil fungi, and 20 species of

in Egypt and is an ambitious one indeed. It is

nitrogen fixing blue-green algae. More than

about 700 square kilometers and was declared a

200 plants, such as olive and fig trees, within

national park in the 1980’s. This “green�

the biosphere have different functions and

environment hosts many projects promoting a

purposes, including medicinal, economical and

socio-economic

environmental while other plants are on the

sustainability

within

the

biosphere to help maintain the natural domain

verge of extinction.

set along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

The plants are located in various places

The reserve consists of five different habitats:

amongst the biosphere based on their natural

calcified coastal dunes, shallow soil ridges,

habitat. The calcified coastal dunes house

saline

non-saline

various flora species, such as soft sea green

depressions and an inland plateau. The reserve

spurge (Euphorbia paralias), the star-shaped

may be considered a six-habitat destination if a

sea daffodil (Pancratiummaritimum) and the

marshy

depressions,

Cont.

9

European

grass

wonderful animal sanctuary. Such animals

(Ammophilaarenaria). The shallow soil ridges

include dorcas gazelle, the Middle East blind

c o ns is t

a nd

mole rat, gerbils, four-toed jerboa, Egyptian

Asphodelusmicrocarpus. The saline marshy

turtle, crabs, fennec fox and red fox. Mother

depressions are dominated by granulated

Nature’s complexity, however, continues to

green Salicorniafruticosa, Cressacretica and

the several resident and migratory birds,

rustic green-brown Atriplexhalimus. The non-

reptiles, amphibians, arthropods, rare snakes

saline

and insect species extending below the

of

marram

P la n t a go a lb i c a ns

depressions

and

inland

plateau

encompass other species such as deep green

surface.

Artemisia monosperma and Suaedapruinosa, more rustic green-brown beauties such as the

El-Omayed

Hammadaelegans,

pink

magnificently woven masterpiece offered to

Anabasis articulata, Hammadascorpia and

us. Its complex variety portrays a picture of

Salsolatetrandra.

hope and of how people and nature can come

The desert inspired ecosystem is also a

together.

small

reddish

Biosphere

Reserve

is

a

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TRULY LOVE DAY ACTIVITIES

By Basma Amer Marsa Matrouh is a sapphire gem, permeating along the Mediterranean shore. It is a collage of sweet serenity and eras of the past awaiting your arrival.

Begin your travels at one of the many resorts offering a relaxing stay. According to your choice of hotel, you will find private beaches, pool

areas -some of which are designated for

children- and a gym where you can enjoy a good workout or aerobic sessions. Also included at some of these delightful retreats are a variety of sports to keep your adrenaline pumping; basketball, water polo, tennis, handball and volleyball.

Obayed Beach

Ageeba Beach

Continue your journey by venturing off into the

colored beach, Ageeba Beach, on the other hand,

turquoise sea for a snorkel, a swim, or a cruise

is a picture perfect destination with its breath-

on the waves. Take advantage of the gorgeous

taking waters, natural caves and enchanting

waters and go sailing, jet skiing, or rent a

cliffs. So de-stress and unwind amidst the

motorboat, a pedaling boat or a rowing boat. The

splendor, while your children enjoy building

added complexity of Marsa Matrouh is the

sandcastles on the beach.

sand’s sun-infused warmth and soft texture.

Detour into the past and celebrate history by

There are a number of beaches with this quality

visiting two other beaches. Cleopatra’s Beach is

at your disposal: Al Obayed Beach, Al Gharam

a bay that holds the bath of this famous queen

Beach, Cleopatra’s Beach, Ageeba Beach, Ras

but is unsafe to swim at. Reach the bath by

El Hekma and Rommel Beach.

carefully walking into the sea towards it.

The most incredible of these beaches, however,

Rommel Beach, located east of Marsa Matrouh,

are Al Obayed Beach and Ageeba Beach. Al

contains Rommel’s Cave, which was converted

Obayed Beach boasts crystal clear waters and a

into a small museum in dedication to the famous

white sandy beach. Also known as the seven-

Italian commander Rommel, leader of the Italian Cont.

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Cleopatra’s Beach

Cleopatra’s Beach

Leukaspis

forces during WWII. The cave is where Rommel

Other historical sites in Marsa Matrouh continue

planned his military operations during the war

to delve deeper into the past. Examples of what

and the museum contains the military maps he

the Ancient Egyptians and Romans left behind

drew up during that time. If you would like to

are the Ramses II temple in Om Al Rakhm and

see more of this war’s remains and you enjoy

the Marina Ruins in El Alamein; an ancient

wreck diving, take an underwater diving tour

Greco-Roman city, Leukaspis; the second largest

among WWII vessels.

archeological city after Alexandria, displaying

More WWII sites can be found at Al Alamein.

tombs, temples and houses.

There are several burial grounds built to pay

It is no secret that the royalties of the ancient

respects to the fallen heroes of WWII: the Italian

world have remained with great perseverance.

and German Military Cemetery, a mausoleum

However, the key to Marsa Matrouh’s ingenious

dedicated

British

elegance can be found in the way the past has so

Cemetery and another cemetery for Greek

delicately woven itself within the natural

soldiers.

beauties and created such a tranquil art form.

to

Italian

soldiers,

the

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SCRAPBOOK PAGE

TRULY LOVE HISTORY

By Aisha AbdelWahab

Although in ancient Egypt Marsa Matrouh was a simple fishing village, the sea in Marsa Matrouh was (and still is!) so magnificently breathtaking and crystal clear that Cleopatra herself bathed in those tranquil waters.

Cleopatra’s Bath is a beach that holds a huge rock formation that is 20 meters off the shore.

There are different openings to permit the waves to move in and out of it, allowing those inside it to get fresh, clean water every few minutes. It is reputed that this is the same bath that Queen Cleopatra used thousands of years ago to enjoy Marsa Matrouh’s beauty.

Another ancient Egyptian site is the remains of the Temple of King Ramses II which date back to the 19th Dynasty and are located

about 24km west of Marsa Matrouh. The temple was used as a place for sacrifices to the lion-headed war goddess, Sekhmet, and her consort, Ptah. It is surrounded by eight storehouses dedicated to Ramses. The site at which the temple is located is known as Umm Al Rakhm, which houses important hieroglyphic inscriptions, a life-size statue of Neb-Re, a military commander during Ramses II's reign, and a number of other monuments such as the ruins of the pharaoh’s fortress. The fortress is considered to be one of the most significant defense structures built by the 19th Dynasty's pharaohs. There are also the remains of the surrounding brick wall, 70 meters high and 250 meters long, and the remains of four military towers, all Cont.

19

erected to protect Egypt from attacks by Libyan tribes.

Fast forward a few thousand years and we are in Al Alamein during World War II, where the decisive victory of the Allies over the Axis occurred during their North African Campaign and therefore hosts a number of memorials, such as the German Memorial, the British Memorial and the Italian Memorial as well as several cemeteries for different nationalities. Each of the memorials is unique in its own way. For instance, the German Memorial is an octagonal building, situated 7km west of Al Alamein. It contains the bodies of 4,289 German soldiers and an

obelisk surrounded by four falcons, symbolizing Horus, protector of the dead.

The memorial is built on a hill, which makes it an imposing landmark, and looks rather like a medieval fortress than a simple building. This location is truly stunning as it overlooks Al Alamein’s beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. As for the British Memorial, which is also known as the Commonwealth War Cemetery, is one of the most impressive sites in El Alamein. It holds 7,367 tombstones of British, Australian, Indian, New Zealander, French, Malaysian and South African soldiers. The rock-hewn tombstones stand in straight rows amidst a fenced garden. The names of about 12,000 Cont.

21

soldiers whose bodies were not found are engraved on white limestone walls. There’s a hallway inside the memorial that leads to a rooftop which allows for a full view of the memorial and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. The British Memorial is on the 105th km on the Alexandria-Marsa Matrouh road. The Italian Memorial is a high tower fort on a hill.

It holds several buildings such as a chapel, a mosque and a museum. It was erected in memory of 4,800 Italian soldiers and, because Libya was under Italian rule, an area was allocated to Libyan soldiers. This memorial is one of the most visited in the world and is also the largest structure in Al Alamein’s battlefield. The tower’s walls are covered with white marble and are a unique 22

masterpiece. The Italian Memorial is located 12km west of Al Alamein.

It is important to note that visitors must not venture into the desert around Alamein as live landmines still remain.

Two other WWII sites that are extremely interesting are Rommel's hideout and Al Alamein War Museum. Rommel's hideout is a cave hewn in the rocks. Rommel used to plan his eastward offensive against the Allies there. Rommel’s hideout has been turned into a military museum and displays some of the objects belonging to the Desert Fox, which include a coat, a clothing chest, wellpreserved photos and the maps he drew.

Rommel's Rommel's Matrouh.

cave is situated just before Beach, 3km west of Marsa

As for Al Alamein War Museum, it is one of the best places to visit in order to have a full understanding of World War II. The museum is on the 105th km on the Alexandria-Marsa Matrouh road. The museum consists of five halls, each shedding light on a different country; Great Britain, Germany, Italy and Egypt, and the fifth hall is labeled as the “Mixed Hall” and displays general artifacts and objects of World War II. The museum also illustrates the events of World War II in North Africa. To take your experience to another level, audio recordings are played throughout your visit. They tell the stories of the battles from both sides. The indoor part of

the museum houses weapons, uniforms, statues and other artifacts such as antique portraits, old photos and maps. The outdoor part of the museum is a garden that displays huge army tanks, artillery and various large weapons.

As you can see, Marsa Matrouh is home to many historical sites, ranging from ancient Egyptian temples to World War II monuments, and is a true gem of the Egyptian territory. You will definitely have a blast walking through this open museum and experiencing this once in a lifetime journey.

Quote of the month: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” - George Santayana.

TRULY LOVE SHOPPING

By Aisha AbdelWahab

Some will be surprised to learn that Marsa Matrouh is famous for its shopping. There are several reasons for this fame which includes the uniqueness of the shopping experience itself. The fact that Marsa Matrouh is near the Egyptian-Libyan borders means it is the first to receive Libyan products as well products from other North African countries. There is even a Libyan market in Marsa Matrouh in which the locals offer their organic goods that ranges from wool, wooden objects and baskets to fruits and vegetables, oils, etc. The goods include other international products from different parts of Europe and Asia, giving the customer a wider range of choice. Unlike other

markets, the Libyan Market lets you experience the ultimate Egyptian-somewhatLibyan experience with the locals. It will also blow your mind with the mix of different scents that permeate from various stands and with the mingling of colors that somewhat represents the fusion of different cultures.

Another bonus is the quality of goods you find in exchange for a very reasonable amount of money.

Other than markets, you will find shops that offer organic products as well and ones that are manufactured in Egypt such as shoes and the all-too-famous Egyptian cotton products.

There are also perfume shops with different Cont.

25

insane scents; some that give off the impression of travelling back decades in the past, some are more oriental than others, etc.

In addition, Marsa Matrouh is quite famous for selling the most popular Egyptian salted seeds, “lib”. So if you love eating them, you will love these freshly roasted ones they have there.

If you enjoy shopping for Bedouin products, there is one specific shop near a famous hotel which sells all of the Bedouin products in Marsa Matrouh. It has a unique collection of genuine, handmade products such as the rugs given to a bride on her wedding day. Those rugs are hardly ever made anymore since primitive colors are used to dye them and, in 26

order to preserve them, they should not be exposed to direct sunlight or washed. They are not only unique, rare and of great quality but their colors add a cheerful vibe to any room. Customers have the choice between three patterns: “Al Husseiny” consists of endless colorful shapes separated by white rows, “Al Hawaya” consists of only two rows of colorful geometric shapes on a white background and “Al Noweiry” has red dominating its patterns.

This shop’s Bedouin silver collection includes necklaces in the shape of horseshoes that are believed to bring luck. Their collection of gems and precious stones such as rubies and garnets are hundreds of years

old. Their collection of Bedouin clothes includes a bride’s wedding dress with colorful rows sewn onto the dress with each row telling the story of a different era in Egypt. There is also a collection of Bedouin beauty products such as the all-too-famous “kohl” which is natural, authentic, thick eyeliner that Bedouin women wear to reflect sunlight.

Another reason for Marsa Matrouh’s fame in the shopping department is the fact that its location in the north western desert allows for the cultivation of many organic products such as special herbs, oils and various kinds of food. The herbs are used for beauty as well as medicinal purposes. Some cure

different illnesses such as coughs and other lung related problems, headaches etc. And the herb that is the most recommended among those is the desert mint, which is by far one of Marsa Matrouh’s best.

There are several restaurants with different cuisines to choose from. Pharmacies are well -stocked but pack any prescribed medicine or specific pharmaceutical product in case there is a shortage. There are plenty of bazaars, endless kiosks selling fresh drinks, fresh vegetables and fruits, henna etc.

Marsa Matrouh is a city that has grown over the past years but preserves its primitive and unique ways. Basically, it’s the best of both worlds.

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TRULY LOVE NIGHTLIFE

By Enas Elmohands

During

the

summer

months,

the

so that they are kept for these relaxing bike

Mediterranean town of Marsa Matruh is

rides. There are plenty of cafes to go to if

full of holiday makers; the white sandy

you are interested in sharing a cup of coffee

beaches now a flourish of colors and

and a shisha (hubbly bubbly) with friends

sounds clashing with the waves. At night,

or loved ones. You can also get a bite to eat

the town is brilliantly lit with shop vendors,

there.

street food and musicians. Marsa Matruh is

If you’re looking for food, there’s a

truly a relaxed beach resort town that

buzzing shisha lounge that serves delicious

mostly satisfies the easygoing traveler and

Lebanese food, a wealth of cafes and

families.

restaurants that offer traditional Egyptian

Nightlife in this part of the North Coast

food (kofta, tamiya, you name it) or if you

isn’t full of clubs and bars, and liquor is

are nostalgic for pizza, there’s a popular

pretty much BYOB. At night, people often

pizzeria with street-view seats. And, of

rent bicycles and certain streets are closed

course, there is seafood fresh from the clear Cont.

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waters of the Mediterranean.

Hotels

and

resorts

offer

are a couple wishing for some more aloneluxurious

accommodation with fine cuisine, private

time, you can securely have your children entertained while you re-bond.

beaches, and a variety of activities and facilities to choose from such as sports,

Marsa Matrouh is a quaint seaside town

swimming pools, bars, restaurants, indoor

that centers its daily activities on the crystal

games and shopping bazaars. There are also

waters. Bring a couple of books, portable

live music shows, dancing and cabarets

speakers, some good friends, a soccer ball

regularly. There are animation teams placed

or volleyball, and of course, bring your

in several of these hotels who serve to

own drinks. It is a beautiful, affordable

design daily activities around your needs so

beach-town-a must try! Even as a layover

that you get the fullest experience out of

to Siwa, it is the perfect getaway from the

your stay at Marsa Matrouh. And, yes,

sweltering summer heat and a hydrant for

there are kids clubs where children can be

the senses. So bring your mosquito

left to take part in fun, organized activities

repellent and bathing suit and stay a couple

with supervision and care. That way, if you

of nights. Treat yourself, you deserve it.

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TRULY LOVE INVESTING

By Omar Ibrahim This section is dedicated to small and medium sized investors looking for possibilities to invest their money from afar or move to a country where sunshine, sea and relaxation are a way of life.

Marsa Matrouh is one of the most popular vacation havens in Egypt. It is the annual summer destination which guarantees the best getaway from the hustle of everyday life. But Marsa Matrouh is not just the perfect summer destination. It is a small coastal town, with sprawling satellite settlements and attractions, where some axiomatic business ideas have not yet been looked at.

Although the town itself is beautiful, bright and calm, it is astonishingly rare to find a luxurious hotel in or near the town. Most of the few good hotels and resorts are situated tens of kilometers away from the town center, which doesn’t help alleviate tourists’ reluctance to visit the town, go sightseeing or taste the town’s mesmerizing fresh seafood.

The reason why some tourists may find it daunting to go touring around downtown is only partially due to the rather long distance between their hotels and the town. Another more apparent reason is that downtown Marsa Matrouh still requires more allure for such a tourist welcoming town. Shopping centers, franchises for world renowned clothing brands and famous coffee shops are pretty much needed and would attract foreign and Egyptian tourists, as well as many locals.

Furthermore, popular tourist sites like the beaches of Ageeba and Cleopatra’s Bath would become even more inviting if they were supplemented with good nearby restaurants, or better yet, rest houses with supermarkets and pharmacies. Also passing by garment stores and souvenir bazaars would become the second most favorite activity for visitors after getting the most out of the serene, spectacular scenery those two previously mentioned attractions exhibit.

With attractions and settlements widely scattered, a travel agency which provides comfortable and reasonably priced trips

between the famous hotels and the distant attractions is what a visitor to Marsa Matrouh would find indispensable.

Despite its predominantly touristic essence, Marsa Matrouh would never reject contributions to other fields of its economy. Certain parts of Marsa Matrouh, like El Hammam and El Dabaa, are rich in mineral resources like limestone and dolomite, which can provide some great opportunities for chemical industries such as quicklime, slaked lime and cement to flourish.

Contrary to what you would expect from a coastal town backed by a desert, Marsa Matrouh has vast potentials for agricultural investments, especially pharmaceutical and fragrant plants and certain desert favoring fruits like figs. In addition to investing in agriculture, building factories to turn the resultant crops into higher value products is an even greater win.

With all the incredible beauty and diverse tourist attractions, Marsa Matrouh has great potentials waiting to be unlocked, especially that the locals welcome development endeavors. The whole area has what it takes to become one of the focal points of economic development in Egypt in the future.

Regulations and Safety Issues 1. Do not drink tap water.

2. You must hold a permit to travel to the oases or into the surrounding desert.

Local guides may be able to arrange for these permits and your passports are needed. Permits are valid for only one day, so overnight trips aren’t always permitted.

3. Avoid walking on the rocks inside the sea as most of them are covered by algae that makes them very slippery.

4. Do not wander off the road into the desert around Alamein as not all WWII landmines have been found.

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TRULY LOVE CUISINES

By Amal Sarkiss

Tahini, Baba Gahnoug & Hummus Dips

‘Tahini’ comes from Arabic, ‘ṭaḥīnah’. The word appeared in English by the late 1900s, introduced

by Middle Eastern immigrants to English speaking countries.

Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds, the smallest and oldest oil producing seed known to humanity, grown in tropical regions since prehistoric times. There are different varieties of sesame, with colour ranging from white, to yellow, red and black. Tahini is made from white or yellow sesame.

In Ancient Egypt, sesame was called “sesemt” and was probably imported from Ethiopia. Ancient Egyptians appreciated the benefits of sesame and added the seeds to bread dough as documented in a 4000 year old tomb drawing. They used it to treat asthma, according to the Ebers Papyrus dated 1500 BC. They also used sesame oil in mummification as it is exceptionally resistant to rancidity.

The cultivation of sesame was introduced to Egypt much later; in the Ptolemaic era around 300 BC near Fayoum Oasis.

Besides being rich in protein, oil and fiber, Tahini is packed with important minerals and trace elements like copper (known for reducing pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis), magnesium (useful in preventing airway spasm in asthma), phosphorus, calcium & zinc (for bone strength and prevention of osteoporosis), vitamin B1, selenium & manganese (for good metabolism and a healthy nervous system) and Iron. It is high in omega 6 and phytosterols which lower blood cholesterol level and enhance the immune response. Special antioxidants in Tahini protect the liver and decrease the risk of certain cancers.

If you love healthy food, then these 3 Tahini based dips are for you.

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A. Tahini Dip Prep time: 10 min No cooking needed Servings: 4

them into a paste.

Add the rest of the ingredients of the tahini dip and mix well.

C. Hummus dip Ingredients: 1 cup tahini paste ½ cup water 2 lemon squeeze 3 Tbs vinegar 4 garlic cloves, minced ¼ tsp cumin Salt to taste 1 Tbs olive oil and 1 Tbs parsley leaves for garnish Method: In a food processor or a deep dish, mix all ingredients.

B. Baba Ghanoug Dip Prep time: 30 min Cooking time: 20 min Servings: 6 Ingredients: 1 medium sized aubergine (eggplant) 1 medium sized onion + All ingredients for tahini dip Method: Wash whole aubergine, prick its skin with a fork a few times and leave the stump on.

Bake with peeled onion on medium heat for 20 minutes till both are soft and the onion is golden.

Cut off the stump of the aubergine and squeeze its content into a deep dish or a food processor with the onion and mix

Prep time: 15 min Cooking time: 20 – 30 min Servings: 6 – 8 Ingredients: 1 cup chickpeas 1 tsp sodium bicarbonate + All other ingredients for tahini dip Method: Soak chickpeas in water with sodium bicarbonate overnight. Boil for 20 – 30 minutes. Then drain the water and mix it into a paste in the food processor. Note: one 400gm cooked canned chickpeas may be used instead.

Add the rest of the ingredients of the tahini dip and mix well.

Presentation, variations & tips: * You can make tahini paste by roasting sesame seeds, adding olive oil and turning them into a paste in a food processor. * Garnish with olive oil and parsley leaves. * Peri peri or paprika may be added to the mix of these dips or sprinkled as garnish. * The dips freeze well. When thawed, add a small amount of water and a lemon squeeze and mix well. * Tahini based dips are popular toppings for vegetables and meat dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine like fala fe l, Kebab and shawerma and are always served as a side with fish.

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Yasser ElRasoul Reading, especially history, geography and travel literature, has always been one of my most important hobbies.

Books have taken me to all corners of the Earth. My love and passion for discovering the world led to other hobbies such as photography and studying the effect of the environment on customs, traditions, clothing and cuisines.

I used to cycle to the villages surrounding my town, ElMahalla AlKubra, and return home to draw a map of the roads, canals and villages I had visited. Bit by bit, I wandered farther away to discover every inch of Sinai, the secrets of Aswan and Luxor and the beauty of Bahariya and Siwa Oases, the Red Sea and so on. I returned home loaded with pictures and maps and displayed them at my University (Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University) to help advocate domestic tourism. Everyone waited for my return to rediscover Sinai, Aswan etc.

My hobby began 25 years ago to discover every inch of Egypt with only my camera and my dreams, at a time when there was no Google Earth or GPS and domestic tourism was “excessive luxury�.

Recently, I began to organize private trips -each with a different group of friends- to increase the number of people who discover the secrets of Egypt and its treasures.

Yasser ElRasoul

Mohamed Gelany Mohamed Gelany Abd ElMalek was born and raised in Farafra Oasis. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Sciences and teaches bee keeping. He believes in self-development, which led him to attend several courses to develop his desert driving skills, marketing skills and knowledge of IT. He adores the desert to the point that some of its attributes have become a huge part of his personality. He is passionate about the Farafran culture and heritage, which -he feels- is on the point of extinction.

In his spare time, he loves doing volunteer work. He has learned a lot from his grandfather; most importantly his love for socializing and meeting new people.

Mohamed Gelany

Now in Arabic and Italian!

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