Egyptian tourism promotion authority Egypt this Month

1. Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority News letter
Egyptian tourism promotion authority
E gypt this M onth
September 2011 www.egypt.travel Issue #27
Egyptian thE World travEl
Heritage aWards africa and
indian ocEan 2011
Music Sharm El Sheikh – Sept. 16, 2011
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the
World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean 2011
will take place at the Savoy International Sharm El
Sheikh resort on the RedSea.
The awards are regarded as the pinnacle of
achievement that a travel product could hope to
receive and serves to acknowledge, reward and
celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global
travel and tourism industry. For several days, the
travel professionals who promote Egyptian tourism
in Europe, Russia, Ukraine will be focusing on Egypt’s
tourism and experiencing its benefits in the Sharm El
Sheikh resort.
The WTA’s decision to hold this prestigious event
in Sharm El Sheikh is a demonstration of their faith in
the swift recovery of Egypt’s tourist industry. Also, the
WTA is urging the travel trade and holidaymakers to
follow suit by supporting Egypt’s tourism industry and
Sharm El Sheikh in particular.
Folk music in Egypt is composed of many varied types of In choosing Sharm El Sheikh, the WTA says Egypt’s
musical expressions and specialized instruments, stemming from remarkable resilience ensures it will bounce back. The
the multitude of the different peoples that call Egypt home. As WTA points to Egypt’s “incredible array of attractions
such, it is impossible to generalize Egyptian folk music, as the from the Pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor to
identity changes drastically from the south to the north, and the the spectacular diving and beaches of the Red Sea.
east to the west. The beautiful tribal music of the Bedouins of Sinai The decision to support Egypt by continuing with the
is worlds away from the harmonious and string-instrument heavy scheduled World Travel Awards event will contribute
sounds of the North Coast, as are the Nubian influenced melodies to a fast tourism recovery and Sharm El Sheikh will
prove an excellent host for the event.
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of Southern Egypt and the traditional beats of the Delta region.
The wide diversity of folk music that is original to Egypt is a powerful
testament to the country’s widespread cultural richness. The Savoy is spread over 200,000 m² of lush tropical
foliage, waterfalls and serene surroundings, and lies
Folk music is a vital backbone to the Egyptian identity, as the at the heart of the spectacular White Knight Beach.
various instruments and performers carry with them a wealth of The area is renowned for its natural beauty, with a
heritage that has been passed on through generations. The music, rich variety of flora and fauna, desert and majestic
while also pleasing to listen and dance along to, is a unique link mountains. The hotel is 8 km from Sharm El Sheikh
to old traditions and cultural beliefs and practices. Beginning International Airport and a few minutes’ drive to the
in the 1950’s and 1960’s, with the introduction of pop music to center of Sharm and Naama Bay, which are served
the Egyptian musical scene, folk music became increasingly by shuttle buses, limousines and taxis. Mount Sinai,
marginalized and forgotten to the point where many urbanized St. Catherine’s Monastery, Dahab, the Coloured
Egyptians were completely unfamiliar with the traditional sounds Canyon and Pharaoh’s Island are within easy reach.
of their roots.
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2. Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority News letter Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority News letter
The center was officially founded in 2000 and since then,
Tannoura show The Egyptian Flute (Mezmar)
has been actively supporting a large and varied number of
bands. The most famous of these is El Tanbura, who perform
a mix of old folk songs that are native to their hometown
of Port Said. The members consist of an eccentric array of
men, both young and old, from different backgrounds.
The veteran singers and musicians dance and sing along
to the beat of traditional percussion instruments and the
melodious simsimiyya, a string instrument that resembles a
lyre. The infectious and entertaining songs performed by El
Tanbura date back to the early 1930’s, when the simsimiyya
was first introduced to musicians in Port Said.
Rango music with traditional instruments
In recent years however, Cairo has become the epicenter
for a folk music revival, as part of a growing trend to
preserve Egyptian musical heritage and ensure its continued
presence in the future. With many cultural centers now
playing host to folk music singers and performers, there is a
steady stream of nightly shows throughout the year; bringing Wekalet El Ghouri shows
together the various sounds of Egypt for an increasingly
larger following.
a collective of musicians, poets and storytellers from the is accomplished by joining traditional songs and vocal
With so many types of folk music performances to choose Sinai desert. The band blends together the sounds of the elements with modern instruments such as saxophones
from, it can be a little overwhelming to decide what shows simsimiyya, traditional drums like the tabla, desert flutes, and guitars.
to see! Luckily, there are certain music centers and troupes and their namesake: salvaged jerry-cans that were left in
that have come to the forefront of the revival movement the desert after the 1967 war. Together with their songs that Finally, perhaps one of the most commonly recognized
in Cairo, as they have proven to be popular among recount old Arabian tribes and mystical Bedouin folklore, forms of Egyptian folk music is the Sufi, or whirling dervishes.
audiences for their authentic – and often very lively – shows. the metallic ringing of the jerry-cans produces a one-of- El Mastaba supports the Abou El Gheit whirling dervishes,
a-kind sound that audiences love. NobaNoor, which was who combine Sudanese and Egyptian music to create
One of the most well known centers leading the folk music founded in 1962, offers a nearly unchanged repertoire of the tantalizing sounds that they whirl to. Used as a tool to
revival is El Mastaba Center for Egyptian Folk Music. classic Nubian songs. Revolving around topics such as love induce spiritual awakening, Sufi music is unlike any of the
and cultivation and harvesting, the beautifully sung songs other folk music in Egypt, as it combines dance with song,
of NobaNoor are always accompanied by the traditional with the goal of achieving a state of spiritual meditation.
Aboul Gheit Troupe Nubain drum, the ‘duff,’ which is made from goatskin and The Sama’Khana, or the Sufi Theatre, provides a venue for
wood. weekly whirling dervish shows. Set in an old 19th century
building, the Sufi Theatre is an excellent choice for authentic
Another respected center that supports folk music Sufi music acts.
The golf courses in El Gouna performers is the Egyptian Center for Culture and Art
(ECCA). The ECCA successfully coordinated the efforts For further information on the locations and times of
Another El Mastaba supported band with an immense and talents of several musicians from the Nile Delta region performances, please refer to the following contact
following are Rango. Rango is actually the name of an to form the band known as Mawawil. The name of the information:
instrument that is very similar to a xylophone and originates band stems from the word mawwal, which is a narrative
Live Colors Egypt
from Sudan. Following the conquest of Sudan by Egypt ballad. Performing classic peasant songs from the Egyptian El Mastaba Center for Egyptian Folk Music
Live Colors Egypt
in the early 19th century, Southern Sudanese slaves and countryside, Mawawil provides an outlet for some of the Telephone: +(202) 2 3926768
laborers were brought to Egypt in large numbers, bringing most familiar and well-known folk songs in Egyptian society. Website: http://elmastaba.weebly.com
their culture with them. One of the lasting influences of Accompanied by very traditional instruments such as the Email: info@elmastaba.org
this era is the Rango and its addictive rhythmic beats. ‘arghoul,’ a double clarinet, Mawawil has proven to be a
Customarily played at weddings, the Rango is typically hugely successful heritage endeavor. Egyptian Center for Culture and Art
accompanied by singing and other traditional instruments. Telephone: +(202) 7920878
The band contains a total of three Rangos, and has almost The ECCA has also introduced their latest collaborative Website: http://www.egyptmusic.org
single-handedly been responsible for keeping the art alive. efforts in the form of a group known as Nass Makan. Email: makan@egyptmusic.org
Musicians representing several types of folk music, from the
Two other unique bands that are supported by El countryside to Sudanese influenced, compose this unique Sama’Khana – Sufi Theatre
Mastaba are the Nubian band, NobaNoor, and the Bedouin performing group. Perhaps what is most unique about the Telephone: +(202) 5107806
band, known as the Bedouin Jerry-Can Band. The latter is group is their combining of the new and the old, which Address: 31 El Siyuifiah Street, Helmiyya Gedida.
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3. Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority News letter Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority News letter
hilton hotEls & rEsorts fridays at pEtEr andrE
opEns rEsort ovErlooking dusit thani to hold a concErt
rEd sEa in marsa alam lakEviEW in sharm El shEikh
Dusit Thani LakeView is launching
Hilton Hotels & Resorts has opened its first resort in Egypt’s Marsa Alam the new “Dusit Friday Brunch” for the
region. Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort, a 370-room resort overlooking entire family. The hotel is offering an
entire special program, as well as a
September 2nd, at 9 pm
the Red Sea, is the seventeenth Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Egypt.
buffet that includes a wide variety in Soho Square
The resort is part of an integrated mixed-use development, which includes of different dishes, barbecues and
an entertainment village, a congress center and a residential town. Hilton other food corners like a Thai Corner, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt’s leading Red Sea des-
Marsa Alam Nubian Resort is specifically designed to reflect the ancient a Pasta Corner, a Fresh Fruit Corner tination, will play host to singer-songwriter Peter
history and heritage of the Nubian culture, which dominated this area of and a Sushi Bar, to name a few. Andre. This will be one of his first concerts to
Egypt for centuries. promote the release of his new single Perfect
A program for kids is also available Nile. Andre will perform at the award-winning
Marsa Alam is emerging as a key leisure destination in Egypt. The 2001
and includes face painting, dancing, Soho Square, a venue voted ‘World Leading
opening of Marsa Alam Airport has seen tourism become increasingly
important to this relatively unspoiled area. A favorite with divers as well
as holidaymakers seeking peaceful tranquility, Marsa Alam is rapidly
electronic games, dough sculpting,
and many more. Egypt to HoSt Entertainment Centre 2010’ by World Travel Awards.
becoming a popular destination for travellers.
offIcIal World Andre has a successful career in music, achieving four top
UK albums and ten top singles. He wrote his first song ‘Dream a
tourISm day Little’ when he was 13 years old and by the time he was 16, he
had written many songs. He had a top 50 single in the United
fEStIvItIES Kingdom which gained success with the song ‘Mysterious Girl’
which reached number 2 in the UK singles chart. His last single
was in 1998 before taking a long break from his music career.
Egypt has been selected to host the prestigious He returned to the British media with a stint on the British real-
final
United Nations’ World Tourism Day which takes ity TV series ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here’. Capitalising
place every year on 27 September. This day on his resurgent popularity, he released his hit song ‘Mysterious
is celebrated by the UN as a way to promote Girl’ in 2004, which reached number 1, eight years after it was
awareness among the international community of originally released. His career in singing kept escalating with
shoW of
the significance of tourism and its social, cultural, many singles and albums that were on top of the charts.
political and economic values.
faWanEEs
Peter Andre also ventured in other businesses, where he
The Egyptian city of Aswan will host the event released fragrances for men and women. In 2010, he released
under the theme, “Tourism – Linking Cultures.” a book, ‘My World: In Pictures and Words”. The book reached
ramadan
The celebrations will feature a High-Level Think number two on the UK book charts and stayed there for a num-
Tank, which will lead discussions revolving around ber of weeks.
the theme by leaders from the tourism industry,
academia and media. Sharm El Sheikh is a resort with one of the best beaches on
fEstival
the Red Sea. There are many hotels from budget to five star
“We are very honored to be hosting the official ones, promenades with side walk cafes and cocktail bars, as
celebrations of World Tourism Day 2011 in Egypt. well as a casino and several venues for family entertainment.
2011
Tourism is one of the most important sectors of Many concerts and events are held there, making this resort an
our society, representing 12% of our GDP in 2010 all-year popular one.
Live Colors Egypt
Live Colors Egypt
and responsible for one in every seven jobs. World
Tourism Day is an excellent opportunity to raise Sharm El Sheikh is also known for being one of the best water
awareness around the world of this vital economic sports destinations. Diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and other
sector and its contribution to social, economic and water sports, are some of the major activities that it is popular
The final Fawanees Festival event will be at E Gezirah environmental well-being worldwide and in Egypt for. Underwater protectorates, where there are unique aquatic
gardens in Zamalek, on the second day of the Fitr Feast, in particular,” said the Minister of Tourism of Egypt, life and coral reefs are the best in the world. For those who seek
starting from 2 pm. The festival will last until 10 pm and Mounir Fakhri Abdel-Nour. other activities, tourists will not have a moment’s boredom as the
will present Nass Makan and Salalem bands. Winners list is endless, from golfing, horse riding, desert safaris, shopping
of “You Are Egypt” competition will be presenting their The event will take place at the Cataract Hotel, and great nearby antiquity attractions.
talent to the audience, over and above Folkloric shows which is built in the Nubian Desert on the banks of
and a special program for children, plus laser and the Nile.
magician shows.
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4. Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority News letter Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority News letter
calEndar
Time: 9 pm • Music Concert Tel: (02) 2739 0132
Samaey Band Time: 9 pm. Opera Show until September 29th
• Art Exhibition
September Paintings by artist Reda Abdel Small Theater, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Shatby St., Sunday 25th
Salam – Known as a painter for that Alexandria.
pays strict attention to human and Tel: (03) 483 9999 • Animation Film Forum
Un Ballo the preservation of the Egyptian
musical and lyrical legacy by
aesthetic content when creating
his work, Salam has an extensive
Time: 8 pm “Persepolis” – Directed by Marjane
Satrapi (France).
in Maschera presenting this heritage to the public
in a traditional setting. Nass Makan
experience in field formations of
sculpture.
Sunday 18th
Auditorium, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Shatby St.,
Troupe brings together the greatest • Photographic Exhibition Alexandria.
musicians of Egypt and Sudan on Mahmoud Mokhtar Cultural Center, 5 Tahrir St., (In Echoes – “Photographs From the Tel: (03) 483 9999
stage with a new sound. front of the Cairo Opera House). Collection”. A group exhibition by Time: 7 pm
26 photographers from the gallery’s
22-29 Sept. Makan, 1 Saad Zaghloul St., El Dawaween. Time: Exhibition until September 17th archival collection. Wednesday 28th
Tel: (02) 2792 0878
except 24 Time: 9 pm Sunday 11th The Photographic Gallery, American University in • Lecture
Main Hall Cairo Cairo. Martial Law in Egypt during the
Wednesday 7th • Documentary Film Forum Tel: (02) 2615 5318 Second World War – Eric Schewe,
Opera House 9/11: 10 years – “Recycle” (Jordan). Time: Exhibition until October 20th. Gallery hours: ARCE Fellow, University of Michigan
• Folklore Music Directed by Mahmoud El Massad Sunday through Thursday, 10 am to 5.30 pm
Mazaher Troupe – The Troupe brings American Research Center, 2 Simon Bolivar St.,
together the greatest musicians in Zar Auditorium, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Shatby St., Monday 19th Garden City, downtown Cairo.
and other traditional song styles. Alexandria. Tel: (02) 2795 8683
One of the most famous operas by Giuseppe Verdi, the greatest Italian opera Tel: (03) 483 9999 • Music Concerts Time: 6 pm
composer of the 19th century. The Opera is in three acts with text by Antonio Makan, 1 Saad Zaghloul St., El Dawaween. Time: 7 pm Taxi Band
Somma. It was completed in 1859 and tells the true story of Swedish King Gustavus Tel: (02) 2792 0878 Thursday 29th
III, who was shot in 1792 at a masked ball in Stockholm. As the censor in Naples Time: 9 pm Tuesday 13th Small Theater, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Shatby St.,
protested that the assassination of a king could not be shown on stage, Verdi was Alexandria. • Music Concert
forced to change the locale from 18th century, Stockholm to 17th century Boston Thursday 8th • Folklore Music Tel: (03) 483 9999 El Masreyeen Group – Iman Younes
and also the main character from King Gustavus III to Count Riccardo. Nass Makan Troupe – Nass Makan Time: 7 pm and Hany Shnouda, accompanied
• Music Concert Troupe brings together the greatest by the BA Orchestra. A selection of
Un Ballo in Maschera is a masterpiece of variety of style; it blends tragedy and Live Music – Wust El Balad Band musicians of Egypt and Sudan on Wednesday 21st the most celebrated songs of the 80s
comedy, lightness, drama and humor. The opera’s success lies in its delicate balance stage with a new sound. in addition to some favorite Egyptian
of musical personalities. It is notable for the shortness and intensity of its princi- Cairo Jazz Club, 197, 26th July St., Agouza. • Lecture songs by veteran singers.
pal arias and the absence of grand design. The opera begins with a short Prelude Tel: (02) 3346 1071 Makan, 1 Saad Zaghloul St., El Dawaween. Burning of the Opera House –
illustrated by ballet dancers. It includes many famous numbers; the tenor-aria “La Time: 9 pm Tel: (02) 2792 0878 Film screening and discussion with Great Hall, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Shatby St.,
rivedrà nell’ estasi” in act I, the baritone-aria “Eri tu che macchiavi quell’anima” Time: 9 pm Cinematographer Kamal Abdel Aziz. Alexandria.
in act III and the soprano-aria, “Consentimi, O Signore” one of Verdi’s simple but • Folklore Music Tel: (03) 483 9999
effective melodic arches. NoobaNor – Nubian Music. Wednesday 14th American Research Center, 2 Simon Bolivar St., Time: 8 pm
Garden City, downtown Cairo.
El Tanbura Hall, 30a El balqsa St., Abdin, • Folklore Music Tel: (02) 2795 8683 • Folklore Music
Thursday 1st Cairo Jazz Club, 197, 26th July St., Agouza. downtown Cairo. Mazaher Troupe – The Troupe brings Time: 6 pm Rango Music – Egyptian and
Tel: (02) 3346 1071 Tel: (2010) 317 1762 together the greatest musicians in Zar Sudanese Zar.
• Art Exhibitions Time: 9 pm Time: 9 pm and other traditional song styles. Thursday 22nd
Figurative Practices – Showcasing El Tanbura Hall, 30a El Balqsa St., Abdin,
both paintings and sculptures that Sunday 4th Saturday 10th Makan, 1 Saad Zaghloul St., El Dawaween. • Folklore Music downtown Cairo.
will provide a lively walk through the Tel: (02) 2792 0878 Abul Gheit Dervishes – Sufi music Tel: (0210) 317 1762
cultural interpretations and visions of • Short Film Forum • Music Concerts and Abu El Gheit Zar.
Live Colors Egypt
Time: 9 pm Time: 9 pm
Live Colors Egypt
the most imminent Egyptian artists. 9/11: 10 years – 11 films by 11 Sweet Sound and BA Orchestra –
directors (France) Conductor Mounir Nasr El Din. Thursday 15th El Tanbura Hall, 30a El Balqsa St., Abdin, Friday 30th
Al Masar Gallery, Baehler’s Mansions, 157b, 26 downtown Cairo.
July St., Zamalek. Auditorium, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Shatby St., Auditorium, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Shatby St., • Folklore Music Tel: (0210) 317 1762 • Music Concert
Tel: (02) 2736 8537 Alexandria. Alexandria. El Tanbura – Simsimyya’s songs. Time: 9 pm National Arabic Music Group –
Time: Exhibition until September 25th Tel: (03) 483 9999 Tel: (03) 483 9999 Arabic classic music
Time: 7 pm Time: 7 pm El Tanbura Hall, 30a El Balqsa St., Abdin, Saturday 24th Alexandria Opera House
Saturday 3rd downtown Cairo. Tel: (03) 480 0138
Tuesday 6th Omar Khairat – Soloist piano Tel: (2010) 317 1762 • Music Concert Time: 9 pm
• Music Concert Time: 9 pm Cairo Symphony Orchestra
Oriental Night – Ashara Gharby • Folklore Music Cairo Opera House - Main Hall
Nass Makan Troupe – Makan seeks Tel: (02) 2739 0132 Saturday 17th Cairo Opera House, Main Hall
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