Cairo Exhibition Showcases Ancient and Modern Egyptian Portraits

Originally published January 14, 2010 | Al-Ahram Weekly Online | by Reham El-Adawi | The following is an excerpt from this article that chronicles a new exhibit at the Mohamed Mahmoud Khalil Museum's Horizon One Gallery in Giza, which examines the attractive theme of the human face, showcasing artists' point of view in depicting Egyptian faces:

Bisar also traces the history of portraiture from ancient Egyptian times to the modern age. Ancient Egyptian portraitists were admired for their craftsmanship and technique, with forms including murals, bas-reliefs and sculptures being common. Devotion and a sense of belonging were developed in sculptures depicting kings and members of the royal family, with one famous example being the portrait bust of Queen Nefertiti done by an ancient Egyptian sculptor.

Book Review - Cairo Modern

Originally published January 15, 2010 | The Daily Collegian Online | by Stephannie Goga | For those of you who are avid readers, more specifically of literature set in Egypt and taking place in both ancient and modern times, here is a review of a recently re-published book, translated from Arabic to English. I may find it quite useful in my quest to create a more authentic picture in my future historical fiction novels (when I get to the 1930s, which is several books away from where I am now). Here is an excerpt from this review:

The novel, recently translated from Arabic, paints a glorious picture of Cairo in the 1930s, replete with cruises down the Nile River and elegant parties. Of course, societal and governmental changes also emerge, making the story a realistic portrait of Egypt at this time. [...] Mahfouz has passed away since the publication of this novel, and the Cairo that is illustrated in this novel probably has, too. Fortunately, readers can escape to this thrilling time period and indulge in the scandalous plot by picking up "Cairo Modern" -- no passport required.

EES 2010 Tour to Egypt

Originally published September 22, 2009 | Egypt Exploration Society

When: Saturday, March 13 - 27, 2010; Key Figures: Professor Alan Lloyd, Faten Saleh, and Ros Phipps; Contact: Emily Feasey (The Traveller) +44 (0)20 7436 9343 or email info@the-traveller.co.uk; Cost: £2635 (per person)/Single room supplement £332. The program guide offers more details and descriptions about this trip; click the link to access it.

Egypt's Great Wonders

Originally published August 7, 2009 | Top Valuable Article | by Debra Corbei

I'm not sure if this is the original source of this article, but it certainly lists some good advice and traveling tips (along with her reactions to the seemingly juxtaposition of modern and ancient Egypt and things that still baffle us such as the means the ancients used to build the pyramids) if you are planning on going to Egypt as a tourist (no necessarily a scholastic one). Her itinerary lists some of the more popular locations of which most everyone has heard: Cairo and Giza, the Valley of the Kings and "King Tut," the temples of Rameses IV and Merneptah, Hatshepsut's mortuary temple, Luxor, Abu Simbel, and the Ramesseum.

Bare Bones Egypt 2010 Tour

Accessed July 21, 2009 | Andante Travels

The Bare Bones Egypt 2010 tour provides a look into the funerary/religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians through their monuments and art. The above link will bring you to a page from Andante Travels that lists all the tour's information: a descriptor, itinerary, what's included in the tour, flight and hotel information, a map of where the tour will be located, a reading list, and an electronic means of booking the tour. Pricing is also provided, along with information on the tour guide (Lucia Gahlin).

Other tours include Egypt - land of the Pharaohs 2009 (October 11-26, 2009) and Egypt - land of the Pharaohs 2010 (March 21-April 5, 2010).

Eagle's Eye: Reminiscences of Egypt

Originally published June 17, 2009 | Central Chronicle

The author of this editorial recollects an eventful experience in Egypt, which included bargaining at the bazaars where haggling is an art, musing over the pyramids at Giza, viewing artifacts at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, talking about the plights of the Egyptian government, and smelling the sweet scents of Ramses' Perfume Palace.

AIA Tours - Egyptian Odyssey

Accessed June 8, 2009 | Archaeological Institute of America

Take a fifteen day tour of Egypt, led by Ted Brock, from October 3 through 17, 2009. A tour brochure is provided.