Truly Love Egypt May 2015 Issue 12; Siwa

Truly Love Egypt Siwa

May 2015 Issue 12

Shali Ghali Fortress Temple of Amun Cleopatra’s Bath Mountain of the Dead Date Cake recipe

PLEASE TURN ON YOUR SOUND

The song that is playing is Moshtaalak Ainy by Amer Mounib

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE The Field of Trees with its unique culture and its significance throughout history!

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Cont

TRULY LOVE NATURE The oasis of plenty; lakes, springs, flora and fauna!

12 TRULY LOVE

6 Wildlife

DAY ACTIVITIES Let the adventures begin, the oracle amuse you and the sand take your pain away!

16 SCRAPBOOK PAGE 18 TRULY LOVE HISTORY Three amazing sites you don’t want to miss!

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12 A magical complexity

tents

24 TRULY LOVE SHOPPING Unique, handmade products for a soothing, romantic atmosphere!

28 TRULY LOVE NIGHTLIFE Choose your serenity!

32 TRULY LOVE INVESTING A trustworthy business environment!

24 Shopping

34 TRULY LOVE CUISINES Date Cake: Did you know nutritional deliciousness was possible to achieve?

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FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER Ahmed Yaqub

28 Nightlife!

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OTHER EDITIONS

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UPCOMING ISSUE 3

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.

Siwa Oasis, one of Egypt's most isolated settlements, lies between the Qattara Depression and the Egyptian Sand Sea in the Western Desert. Its 23,000 inhabitants are mostly North African Berbers, with a unique culture and a distinct language; Siwi. However, nowadays, almost everyone in Siwa speaks and writes Arabic.

It was first settled in the 10th millennium BC with the earliest evidence of connection with ancient Egypt during the 26th Dynasty.

Ptolemaic Egypt named it the "Field of Trees". Later, when the oracle of Amon was built, it was named “Ammonium”. Greek settlers at Cyrene made contact with the oasis around 7th century BC. Herodotus wrote about it in his Histories.

Alexander the Great visited it and the oracle supposedly confirmed him as both a god and the Pharaoh of Egypt.

In 708, the Siwans resisted an Islamic army and only converted to Islam in the 12th century and then the new town, Shali Ghali, was established. Shortly after, a new group of settlers arrived in Siwa and planted their famous palm trees. The original inhabitants were unwilling to live with the newcomers and feuds continued into the 20th century even though the oasis was officially added to Egypt by Muhammad Ali in 1819. Dalrymple Belgrave describes a number of

disputes when he was in Siwa from 1920 to 1921. In 1928, King Fouad visited the oasis.

Siwa was the site of some fighting during World War I and World War II. The British Army's Long Range Desert Group was based here, but Rommel's Afrika Korps also took possession three times. German soldiers went skinny dipping in the lake of the oracle. In 1942, the Italian 136th Infantry Division, Giovani Fascisti, occupied the oasis. The oasis appears as a base of the Long Range Desert Group in the 1958 war film Ice Cold in Alex.

To get there: By coach from Turgoman Terminal in Cairo to Marsa Matrouh (500km in 5 hours) then another coach or a minibus to Siwa (306km in 4 hours) or a train from Cairo to Alexandria (2 hours) then a coach to Siwa (586 km in 8 hours). Sometimes there is a direct night coach from Cairo to Siwa (800km in 9 hours). By plane, you can fly to Alexandria or Marsa Matrouh and then take the coach to Siwa.

Average temperature: October to April 20 Celsius. May to September 27 Celsius.

Note: If you visit Siwa in October, don’t miss the traditional 3-day date harvesting festival.

Manager, Editor and Designer

Amani Adel Sarkiss

Manager, Editor and Designer Amani Adel Sarkiss Freelance Writers Aisha Abdelwahab Basma Amer Enas Elmohands Omar Ibrahim Amal Sarkiss Photography: Ahmed Yaqub: cover, p3 bottom, p15, p16 & 17 background, p16, p19, p22, p23, p30, p36, p37 Yasser El-Rasoul: p2, p6 to p14, p17, p18, p20, p21, p24, p25, p28, p29, p31, p32 Ahmed Emam: p3 top, p27, p40 Amal Sarkiss: p34 Yahoo images: other pics

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

TRULY LOVE NATURE

By Basma Amer

A piece of paradise near the borders of Egypt,

with the fresh water springs. The salt lakes

Siwa Oasis, has grown wise through its

shrink a considerable amount during summer

allegiance with time. The years have assembled

but seem to continue existing due to the supply

an array of magnificent sites through a

of the fresh, underground water springs.

remarkable relationship with Mother Nature.

There are hundreds of springs in Siwa;

An example of natural complexity is the

however, only a few are very famous. There is

connection between the many springs and lakes

Ain Al-Arais with its scenic cave-like base, Ain

found in Siwa. Siwa Oasis consists of five main

Qurayshat which happens to be the largest

lakes: Birket Siwa, Shiatta Lake, El Maraqi,

spring in Siwa, Cleopatra’s Bath (Juba Bath)

Birket Zeitun and Birket Azmuri. The lakes in

which legend claims was visited by Cleopatra,

Siwa Oasis are highly saline and do not have

Al Arag found in a remote depression behind

much marine life, with the exception of a few

limestone cliffs, Kharmisah which consists of

species of fish and algae, such as chara.

five springs, Ain Abu Shuruf and Ain Schiffar

However, they share a peculiar relationship

which is the spring with healing powers.

Cont.

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However, the most interesting spring is Bir

which, according to research, may pre-date

Wahed (Well Number One). The fresh water

three million years. However, this is not the

lake is surrounded by reed and has plenty of

only fossil you will find in Siwa Oasis. The

fish. Its added complexity is a hot sulfurous

Great Sand Sea, once an ocean millions of

water spring. It can be found south of the

years ago and currently the world’s third

fresh lake, in the midst of the Great Sand Sea.

largest dune field, displays a picturesque

Palm trees surround the hot sulfur spring and

collage of fossilized marine life. There are

create a serene atmosphere. Bir Wahed is a

fossilized sand dollars, petrified wood and

great place to relax and receive therapeutic

fossilized corals. You can also observe a

treatment from the sulfur’s medicinal nature.

number of fossils in the dunes of Fossil

Another

the

Mountain, the mermaid fossil area, magic

historical richness of Siwa Oasis can be found

corals, meteor stone areas, chalk rocks and

north of Bahey El Din, a local village. There

volcanic stones and mountains.

lies the oldest hominid footprint in the world

Mother Nature has truly outdone herself in

remarkable

place

marking

Cont.

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preserving the past, and in creating this next

vibrant yellow background is a brilliant

site. To fully experience Siwa, one of the

canvas for colorful greenery. There are red

stops that must be made is Shiatta Lake. The

grapes, figs, apricots, sweet lemons, bitter

saline lake is nestled within a ring of palm

oranges, limes, pomegranates, okra, eggplant,

trees and is visited by gazelles and birds, such

pumpkin, tomatoes, cress, onions, broad

as flamingos, ducks and coots. Siwa Oasis is

beans, garlic, mint, radishes, wheat, barley,

an open-air wildlife park. There are hares,

flax, vetches and Egyptian clover. However,

bustards, sand grouse, turtledoves, jerboas,

the most lush are the gardens of olive trees

jackals, hyenas, fennec foxes, sooty falcons,

and palm trees. They are beautiful to walk

quails, slender-horned gazelles and cheetahs,

amongst as well as being the perfect spots to

which are one of the most endangered cat

watch birds of different colors and species.

species.

Siwa Oasis is an exotic landscape. Its natural

The marvelously designed oasis continues to

and therapeutic beauties are masterfully

paint a vivid picture for spectators. Siwa’s

intertwined, making it the perfect escape.

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TRULY LOVE DAY ACTIVITIES

By Basma Amer An adventurous motif lies hidden within the

before your next stop at Al Arag Oasis. The oasis

Western Desert of Egypt. Siwa Oasis, whose

is an amazing place to awe at the artifacts and

magical complexity is illustrated by the legends

artwork left on and near the tombs.

of history coupled with a distinct relationship

The same amazement can be experienced at the

with nature, gives you the opportunity to explore

Shali Ghali Fortress. There you can get a true

a world full of adventure.

glimpse of how the people of Siwa used to live

Begin your journey with a thirst to unravel the

in their khershef homes. Or, better yet, visit the

hidden secrets within the mountains. Discover

abandoned village of Zeitun (Olive). It is similar

the tombs of Gebel Al Mawta (Mountain of the

to the Shali Ghali Fortress but treasures its own

Dead). There lays the Si Amun, the Crocodile

uniqueness. There you can find mud-brick

tomb, and the tomb of Ni Ber Baghouti Allow

homes and an olive press once used.

yourself to be hypnotized by the panoramic view

The past is all done but never forgotten. That is

Mountain of the Dead

Temple of Amun why your delve into history is far from over. The

Wahed.

Temple of Umm Ubayd, AKA the Temple of

If, however, you are looking for a more take-it-

Amun or The Oracle, made its mark on history

easy adventure, then begin your journey by

which dates back to Alexander the Great. It is

hiking up Dakrour Mountain. There the hot sand

said that this is where the great Macedonian

is believed to have healing powers. The process

ruler came in search of his godhood.

begins with individuals being buried neck-deep

The great ruler’s stride to glory is one of many

into the sand for about twenty minutes. The sand

stories. There are more untold stories amongst

helps relieve rheumatism and arthritis pain. The

the dunes of the Great Sand Sea. Go for a safari

process should be repeated for three to five days.

and feast your eyes on the marine life that used

Another therapeutic location is Bir Kighar hot

to exist there. There are countless fossils waiting

spring. The temperature of the mineral and

to be found. Or choose to crank your adrenaline

highly sulfuric waters helps heal skin diseases

switch up and go sand boarding and quad biking

such as psoriasis, digestive disorders and

on the wild desert dune. You can even go

rheumatic ailments.

swimming in the cold or hot waters of Bir

There are several places to relax, but amongst Cont.

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Dakrour Mountain

the most beautiful is Cleopatra’s Bath. The hot

comfortable shoes. Siwa Oasis can be very hot,

spring is surrounded by Siwa’s famous palm

so it is advisable to go during spring or autumn.

trees and is a great place to have a picnic and

Women are advised to dress more modestly out

take a dip in the water. Another one of Siwa’s

of respect for the Berber natives of Siwa.

magnificent sites is Fatnas Island (Fantasy

Shali Ghali Fortress: No entrance fee

Island) located on Birket Siwa. The island is

Temple of Amun: An entrance fee of $3 approx

also a great spot to have a picnic and is famous

and $1.5 approx for students

for its romantic and picturesque sunset.

Mountain of the Dead: An entrance fee of $3

The oasis is a historical sanctuary which evolved

approx and $1.5 approx for students

over time. No words can effectively describe its

Cleopatra’s Bath: Free of charge. Women are

splendor. Siwa awaits you to come seek its

advised to wear a t-shirt over their bathing suit.

beauty yourself.

Fatnas Island: The café does supply tea and

Tips:

juice; however, prices reach three to four Euros.

Be sure to bring your swimwear, sunscreen and

Make sure to bring a mosquito repellent.

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SCRAPBOOK PAGE

TRULY LOVE HISTORY

By Aisha AbdelWahab

Walking in the middle of the desert, as the summer breeze hits you with all kinds of scents, a beautiful oasis appears out of nowhere between the Qattara Depression and the Egyptian Sand Sea in the Western Desert.

This oasis, which goes by “Siwa”, is one of Egypt's most beautiful yet most isolated settlements with only 23,000 inhabitants, constituted mostly of Berbers who developed their own culture and their own language; Siwi. It is said that the oasis has been settled at since at least the 10th millennium BC, and that it was known as the "Field of Trees" in ancient Egyptian during the Ptolemaic period.

However, the beautiful scenery is not the sole reason for the oasis' fame. Siwa’s astounding

ancient monuments have played a great role in the conception of this fame.

Throughout this journey, we will be visiting three ancient monuments. Our first stop is a personal favorite, the beautiful gem, the Shali Ghali Fortress (with "Shali" being the name of the town and "Ghali" translating into remote). It was built in 1203 A.D and is at the centre of the city. It is a breathtaking construction built on natural rock, an inselberg, and is made of salt, mud-brick and palm logs (also known as khershef). In 1929, it was damaged by three days of heavy rain.

The result was the “melting” of the complex which led the inhabitants to abandon it. It remains uninhabited today yet it is a Cont.

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prominent feature as it is still part of the current town, towering five stories above the town, and lit at night by floodlights. The only repaired building in the Shali complex is a mosque and it is still in use. Otherwise, most of the unreinforced khershef buildings bordering the streets of the Shali have deep cracks or have collapsed. In order to easily approach it, you must take on its southwest side, south of the end of the paved road which curves around from the north side of the Shali.

Our second ancient monument of the day is

none other than the Temple of the Oracle (or Amun Temple). Although only its ruins remain, its historical significance is still intact and far exceeds it being a place of worship that once welcomed ancient people. The Oracle Temple was visited by Alexander the Great -amongst others- and is one of the most cherished and prominent sites of Siwa even though it is in one of the most abandoned villages, located 4 km away from the present town of Siwa. Although there are a lot of myths about the founding of the temple, it seems to have been constructed during the Cont.

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26th dynasty (even though it is reputed that the oracle itself is much older) and that it reached its peak and flourished well during the Greek and Roman periods. The temple sits atop a flat rock that is slowly cracking and from which big chunks slide off from time to time. Therefore, it is questionable just how long the temple's ruins will remain. The temple's façade is easy to spot and leads to an interior of two large halls and a sanctuary with an entrance at the main axis. The sanctuary measures 3.3 meters wide by 6.1 meters deep and has only its walls adorned with inscriptions dating from the 4th century 22

BC, some of which, unfortunately, were damaged by treasure hunters. Like the rest of the rooms, the sanctuary was -once upon a time- roofed over. In order to reach the temple, you must climb a well-marked path up the side of the rock it surmounts.

Last on our list but certainly not least is the well-known ancient spot that goes by “Cleopatra's Bath”, referring to none other than Queen Cleopatra VII (variously known as Ain Juba, Ain Al Hammam or the Spring of the Sun). It is an ancient natural spring with crystal clear water gurgling up in a large stone pool, located on the path that leads to

the Temple of Amun. Nature and history combined at one location is a dream come true! This spring was mentioned by Herodotus, a Greek historian, back in the 5th century BC. He described its bubbling water in his Histories as “boiling hot during the chilly evenings and cool during the heat of the day” in reference to the wide spread idea that the water miraculously changes its temperature throughout the day, according to the needs of the users. It is said that Cleopatra once bathed in the spring during one of her visits to Siwa.

I hope you have enjoyed this refreshing tour

of interesting monuments and locations.

These and many more remarkable sites await your visit to Siwa. Don't forget to email us your experience :-) Quote of the month: “We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” - Martin Luther King Fact of the month: Cambyses, the Achaemenid King of Persia and the eldest son of King Cyrus II, once tried to destroy the oracle but failed because he lost his army somewhere in the outreach of the Western Desert.

TRULY LOVE SHOPPING

By Aisha AbdelWahab

Fresh, organic, handmade, colorful and reasonably priced are all simple key words that help you obtain that one of a kind object you seek. And in order for an object to be exceptional, it has to be handmade, unique and have its own identity; otherwise, what would differentiate it from the thousands of other products sold worldwide?

So if uniqueness is what you seek, Siwa is definitely where you want to shop! Siwa’s handmade products are plenty. There are distinctive hand woven blankets made of Egyptian cotton. In addition, the embroidery and the beading work in Siwa are quite famous and are mostly done by the local women so

you are sure to get that local touch. The women also make brightly colored bags that are definitely worth buying for yourself or as a gift for someone back home. Siwi women are also known for their embroidered cushions and pillows that add a great touch to your bedroom or living space.

Other matchless products include salt candles.

The locals collect the salt from salt lakes and then process the large salt blocks to shape them into beautiful candles. The result is candles that warm up your environment and add a distinct calming, romantic glow. Other great examples of Mother Nature and brawn coming together to create the finest and most Cont.

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delicious produce are some of the things grown in Siwa. For many decades, Siwa dates and olive oil have been highly popular.

Other delicious locally grown produce can be found at the fresh fruit and vegetable stalls.

Fresh and locally grown are in abundance!

However, as Siwa is quite an isolated place, finding your day-to-day needs might be a bit of a challenge. I suggest taking any specially prescribed pharmaceuticals or your own favorite cereal as there might be a shortage on the products there. If you smoke, take your supply of cigarettes with you as the vendors stock only some of the local brands as well as other brands from Libya. There are no liquor shops either so if you are a drinker, pack your needed supply before your visit.

To cool off from the sun and to rest your feet, relax in one of the cute little ‘Ahwas’ (traditional Egyptian coffee shops) and have a cold drink or a sweet tea. If you are feeling hungry mid-shopping, try a sandwich to go from one of the ta'meya (Egyptian Falafel) and foul (fava beans) stands scattered a little bit everywhere.

However, if you are in the mood for a relaxing meal, remember that the oasis is mostly comprised of Berbers and you wouldn't want to miss having one of their famous traditional dishes.

Note: If you’d like to learn how to cook Egyptian Falafel, check out the recipe in Truly Love Egypt Issue 1; Nuweiba and the foul recipe is in Issue 8; Dahab. Enjoy!

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TRULY LOVE NIGHTLIFE

By Enas Elmohands

In the desert, approximately 50km east of the Libyan border, where dialects mingle and languages race, lies Siwa. Known for its hot springs, it is an ancient remedy of relief under the sun’s arrows. Under the overwhelming night sky, where the stars shoot like comets and its comrades lie as if suspended from string, Siwa stays silent.

Siwa is the perfect getaway for all types of people: those who wish to have a more natural experience and those who want to relax more luxuriously.

For those who enjoy something more primitive, there are camps. Every group has its khaima (an open tent) and there, you can partake in long over-due conversations with

friends, partners or loved ones. The Berbers will make a fire for everyone to sit around, barbecue meat and provide you with freshly baked balady bread and an array of salads to dip into. One camp is actually owned and managed by a gifted Berber musician who often performs. Both Berbers and guests are welcome to play their instruments, dance, sing and take part in the merriment.

Dancing around a camp-fire in Siwa is a thoughtful experience -but a releasing onea letting go to the wind in celebration of the night. Afterwards, the hosts will make their ever-famous traditional Berber tea, which is sweet and thick and absolutely delicious.

Cont.

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They also make a sweet drink made from dates, which is a great nightcap, especially for those who don’t drink. Berbers have known a way of life foreign to our understanding of the world; they live with nature and can navigate the endless dunes of desert and mountains in the Sahara. I recommend speaking with them and listening to the interesting stories they have to tell. Camp in the desert and sleep while your body sinks into the soft, cool sand.

For those who are looking for something more self-indulgent, there are a variety of lodges, hotels and resorts to check into.

There are several that provide just utterly magical experiences with architecture modeled after the ancient past, either overlooking water or clustered along the White Mountain. There you can lavish

yourself at the spa, ease up to a massage and cool down in a pool. You can wine and dine on international or Egyptian food.

There are resorts and lodges built purely of mud and salt, and one lodge that romantically glows from the candlelight, opting out for a no-electricity approach.

If you’re looking for drinks, there won’t be any liquor shops hidden under the dunes of sand (if only though). You should bring your own beer and liquor but can freely drink it as you may. There is also only one cafe in the village of Siwa where you can go and sit, drink tea or eat. Siwa is an oasis of stillness in a world that knows naught but movement. It is a fantastic experience for families, friends, lovers and, of course, the solo traveler.

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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.

For many people, investing is adding more elements and sowing new seeds instead of just making use of already existing potent prospects at the place of interest. Looking from such a viewpoint, Siwa is a very good place to implement some creative ideas for medium and small sized businesses.

Siwis give their heritage the very high appreciation you would expect from a genuine culture. Salt candle making -for example- is among the chief aesthetic specialties of the Siwi artistry. It is one kind of industry that has the potential to get more recognition even inside Egypt and thus bring in more fans of both art and heritage to Siwa.

An art gallery which selects the highest quality salt candles would attract visitors with a range of different objectives and would expectedly gain recognition outside Siwa if it was well marketed.

Another Siwi specialty, which is deeply rooted in the people’s tradition, is dates.

Siwa’s agricultural fields are jammed with palm trees. A company, specialized in producing different kinds of high quality dates and their products like date cookies and sweets while, preferably, introducing newer and sustainable technologies in the industry, is certainly a good thing to bet on.

Similarly, as Egyptian olive fields are among the highest yielding in the world, and with the climate and soil in Siwa being absolutely favorable, Siwi farmers have long taken up olive cultivation. Olive farms and olive oil factories would also be highly profitable.

Siwa is more commonly appreciated as a tourist destination rather than a group of villages with a majority of ordinary middle class citizens. In a sense, this has led to disregarding a wide range of investment ideas that would provide the community with its most needed services.

One of the most plausible needs of the Siwi community is quality education at all education levels provided by privately

owned institutes. With the lack of adequate educational services, which becomes more and more apparent as we go further from the capital, a private school is indeed a promising business to go for.

Transportation between the attractions of the oasis and between Siwa and the surrounding oases is not easy unless you’ve got your private car. Although roads are well paved and maintained, a comfortable coach or a mini bus service which links Shali (the main town in Siwa) with the remote attractions, settlements and other oases would work at its full capacity from the very first day of its deployment. Moreover, off-roading, safaris and dune bashing are very popular among both Egyptian and foreign tourists. These need specially equipped SUVs. You can establish your own SUV rental service for such purposes, but keep in mind that tourists will need professional drivers and guides to accompany them.

A promising business climate with such an amazing proliferative power should be trusted. It is rare that you would find a place as trustworthy as Siwa Oasis when it comes to the previously mentioned investment ideas.

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

2. You must hold a permit to travel from Siwa to Bahariya Oasis or into the desert surrounding Siwa. 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. Do not show public displays affection and dress modestly.

of

4. It is very hot in the summer so wear a hat and stay hydrated and very cold at night in the winter so pack accordingly.

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TRULY LOVE CUISINES

By Amal Sarkiss

Date Cake

Date palm trees are believed to have originated in Egypt along the Nile and in Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers before 4000 BC. The Arabs introduced it to Spain which, in turn, introduced it to the Americas in the 1700’s.

Now date palms are grown wherever the climate is suitable. However, Egypt is the world’s top exporter of dates, exporting more than 20% of the world’s dates. A variety of dates is grown in Egypt; Zaghloul, Hayani, Amhat, Samani, Bent Eisha and Siwa, just to name a few. Their sweetness differs and so does their colour; golden yellow, bright red and dark brown.

They all have one thing in common; plenty of health benefits! Dates are high in soluble fiber which prevents constipation and promotes colon health. Their significant mineral content such as calcium, selenium, manganese, copper and magnesium contributes to developing strong, healthy bones in the young and fighting off osteoporosis in old age. Their B Vitamins and potassium content results in a healthy nervous system and increased alertness and brain activity, proving beneficiary for the elderly. Rich in potassium, dates reduce the risk of strokes and heart disease. Rich in iron, dates improve anemia. The presence of organic sulfur reduces allergic reactions and seasonal allergies.

Dates are excellent for muscle development and recovery from injury or illness. Moreover, their high sugar content is a great energy booster.

Dates are eaten both fresh and dried and using them in cakes just adds one more way to enjoy this healthy, sweet fruit.

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Preparation time

Cooking Time

Serves

20 min

30 - 40 min

8 - 12

Ingredients: ½ Kg dates pitted (& skinned if possible) 1 cup hot water 1 tsp baking soda 1 cup sugar 1½ cup flour 1 tsp baking powder

Dash of salt ½ tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground ginger 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 60 gm butter (softened) ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preparation: Divide the dates into two portions.

Cut the dates of the first portion longitudinally into 2 halves and set aside.

Chop the other portion into small pieces. Soak the chopped dates in hot water and add 1 tsp baking soda. Let it set for 10 minutes.

Directions: Beat the sugar and butter. Then add the eggs and the vanilla extract.

Mix together the flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger and baking powder. Then gradually add them to the sugar, egg and butter mixture. Then mix in the soaked dates along with the water it was soaked in. Add the chopped walnuts.

In a greased 10” (25cm) spring form pan, arrange the date halves with their smooth side facing down. Then pour the cake mix on top of them.

Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180*C (350*F) for 30 - 40 minutes.

While it is still warm, turn the cake onto a plate. Using a spring form pan would make it easier to separate the bottom of the cake from the pan.

Variations: - You may use only ½ the amount of dates. In this case, add them to the cake mix and do not put any dates at the bottom of the pan.

- You may reduce the amount of sugar in the cake mix to 2/3 or ½ cup if you desire to make it less sweet.

- Butter may be replaced by 60ml of vegetable oil.

- Walnuts may be replaced by any other preferred nut(s) or sunflower seeds.

Presentation: It may be served warm or cold.

Top with fresh cream, ice cream or vanilla custard if you so desire.

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Ahmed Yaqub Since he was a child, Ahmed has been very passionate about taking photos of family members, friends and places. At the age of 16, he got introduced to his first professional camera which was a gift from his father. This was the boost that turned an amateur child to a professional photographer.

While Ahmed was studying medicine at university, he discovered that medicine wasn’t what he wanted to do in his life.

He decided to expand his knowledge, learn more about cameras and study photography. He attended a few courses, joined workshops and got invo lve d in t he p ho to gra p hy community. A few years later, he started working as a freelance photographer, covering events as well as commercial photography.

His enthusiasm drove him to share his knowledge and experience with others.

So he started working as a photography instructor for beginners in a studio in Maadi, Cairo. Sharing his experience with more than 80 photography lovers has made him feel content.

Ahmed has traveled with his camera to every corner of Egypt; to explore it and capture its beauty with his lens. For him, travelling and photography go hand in hand. He has also explored different parts of the world with his camera, capturing different cultures, beautiful landscapes and amazing people. So far he has been to Indonesia, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Italy, France and Turkey; with plans to do much more traveling in the coming years.

“Everyone should follow his/her passion no matter what! Even if it requires making major changes or career shifts to do what you love!� said Yaqub.

Ahmed Yaqub

Now in Arabic and Italian!

Read them exclusively at www.sarkiss.net

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