Culture & Travel
9 May 2023Today, we find ourselves in the jewel of the Sinai Peninsula, the devil's triangle of the Middle East. This is the Maldives of the Middle East, with its turquoise sea hidden in scorching hot weather and its historical texture. We are exactly in Sharm El Sheikh.
This city is always at the forefront of the region, with its unique beaches, crystal clear waters, and unique reefs, attracting tourists who want to explore underwater. However, it should be noted that Sharm El Sheikh is not only important as a vacation spot but also as an important attraction for historical and cultural discoveries. It's not too difficult to encounter the Ancient Egyptian civilization in the scent of its sand. At the same time, we have no doubt that visitors will be fascinated by the local handicrafts, handmade products, jewelry, fabrics, and other souvenirs. Let's join the exciting, luxurious, and adventurous atmosphere of Sharm El Sheikh without dwelling on our introductory sentences. We wish you a pleasant reading.
From a Small Fishing Village to the Region's Most Popular
It all started with Ancient Egypt here. The various fish caught in its unique sea provided for the people's livelihood. 23 centuries ago, this region encountered a man unforgettable in history. Bukhepalos, his beloved horse carrying Alexander the Great, stirred up the sands with its hooves. Then, it witnessed the greatest empires in history, from the Roman Empire, Byzantine, Arabs, Mamluks, to the Ottoman. It also witnessed the last war it was involved in 60 years ago. In the 1960s, Sharm El Sheikh was occupied by Israel, and with the help of the United States in 1979, it returned to Egypt. It began to gain popularity in the 1980s and today, it stands before us as a Sharm El Sheikh that distances people from the chaos seen in the gloomy, hopeless deserts of the Middle East.
Tasting Everything Here in One Day Is Not Possible
If you want to taste everything here, you will need to explore the entire city. Sharm El Sheikh offers a colorful and dreamlike travel experience with diving centers, national parks, canyons, and safari tours, and even three days may not be enough for you. The first activity that comes to mind here, of course, is water sports. The fame of enjoying Sharm El Sheikh's crystal-clear waters and colorful corals is widespread worldwide. Snorkeling, kitesurfing, jet-skiing, water skiing, and many other crazy activities are among the most enjoyable and popular activities to enjoy here. Additionally, the natural beauties waiting to be discovered here are also unforgettable. Joining nature walks in protected areas such as Ras Muhammad National Park and enjoying the stunning views with boat tours will add meaning to your trip. The most meaningful activity, however, is undoubtedly visiting the historical and cultural sites of the region. Also, the St. Catherine Monastery, 250 km away from the city center, is the kind of experience that will leave a unique impression in this journey. The monastery located at the foot of Mount Moses is considered holy for Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. It was also built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian, who built our current Hagia Sophia.
Land of Festivals on the Red Sea Coast
Sharm El Sheikh is a city full of excitement. Along with water sports activities that are fun-filled, it is impossible not to have crazy fun with the festivals held here. We can say that the most famous of these festivals is the International Sharm El Sheikh Desert Festival. Celebrating the rich culture and traditions of the Sinai Desert, this festival takes place every January. Events related to Bedouin culture, concerts, exhibitions, film screenings, and dance performances are the mainstay of this festival. The International Sharm El Sheikh Jazz Festival brings the spirit of New Orleans to a Red Sea coast surrounded by deserts. Held every September, this festival hosts jazz artists from around the world. The Sharm El Sheikh Yacht Rally add an extra excitement to the city's atmosphere. The races at this festival, which is always followed by sea enthusiasts, are held along with the enchanting views of the Sharm El Sheikh coastline. And of course, the Iftar dinner of the sultan of eleven months, Ramadan. The Iftar dinner, which has a special importance for Egyptians, passes here with great enthusiasm. It is clear that the Ramadan month adds great splendor to Sharm El Sheikh, which means "the bay of the Sheikh".
Luxury in the Middle of the Desert
This city has been increasing its appeal for 40 years. Of course, there will be benefits to this appeal. Visitors to Sharm El Sheikh, which has been known as the Maldives of the Middle East in the world, do not miss the luxury that even II. Ramses, the owner of these lands 3500 years ago, could not have. Luxury hotels that compete with each other and do not hesitate to implement crazy ideas for their customers are highly developed here, as well as spa and massage services. Among these services, traditional Egyptian massage, aromatherapy massage, hot stone therapy, reflexology, Thai massage, Shiatsu, and many other options are available. Additionally, Sharm El Sheikh hosts an excellent golf course. Cascades Golf Resort, a PGA-standard golf course, offers golf lovers a unique experience. And seaplane tours. We have no doubt that seeing the turquoise coast of the desert facing the Red Sea on the Sinai Peninsula like a bird is a wonderful experience.
