The Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha also known as the Alabaster Mosque is situated at the top of a high cliff, with magnificent views over the City of Cairo in Egypt.
A view of part of the city of Cairo from the high cliff area of the Muhammed Ali Mosque.
It was commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha between 1830 and 1848.
Ray in front of the Muhammad Ali Mosque
Situated on the summit of the citadel, the mosque which is the largest built in the first half of the 19th century, is the most visible mosque in Cairo. The main dome of the mosque is 52 metres high and the two minarets reach over 80 meters.
The Muhammad Ali Mosque in Cairo Egypt
The mosque was built in memory of Tusun Pasha, Muhammad Ali’s oldest son, who died in 1816. In the courtyard we could see the Alabaster covered walls which were quite stunning.
Courtyard walls of the Muhammad Ali Mosque covered in alabaster.The Alabaster covering on the walls of the courtyard of the Muhammad Ali Mosque in Cairo.
We were able to go inside and explore the mosque itself which was a highlight of the visit to the citadel. We took off our shoes and went through the main entrance into the large mosque.
Shelley inside the Mosque with Alabaster walls in the background.
The interior and exterior walls are coated with alabaster to the height of approximately 11 metres. That is why it is called the Alabaster Mosque. The mosque floor was covered in a carpet and set up with lines for prayer.
The ceiling was impressive with a central dome surrounded by four small and four semicircular domes. The central dome was impressive reaching nearly 52 meters high.
View of the main cupola or dome of the mosque
The front area in the mosque had the minbar. This is the pulpit in the mosque where the imam (prayer leader) stands to deliver the sermons.
The Minbar of the Mosque
We walked through the mosque admiring the architecture and the history of this amazing mosque. Today the mosque of Muhammad Ali is one of the most popular historical sites of Cairo.
Our guide Aladino took us on a bus excursion out into the Sahara Desert near the city of Memphis Egypt. We went there to see the UNESCO world heritage site called the Saqqara Archaeological site and Imhopted Museum. One of the amazing items we saw was the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
Aview of the step pyramid in the Sahara Desert
The height of the pyramid was amazing and larger than you would expect for the first large stone structure in the world. It is 62.5 metres high (205 ft). It was constructed in (2667—2448 BC), Amazing to think that this Djoser step Pyramid is the first all-stone complex ever built on earth.
The step Pyramid of Djoser
These were not the normal Giza pyramids that everyone goes to see in Cairo. For us, Saqqara was a site that was more interesting than the Giza Pyramids.
View of the Step Pyramid and several others.
Scattered around the area of Djoser’s Step Pyramid are more than ten other pyramids and a large number of tombs and burial temples.
View of some of the Pyramids
We were able to enter into several of the Pyramids at Saqqara. We had to climb to the entrance on the outside of the pyramid which was a fair distance from the base.
View of the pyramid with the entrance almost halfway to the top.
We climbed the outside of the pyramid until we reached the entrance.
View of the stairs leading to the entrance of the pyramidWalking up the incline towards the entrance of the pyramid
Once we reached the entrance, we began our descent into the centre of the pyramid. The incline into the pyramid was around 45 degrees and went for around 30 meters or more into the centre of the pyramid.
The centre of the pyramid contained one or more chambers with small crawl spaces that went between the chambers.
Shelley at the base inside the pyramid.
The camber was large and there was a set of wooden stairs that led to the inside top of the pyramid.
Stairs leading the to top of the inside of the pyramid.
We walked up the stairs and eventually reached the top. The white stones were piled with each row inset slightly above the row below.
A view of the inside of the pyramid and how the stones are placed on each row.
We decided to take a selfie at the very top of the inside of the pyramid.
Shelley and Ray at the top inside the pyramid.
What wasn’t noticeable at first was the local residents. As we took a closer look we found that there were literally hundreds of bats in the pyramid hanging just above out heads.
Bats inside the pyramid
We explored the pyramid for a while before heading back up the steep incline to the exit. We then took a well deserved rest before going to see and explored more of the Saqqara Archaeological site.
One of the impressive structures in the site.
There are a large amount of burial sites that date before the beginning of the Old Kingdom up through the Greek Period of Egyptian history.
ruins, tombs and other historical sites located at the Saqqara Archaeological site.Shelley sitting on ruins at the Saqqara Archaeological site.
One tomb in particular was the tomb of Mereruka.
Entranceinto the tomb of Mereruku in Saqqara Archological site.
We went to explore this amazing tomb which was built around 2330BC. This tomb contains more that 30 chambers with some of the chambers decorated with scenes and inscriptions.
Ray inside the tomb with Hieroglyphic writing on the walls of the tomb
Below are just a few of the detailed and beautiful carvings in the Tomb of Mereruka.
Stone carving inside the tomb of Mereruka.Detailed stone carvings in the tomb of Mereruka.
There was a large tomb encasement that remained in one of the chambers.
Ray standing beside the tomb encasement
We looked inside the tomb encasement and could see hieroglyphic writing.
View inside the tomb encasement with hieroglyphic writing.
The entire site of the Saqqara Necropolis is one of the largest burial sites in all of Egypt, We enjoyed our time at the Saqqara Archaeological site.. There were so many things to see and explore. What an amazing visit to the somewhat remote and overlooked historical site.
الحياة لعبه، العبها؛ الحياة هي التحدي، مواجهته؛ الحياة فرصة ، التقطها – غير معروف
We went to see the Kom Ombo Temple which is located 50 kilometres (31 mi) north of Aswan near the Nile River.
Temple of Kom Ombo
This temple was built in the 2nd century BC and is unique because its ‘double’ design meant that there were courts, halls, sanctuaries and rooms duplicated for two sets of gods. We explored the temple admiring the features including some interesting hieroglyphs and carvings.
Carvings on the wall in the Temple of Kom Ombo
Ray touching some of the hieroglyphs inside the Temple.
After walking through the temple and exploring the different rooms and areas, we decided to visit the Crocodile Museum section of the Temple. Inside the museum we saw some mummified crocodiles.
Mummified crocodiles inside the museum at the Temple of Kom Ombo
It was common to have mummified crocodiles as well as other animals during that time period. The ancient Egyptians thought that crocodiles were mighty and depicted God Sobek. Cats were respected in ancient Egypt: They were characterized as nimble, maternal and poise. The ancient Egyptians frequently donated mummified animals to temples because of their sacred qualities. The animals were thought to be gifts to the gods.
A large mummified crocodile at the Kom Ombo Museum
Mummified Crocodiles in the Museum
The history is quite interesting, basically the Egyptians believed that crocodiles depicted the God Sobek. The crocodiles were seen as both strong and mighty, to be feared and respected. The crocodile was known for being powerful. They would depict this in their statues, carvings and hieroglyphs.
Image of a man with a crocodile head.
We explored the museum and found it very informative. The Egyptian culture and history has many interesting components. We enjoyed the visit to this Temple and Museum.
“الإحساس بالفكاهة هو القطب الذي يضيف التوازن إلى خطواتنا ونحن نسير على حبل مشدود للحياة.”
We began walking early every day at around 8 am or earlier.
Mark and Ray on the Camino de Santiago
Heading out early to beat the heat and enjoy the peaceful walk on the camino. The trails are well marked and easy to follow.
Typical marker along the camino trail.
We began our camino journey by walking along the streets of the camino leading through the town of Sarria and then along country paths.
Walking through the streets of Sarria on the CaminoChurch in Sarria
We soon reached the countryside and began walking into some fields and walking upwards on some hills. The vistas were beautiful all along our way.
View of the roaming hills on the trail of the camino.One of the many trails along the camino.
During the eight days we walked the camino, we came across some unique and interesting people and buildings. We walked through old Spanish hamlets and towns admiring some of the buildings and churches.
Old buildings along the camino de SantiagoOne of the many churches along the camino
Old ruins of a building on the camino
There were religious crosses and other symbols along with some interesting animals.
One of the crosses along the camino.Ray with a donkey along the camino
We would walk along with other pilgrims on the trail and chat with them about different aspects of the camino. Finally saying good bye with the common phrase of “Buen Camino”.
Some of the many people we encountered on the Camino.
All along the camino we came across areas which had makeshift shrines. These shrines small stones, images of people and notes written to loved ones who had passed away.
One of the many shrines along the camino de Santiago.
We stopped to look at the shrines and read some of the notes left there by loved ones. It was a very moving experience to see so many along the camino trail. Below are just a few of the camino memorials or shrines along the way.
One of the ad hoc shrines along the camino
One of the many signs along the camino.
We walked a total of 115 kilometres on the Camino from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. Over that distance we saw many beautiful vistas and towns. Here are just some of the interesting things and vistas along our 8 day trek on the camino.
We arrived at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela around noon on the eight day.
Ray and Mark at the Cathedral of Santiago
It was a very rewarding and emotional adventure. The Camino de Santiago is an emotional, spiritual and physical adventure. You have to experience the camino to truly understand and appreciate the adventure.
We went to the Santa Barbara Castle for a meal and some live entertainment. We settled into our reserved table to enjoy an outdoor full course meal. The tribute band for “The Beatles” called The Liverpool Band was slated to do a concert after our meal.
The view of the stage from our reserved seats
The atmosphere was fantastic sitting in the heart of the castle which was built in the 12th century. People were gathered at the tables enjoying the meal before the start of the concert.
People enjoying the outdoor meal in the 12th century castle of Santa Barbara
It was a beautiful evening with a full moon slowly moving over the castle walls.
View of the moon perched over the castle walls
The concert setting was small and allowed for a great view of the stage. Our seats were quite close to the stage and gave us a perfect view of the concert.
Our view of the stage from our seats.
What was really interesting about the Liverpool Band was that they were formed in Alicante in 1997 and all of the band members are Spanish. They played for over two hours non-stop focussing on some of the top Beatle songs .
Juan Antonio Juárez: Guitarra solista y voz,Iván Martínez Ferrández: Batería y percusión.
We have put together just a small sample of some of the music they played at the Castle.
The Band Members are:
Jose Manuel Lledó Adsuar: Guitarra rítmica y voz,
Juan Antonio Juárez: Guitarra solista y voz,
Jorge Aniorte: Bajo y voz,
Iván Martínez Ferrández: Batería y percusión.
We enjoyed the evening and had a great time at one of the many events held in Alicante and at the Castle of Santa Barbara.
“Hasta la próxima, vive el momento y disfruta del regalo de la música.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.