Destination Middle East & North Africa 2016

DESTINATION: MIDDLEEASTANDNORTHAFRICA

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2016

Ta bl e o f N ew s : pg . 3 pg 6: Are Russian Forces Act ual l y Leaving Syria? by: Joel Funderburk pg.8: Turkey on Brink of Invasion.. In a Sense. by: Tim Favrot pg. 10: Tunisian Man Spark Rebel l ions Across MENA by: Jane Murphy pg. 12: Oil Product ion Increases in Saudi Arabia by:Caroline Pitalo pg. 14: Is Morocco Going t o St arve? by: Ruffin Henry

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pg. 16: Must See by: Tim Favrot pg. 18: Quick Fact s and Graphs by: Joel Funderburk pg. 19: MENA Timel ine by: Jane Murphy pg. 22: Are you Considering Vol unt eering in t he MIddl e East ? by: Caroline Pitalo pg. 24: What t o do in t he Middl e East / Nort h Af rica by: Ruffin Henry

Ta bl e o f

Fair pr iced fashion

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By: JaneMur phy

A r e Ru ssia n Fo r c es Ac t u a l ly Leav in g Sy r ia ?

By: Joel Funderburk

On

Monday, March 14, Russian

points to Arab Springs and the US invasion

President Vladimir Putin announced that

of Iraq as evidence. A Russian opposition

the Russian airstrike campaign against

group spokesman Salim al-Muslet said

ISIS in Syria was a success and that their planes were beginning to return to home to Russia. The next day, the first group of Russian planes left Syria. It seemed that the controversial intervention in Syria was coming to a close. But, the truth is that Russia still has thousands of troops in Syria and shows no sign of removing them anytime soon.

"What really keep(s) Assad in power now, what keep(s) crimes until this moment, is the presence of the Russian forces there.?

Syria has been filled with violence since the beginning of the Syrian Civil War on March 15, 2011.

"What really keep(s) Assad in power now, what keep(s) crimes until this moment, is the presence of the Russian forces there.?

The announcement was as sudden

- Salim al-Muslet

as the start of the campaign back in The Russian military campaign started in September and has caused controversy from the very start. Critics of the campaign claim that the attacks have actually been targeting

Syrian

President

Bashar

Al-Assad?s opposition. Putin?s ideology is that revolutions do not bring stability and

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that regimes should not be removed. He

September. The media was so wrapped up in the sudden announcement by Putin that they missed the point.

Russia is not

withdrawing from Syria anytime soon. In

fact, Putin said it in clear Russian that the Tartus and Hmeymim bases continue to operate at present levels and continue...

T u r k ey O n Br in k o f In va sio n ... In a Sen se

By Tim Favrot For almost a year, the general public has been watching the Jihadist group ISIS with extreme attention as it gained power throughout the Middle East. The group, whose name stands for the Islamic State

Erdogan greeting supporters

of Iraq and Syria, has been targeting Christians and anyone in the free world since their foundation, and it appears that

drawn

NATO member Turkey is being endangered

government, especially President Tayyip

by the group.

Erdogan, who said, ?They have left us alone

outrage

the

Turkish

Turkey, which sits on the border of

in our struggle against this organization

Syria, has recently been the target of

which is shedding our blood both through

several ISIS bombings and attacks. They must defend their country to prevent ISIS

from

foothold

gaining in

a

Europe.

However, it appears that

?They have left us alone in our struggle against this organization which is shedding our blood both through suicide bombings and by attacks on Kilis,?Tayyip Erdogan

without

the

help

of

suicide bombings and by attacks on Kilis,?referring to a small Turkish city very close to the Syrian border which has been a frequent target of the organization?s brutality.

they will now have to do so the

US-led

multinational coalition against ISIS.

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from

Turkey,

while

in

much

better

condition than many of its neighboring

The coalition, backed by forces from

countries, still lacks a strong military and

the US, Canada, most NATO members and

was relying on help from the coalition in

several others, has withdrawn from Turkey

its defense against ISIS. If ISIS were to

in order to fight on other fronts. This has

eventually successfully gain land in Turkey,

T u n isia n M a n Spa r k s Rebel l io n s Ac r o ss M EN A By: Jane Murphy

It all started with a young man living

rebellions include Libya, Egypt, Yemen,

in a small city in Tunisia. Mohamed

Syria, and other countries in the Middle

Bouazizi was just trying to provide for his

East and North Africa. The first country to

family by selling fruits and vegetables,

follow in Tunisia?s footsteps was Egypt,

when he was violently

who

assaulted

Tunisia

officers

by

police

stating

believed

that

taught

them

his

?what to do if your

vending permit was not

government is corrupt,

valid. After putting up

its

with

corrupt

have failed, and you

long

think the status quo

Bouazizi

must change.? Similar to

the

government enough,

for

decided to protest in Eg y p t i an ci t i zen s p r o t est front of the government t h ei r co r r u p t g o v er n m en t .

economic

Tunisia,

policies

Egyptian

citizens protested the

building of Sidi Bouzid in the year 2011.

government, asking for democracy. The

That day, Mohamed Bouazizi lit himself on

president later resigned, but what seemed

fire and died eighteen days later. Many

to be a move towards a perfect world,

countries in the Middle East and North

actually was a step back due to terrorist

Africa were inspired by the situation in

groups

Tunisia and rebelled in their places of

violence in Egypt.

origin, beginning what is known as the Arab Spring.

The countries involved in this string of

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gaining

control,

continuing

Another country that was majorly affected by the Arab Spring was Libya. Many Libyans flooded towards to the port city of

O il Pr o du c t io n In c r ea ses in Sa u di A r a bia By: Caroline Pitalo Saudi Arabia is very dependent on

produced by Saudi Aramco, prices have

oil due to the fact that currently it is the

been recovering over last few months of

largest oil producer in the world. The

2016. During the middle of 2014, one

president of Saudi Arabian Oil Company,

barrel costed around $115, this price has

also called Saudi Aramco, told reporters

experienced a large drop in January. The

that demand for oil is increasing. Recently

original

al-Falih

Saudi

dollars and at one point costed only thirty

minister, which was

dollars. Currently, oil is being sold for

previously occupied by Ali al-Naimi since

forty-four dollars per barrel which is still

took

the

Arabia?s energy

position

of

price

decreased

eighty-five

the mid 1990s. The president and chief executor

of

the

Saudi

Arabian

Oil

Company is Amin Hassan Nasser, who assumed the position permanently in 2015, has been informing reporters of plans for the company.

The production of oil by Saudi Arabian state-run oil company is expected to be higher this year than previous years.

This company is planning on becoming

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In 1933, King Abdulaziz discovered oil near the Arabian Sea. The king granted Standard Oil of California, later renamed Chevron.

much less than during 2014.

the world?s leading energy and chemicals

The country of Saudi Arabia relies

company by 2020. This year, Amin Nasser

on the production of oil for eighty percent

expected the total of demand for oil to

of its budget revenue. Compared to

grow by more than one million barrels a

Russia, Saudi Arabia?s budget revenue

day. In 2014, there was a sharp fall in oil

relies on oil thirty percent more. Even

W il l M O r r o c o Bec o m e at l a n t is?

By: Ruffin Henry

M orocco is in danger of running out of

called prickly pear. Prickly Pear is a type of

supplies and resources that are necessary

fruit where the actual edible part can be

for everyday life such as food, putting the

pressed into jam. The seeds of this plant

residents of Morocco in extreme danger of

can be pressed into oil which can be used

starvation.

for making cosmetic items. Possibly the most important of prickly pear is that it produces water so the farmers can water their other plants and have water for their animals. Another very useful trait of the fruit is that it can be mixed with straw and used

to

feed

the

animals.

Morocco has a unique vulnerability

?The right to sustainable development does not mean protecting the environment at the expense of the economy. It means being wise enough to find a balance between economic development, social mobility, and the protection of resources ? so that there are enough resources to last our children and our grand-children.?

Morocco is a country in north east Africa that has a semi-arid climate. Since rain is rare the farmers in Morocco had to find another way to feed their animals and

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to climate change. The reason for this is Morocco is located on the coast of north east Africa and has over 3,400 kilometers of coastline putting it at high danger of climate change catastrophes involving the ocean. Morocco can

have some very

negative and harming effects due to climate change

such

as

higher

temperatures,

marked regional variations, and reduced rainfall. This country would also have a dramatic increase in the severity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes.

water their plants. Their solution was to use

Morocco is especially vulnerable to sea

a plant that can grow in this harsh climate

level rising because of its vast coastline of

T h in g s t o See in t h e M iddl e Ea st a n d N o r t h A f r ic a 1. The Great Sphinx of Giza Located to the south of the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx is a statue of a mythical figure that is a lion with a human head.

The statue is approximately 240 feet long and 66 feet tall. Its face is modelled after the Pharaoh Khafre.

2. Burj Khal if a The Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai, is the tallest building in the world at 2,717 feet. The tower houses several amenities its 162 floors, such as a five-star hotel. It is also known for its outdoor observation deck, the highest on earth.

3. t he Kaaba St one The Kaaba Stone, located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is the most sacred place in all of Islam. Every year, thousands make the pilgrimage to the stone to worship. However, only Muslims are allowed to see the stone, but it is worth noting such a famous

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location.

Middl e East & Quick Facts & Graphs By: Joel Funderburk Population Density

Urban vs Rural

Annual Rainfall (mm)

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Jan e M u r p h y

M EN A 1280 B.C.E: Moses leads the Exodus through Egypt.

0 AD: Jesus Christ is born in Bethlehem, Israel.

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1095 - 1291: Europeans arrive to fight the spread of Islam in the Arab World, beginning the Crusades..

1920: Islam moves west as the first mosque is built in the United States.

1909: The Jewish people build the Tel Aviv.

a r e y o u c o n sider in g v o l u n t eer in g in t h e m iddl e ea st ?

By: Caroline PItalo GoEco is a volunteer trip allowed entrance to experienced volunteers and volunteers contribute to the community, wildlife, and environments they visit. This volunteer trip includes trips to help wildlife, such as monkeys and animal shelters, for community projects, volunteers can go to teach children to surf or help conserve a coral reef. Trips with GoEco cost from $400 to $850 ranging in duration of a volunteers stay.

GoEco sends over one thousand volunteers to help world wide every year.

For Habit at f or Humanit y, volunteers can build and refurbish in Jordan and Egypt. These vacations last about nine days and the price

Habit at f or Humanit y helps places all over the world including Jordan and Egypt.

ranges from $1,150 to $1,410. To volunteer in this organization, volunteers do not need construction background because the volunteers are given jobs based on their background.

Kibbut z Vol unt eer is a volunteer program in Israel offering a stay from two to six months.

Volunteers can do as much as washing dishes, working on a fish farm, picking bananas and milking cows. The cost of the program is $690 and participants must range from ages 19 to 35 year olds. This program provides volunteers Kibbut z Vol unt eer helps to enhance your understanding of historical, cultural and social context of current issues challenging those who try to reform Israel.

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with the opportunity to meet volunteers from all over the world, an inexpensive trip to visit Israel and a real taste of Israeli life.

W h at t o do in t h e M iddl e Ea st / N o r t h A f r ic a By : Ru f f in H En r y

- Private tour of Giza - Have you ever wanted to go to Giza and see all the pyramids? If so than you will love to go on a private tour of Giza without the hassle of being in a group.

- Al Masmak Fort - Do castles and fortresses interest you? If so you would love to visit the Al Masmak Fort with is a middle eastern fort made 100% of clay.

- 3 day dessert tour via camel - Have you ever wanted to ride a camel through the desert like in the movies?

Then this trip is perfect for you. You get to travel the desert on a camel for only $109.

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- Private tour of Giza - Have you ever wanted to go to Giza and see all the pyramids? If so than you will love to go on a private tour of Giza without the hassle of being in a group.

- Al Masmak Fort - Do castles and fortresses interest you? If so you would love to visit the Al Masmak Fort with is a middle eastern fort made 100% of clay.

- 3 day dessert tour via camel - Have you ever wanted to ride a camel through the desert like in the movies?

Then this trip is perfect for you. You get to travel the desert on a camel for only $109.

Sof it el Cair o el Gezir ah

Stay With Us Cometo Cairo, let your worries fade.

Joel Funderburk.

Joel Funderburk.

Ma l l

of

Du b a i

Shop, Shop, Shop.

Shop 't ill you drop By: Caroline Pit alo

M o v ies Set in M EN A Throughout cinematic history, there have been several great films set in the Middle East and North Africa. The following are a few of the most notable: 1. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981): The fist movie of the critically acclaimed series, Jones (Harrison Ford), an archaeologist and treasure hunter, faces off against Nazi troops in Egypt who are searching for the Ark of the Covenant.

2. Casablanca (1942): One of the most famous films of all time and an inspiration of the Indiana Jones series, Casablanca is the story of an American man (Humphrey Bogart) who is forced to choose to be with the woman he loves or to help save her husband from Nazi forces.

3. Aladdin (1992): A now classic Disney movie, Aladdin is the story of a young man who meets a genie (Robin Williams) and wishes to become a prince to impress a princess.

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In du l g e in a Fo o die's Pa r a dise Jane Murphy

The Middle East has exotic flavors and spices unlike anywhere else in the world. Each country brings its own unique blend of regional delights.

If y o u ar e v i si t i n g Du b ai eat at ... If y o u ar e v i si t i n g Bei r u t eat at ...

A l Sar ab Ro o f t o p Lo u n g e: This restaurant mixes classic Middle Eastern food with Mediterranean and European styles. On top of the fantastic menu, you get to enjoy the rooftop view of the desert.

Th e r o o f t o p l o u n g e o f f er s a st u n n i n g v i ew o f t h e A r ab i an d eser t .

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A l Bal ad :

Lebanese food is among the most popular type of Middle Eastern cuisine, with its traditional ingredients including olive oil, garlic, herbs, and lemon juice.

Al Balad is located in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, which offers the best of Lebanese food. Some of the highest rated meals on the menu include the fetteh and the kebbeh.

Keb b eh , t h e m o st p o p u l ar i t em o n t h e m en u , i s co m p o sed o f m eat b al l s, ser v ed w i t h r i ce or bulg ur, or f r i ed .

A l Bal ad :

Lebanese food is among the most popular type of Middle Eastern cuisine, with its traditional ingredients including olive oil, garlic, herbs, and lemon juice.

Al Balad is located in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, which offers the best of Lebanese food. Some of the highest rated meals on the menu include the fetteh and the kebbeh.

Rel ig io u s Fest iva l s

By : C a r o l in e Pit a l o

The Middl e East and Nort h Af rica has many rel igious f est ival s based on rel igions such as Judaism, Christ ianit y and Isl am. Fest ival s incl ude Ramadan, Moul id Al Nabi, Eid Al Fit r, Eid Al Adha and more.

Jeddah Festival is considered tourist friendly and takes place in Jeddah, a port city during June and July. In 2000, the Jeddah Festival began to attract tourists the the second largest city in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah. Tourists and other visitors can taste Saudi foods, buy local crafts, or watch the opening fireworks display.It commemorates when fruits were first harvested and given to the Temple, also known as the ?Festival of the First It cel ebrat es t he giving of t he Torah at Mount Sinai, al so known as t he ?Fest ival of t he Giving of our Fruits,?or Hag Torah?, or Hag Mat an Torat einu.

Eid al - Fit r is an import ant Isl amic hol iday al so known as t he Feast of Fast Breaking or t he Lesser Feast . It marks Ramadan?s end and many Musl ims wake up earl y and pl ay at a prayer ground. Musl ims somet imes dress in t heir nicest cl ot hing and decorat e t heir houses are peopl e are f orgiven and money is given t o t he poor.

This f est ival is t he beginning of a t hree day f east in some count ries incl uding Jordan and t he Unit ed Arab Emirat es.

Eid al -Adha commemorat es t he wil l ingness of Ibrahim or Abraham t o f ol l ow God or Al l ah?s command t o sacrif ice his son, Ishmael . Many musl ims, at t end a sermon at t he mosque, where t hey pray and l ist en. They wear new cl ot hes, visit f amil y and f riends, and somet imes sacrif ice an animal . The sacrif icing of t his animal is cal l ed qurani, which represent s t he animal

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Musl ims may t ravel t o Mecca and areas

sacrif iced by Abraham in pl ace of

around it in Saudi Arabia t o compl et e

Ishmael . Around Eid al -Adha,

t he Haij pil grimage.

This f est ival is t he beginning of a t hree day f east in some count ries incl uding Jordan and t he Unit ed Arab Emirat es.

JERUSA LEM By : Jo el Fu n d er b u r k During a trip to the middle east, Jerusalem is a necessary city to travel to if you want to visit some of the most important religious sites in the world. After all, this is the land that was promised to the Jews, the city where Jesus was crucified, and Islam?s second most holy mosque.

Jerusalem is probably the most significant religious city and is definitely a very important city in all three of the Abrahamic religions, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

Religious

sites

are

Th o u san d s o f Jew s f l o o d t o t h e W est er n W al l t o p u t p r ay er s an d n o t es i n t h e cr ack s o f t h e w al l .

Jesus? crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection.

The church was constructed in 335 AD.

scattered

throughout all of Jerusalem. The first site, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, is the holiest site for Catholics and Orthodox Christians. This church marks the area of

The second site, the Temple of the Mount, is a large, ancient temple in the Old City of Jerusalem. The temple is often a site of huge religious controversy. In its center is the Dome of the Rock, a shrine built in the late seventh century and the third most important religious site for Islam as it marks the spot of Abraham?s offering of Ishmael and Muhammad?s ascension to heaven. However, it is also home to the Foundation Stone, the holiest site in

Th e Ch u r ch o f Sep u l ch r e m ar k s t h e ar ea Jesu s?cr u ci f i x i o n , b u r i al , an d Resu r r ect i o n .

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Judaism as it represents a junction between Heaven and Earth.

BA GHDA D By : Ti m Fav r o t

The city of Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, has endured much turbulence over the past few years. In 2003, the city was invaded during the US-Iraq war, causing much structural damage

to

the

city,

specifically

to

sanitation and power facilities, and placed the city and the entire nation under the grip of war until 2011. However, the

Al-Asheed Monument

withdrawal of US forces has not ended the violence and uncertainty facing the city.

ISIS has frequently mad the city a target of bombings and raids in their attempts to send the Iraqi government into flux, which would allow them to take control of the country, and violent crime is becoming increasingly common in the city. Because of this, many have forgotten what made the city so great, that being its illustrious history.

largest city in the Middle East (behind Istanbul) with a population of roughly 500,000. Today, it is still possible to see some of the walls built around the original city. Another famous landmark in the city is the Al-Asheed Monument, which was opened in 1983 to honor those who died in the

Iraq-Iran

War

three

years prior.

Underneath the monument, there is a museum, a

library, and

many

other

amenities.

The city was founded in 762 CE to be the capital of the Abbasid Empire by al-Mansur, the empire?s second ruler. Soon after its foundation it was the second

If you are a history lover, then the Baghdadi Museum is for you. Hundreds of artifacts, some as old as the city itself, are stored there. Another famous museum in

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Al-Asheed Monument

M A RRA KESH: M o r e f o r t h e Fam i l y Looking

for

the

perfect

Jan e M u r p h y

family

is a local hotel that spits off a middle

getaway in North Africa, but just can not

eastern vibe through its architecture. If you

seem to find a safe and suitable place?

prefer a resort for the family, the Four

Located in the heart of

Seasons is one of the

the

Desert,

nicest resorts and spas

Marrakech, Morocco is

to relax. The ideal

the perfect city for you.

time to visit Marrakech

This lively city is filled

is from March through

with

May

Sahara

family-friendly

activities, but is still intriguing to adults.

If safety is your

or

October

through November.

Marrakesh?s economy is thriving,

Cam el r i d es t h r o u g h t h e top priority, Morocco is Sah ar a Deser t m ak e f o r t h e since it is an the country farthest ex p er i en ce o f a l i f et i m e. industrial city and the away from the Syrian war, while still being

third largest in Morocco. Therefore, there

located in the Middle East and North Africa.

are vendors and markets everywhere,

Also, Morocco is the only country not

where you can find fantastic meals without

enduring turmoil or violence due to war.

spending too much money. If you have a

Not only is Marrakech safe, it will make for

passion for shopping, the dollar is very

the trip of you and your children?s life.

strong in Morrocco, with one U.S dollar is

Feeling secure is very important in your

equal to 9.70 Moroccan dirhams. Even

hotel as well, since it will be your home

though Marrakech offers wonderful street

for the week or however long you are

food, if your family prefers in dining meals,

staying. Several travelers have suggested

the restaurant scene contains all different

the La Mamounia Marrakesh, which

types of food ranging from different taste

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DUBA I By : Car o l i n e Pi t al o

A great place to celebrate after the big day

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is not only an

and begin a marriage is Dubai, United Arab

extraordinary hotel, but also a symbol of

Emirates. Dubai is a very luxurious place

modern Dubai. Everything about the Burj Al

and a romantic attraction for newly weds. If

Arab Jumeirah is unique especially its very

you are looking for a place to honeymoon

distinctive sail shape. This hotel was

after a marriage, Dubai is a great idea.

repeatedly

During your vacation you can go shopping,

luxurious hotel. It offers a number of

The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping

amenities

center in the world, or while traveling, take

chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce, a private

a pit spot in one of Dubai?s air conditioned

reception on every floor and personal

bus stops.

butlers. Starting in October 2016, the

Dubai has a large selection of hotels for

culinary part of the hotel will be improved

honeymoons and a range of luxurious hotel

by the famous English chef, Nathan Outlaw.

some

are

relaxing, others have

voted

the

including

world?s

an

most

optional

fun

activities to enjoy with your spouse.

Gorgeous yet comforting resorts and hotels include Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Bab Al Sham and Atlantis the Palm, however there are still many more that would make a honeymoon fantastic.

Bab Al Shams is an exclusive resort in the deserts of Dubai surrounded by dunes and natural desert landscape. This resort offers guests

unique,

traditional

desert

experiences true to culture and heritage of the UAE.

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GIZA

By Ru f f i n Hen r y

Giza Egypt, the city with so much history about the ancient Egyptians. Giza is a well known city in Giza Egypt due to is very impressive pyramids. Giza is located on the Giza Plateau and is the most famous city in this area. Some of the most impressive and astonishing monuments in the entire world are located here. Some of

Pyramid of Giza, and the ever so famous

The Great Sphinx Watches over an Egyptian Sunset.

Great Sphinx. Along with these two famous

2500 BC. The Great Pyramid of Giza and the

monuments there are also many temples

Great Sphinx were both made for the

and other pyramids in Giza.

Pharaoh Khafre. There are also many

these

monuments

include

the

Great

Giza is very famous for many of its

fantastic museums located in Giza that you

sculptures and monuments made by the

can visit. Many of these museums focus

ancient Egyptians. One of the most famous

around the history of Giza and the pharaohs

monument located in Giza is the Great

who ruled over Egypt in the past. The city of

Pyramid. This monument was made in 2560

Giza is very beautiful and astonishing but

BC by the ancient Egyptians for the burial of

there are also some downfalls to all of the

the Pharaohs. Another famous monument

greatness.

located in Giza is the Great Sphinx. This very

Giza is truly an amazing city because

popular monument which is famous for

it has very impressive monuments and

having the lack of a nose, was built around

statues. but throughout all of the great

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