Egypt in Our Eyes
By: Nikolas, Kevin, Aurora, Kiah, Mercedes and Keshav
Source: http://www.traveladventures.org/continents/africa/pyramids3.shtml
Egypt, especially Cairo, provides a healthy mix of the ancient and modern. With its bustling city life, state of the art opera house, and luxurious western hotels and shopping, Cairo seems no different from any western metropolis. However, the city also houses 14th century Khan el-Khalili bazaar, monuments, and a famous antiquity museum. Most importantly, a stones throw away lie the great pyramids.
From Egyptian tourism websites, we were able to construct the way Egypt portrayed itself. This identity focused on the ancient civilizations and exotic geographical destinations such as wonderful beaches and beautiful diving. We found it interesting that the website emphasized sustainable environment, specifically eco-tourism. It appeared to us that they were selling this idea to attract tourists to Egypt. After watching a tv commercial, it really made us want to travel to Egypt and experience the ancient civilizations, beautiful beaches, and be part of a unique culture.
When we think about Egyptian image in general, without any specific research, we essentially think of Ancient Egypt and related sites – such as the Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Nile, Alexandria and the Pharaohs. We acknowledge that this is a very stereotyped understanding of Egypt. The country seems to strive for also portraying additional images – looking at Egyptian tourism websites, we see that the Egyptian tourism experience is also described as modern – activities such as diving, safari tours and cruises are advertised.
Our question would be: besides the commonplace Egyptian tourist sites, what Egyptian attractions do you guys think that is well portrayed (at least should be) by your country? I am sure that you have a variety of tourist sites besides the Pyramids that are popular within the country – which may give the impression that they are popular outside Egypt as well. We want to know your opinions about how you see the image Egypt is portraying of itself.
Comments
I like this question--I would like to see how the students in Cairo would shape tourism in Egypt!
Posted by: Julia Bleakney | March 3, 2009 12:16 PM
I find it very understandable that Egypt's ancient artifacts are more advertised to tourists than some of our modern structures. With our historical monuments, nothing else can compare. We have unique structures that include tombs, pyramids, and statues that are found no where else in the world. Although, when it comes to the more modern aspects of Egyptian life, we may be "lacking" or inadequate compared to more developed countries. But there has undoubtedly been a lot of progress over the past few decades. Egypt now boasts many luxurious malls and hotels that cater to tourists and residents seeking high-class services. We also have the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria, which is very modern and hosts a collection of literary works from all over the world.
Although the theme of Ancient Egypt may never grow old, the Egyptian tourism industry should work more to improve and promote its more modern features that shape Egyptian life today.
Posted by: Deena Abdelmonem | March 4, 2009 12:26 PM
It is not surprising that Egypt attempts to attract tourists through its great artifacts and monuments. The philosophy here when it comes to Egypt is that tourists or any visitors from abroad come to discover the great history and arts of this country. Therefore, it is only typical that they choose to portray Egypt through historical means. Egypt has advanced in many ways becoming a nation that is drifting into the modern world. However, I think it mostly tries to attract the West in the means you converse about simply because if people were seeking to enjoy the night life, elite hotels, and shopping malls (which are all available in Egypt) they could easily just go to Europe to be guaranteed such entertainment. For in the end, it is the monuments and antiquities that make Egypt so unique.
Posted by: Salma Helal | March 5, 2009 05:51 AM
If by well portrayed you mean accurately portrayed I would have to say no, just like any country, Egypt has it's flaws but of course does not advertise them. It's sustainable environment image is sadly just an image, but I cannot say that no changes have been made to improve Egypt's environment, attempts have been made. Some were successful, others weren't. But I do believe that the image of the country that is being sold to tourists is the best that we can do, simply because all that really does distinguishes Egypt from other countries is it's ancient history and culture. There are other countries with better beaches, hotel resorts, safaris...etc. So the more favourable and profitable decision would be to sell tourists a culture that does not exist anywhere else in the world.
Posted by: Farah Abd El Gawad | March 5, 2009 11:54 PM
may i reply to your question in one sentence , "explore the egyptian deserts". ofcourse the pyramids and the ancient monuments we have form a great part of our tourism, but there are other places and destinations in egypt that aren't quietly discovered by tourists and even Egyptians, for example, siwa oasis in the western egyptian desert, a place when you want to forget about all modern life aspects and just live simply, enjoying camp fires beside, hot spring water on candle lights in the night, with nothing surrounding you but fresh air and stars. you may try also sand boarding in the great sand sea and climb mountains.(http://www.haberlah.com/hosted/siwa/index.html).
- although we have malls and shopping areas with many varities, but so do many countries, just try to enjoy the simple life, once in your life
Posted by: mohamed allam | March 9, 2009 05:04 AM