Cairo, Egypt

 
 
 
 

Vocabulary

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Video (1:27 to 6:43)

 

 
 
 
 

Transcript

In the southeast of the Mediterranean, Egypt, 50% bigger than Texas, gathers its 100 million people mostly along the Nile River.

We’ll explore its leading city, Cairo, and finish at the Pyramids of Giza.

Cairo is a fascinating clash between traditional and modern, religious and secular, East and West. While its chaos can be exasperating, it can also be a rewarding challenge for the adventurous traveler.

Cairo’s downtown is modern and can feel European. Streets, squares, and grand buildings are reminders of the country’s colonial past from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The riverfront throbs with energy — stately bridges busy with traffic, fancy riverside restaurants, and towering apartment complexes.

The Nile is still the lifeblood of the city, sprawling endlessly on both sides.

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The heart of Cairo is Tahrir Square. It’s long been ground zero for the people’s spirit. If there’s a demonstration going on — and there have been massive ones in recent years — it’s likely here.

In addition to its political energy, the city’s long been a religious capital. Ever since the forces of Islam swept across North Africa from Arabia, in the 7th century, spreading the teachings of their Prophet Muhammad, Cairo has been a leading city of the Muslim world.

And, today, Cairo’s known as the City of a Thousand Minarets.

Stepping into Al-Hussein Mosque, like any neighborhood mosque, you’ll find a worshipful tranquility. It’s believed that resting here invigorates the soul.

There’s more intensity around the adjacent shrine, believed to contain a sacred relic — the head of Al-Husayn ibn Ali, a grandson of the prophet Muhammad. I

n a mosque, men and women worship separately. As praying can be physical, with lots of bending over, it’s considered more respectful to allow women their own space.

I find that a respectful tourist is welcome to be a part of the scene.

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Along with minarets, you’ll see church spires, especially in Cairo’s Coptic Quarter. While Egypt is predominantly Muslim, today, about 10% of the country is Christian. The Egyptian, or Coptic, Church actually predates Islam by six centuries.

Because they worship in an orthodox style, stepping into a Coptic mass is like going back in time. The faithful believe that, when Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus escaped Herod by fleeing to Egypt, this very spot is where they took refuge.

Later, in 43 AD, it’s believed the evangelist Mark came to Egypt and established the Coptic Church. Mark was their first pope, and the first in an unbroken line of Coptic popes, stretching back nearly 2,000 years.

The Coptic Quarter comes with high security. Throughout Egypt, travelers will notice armed guards, security barriers, and a high-profile police presence.

These are reminders of a pent-up tension in Egyptian society. They reveal the challenges Egyptian democracy faces today.

While many modern Muslims would prefer a separation of mosque and state, others believe Egypt should be ruled in accordance with a strict interpretation of the Qur’an. Religious fundamentalism is a challenge here, as it is in America.

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Cairo is intense. I love traveling here, but I do it with safety and sanity in mind. While prices on the street may be cheap, if you want rich world comfort, you’ll pay rich world prices. I sleep in an international- class hotel. It comes with first-class security. I hope the future will be more relaxed, but, for now, I splurge, for the peace of mind.

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Cairo’s mighty citadel, capped by a dramatic 19th-century mosque, is a reminder that the need for security is nothing new here. For nearly 700 years, this was the fortified home of Egypt’s rulers and government.

Back in the 13th century, it was one of the most impressive such fortifications of the age.

But buildings only partially represent the story here. The people you see on the streets are the living descendants of one of the oldest, and greatest, civilizations in history.

The people of today’s Egypt represent the latest chapter in a story that goes back 5,000 years.

Even if you don’t understand its long and complicated history, just observing how old and new come together is rewarding to the traveler. Egypt’s heritage goes back twice as far as ancient Rome. And “ancient” Egypt, that’s what draws the

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Questions

Riverfront. Is Egypt a small, medium-sized or large country? Does Egypt have a small, medium-sized or huge population? Do Egyptians live throughout the country?

Museum, Art Gallery. Is Cairo a city of contrasts? Is everything in Cairo the same or are there many differences?

Mosque, Madrassa. Cairo is a completely Arabic, Middle-Eastern city. Is this right or wrong?

Church, Cathedral, Monastery. Do Egyptians protest against their government? Do Egyptians protest by the pyramids?

Bridge, Overpass. Is Cairo a religious place? Did Islam originate in Egypt?

Citadel, Fortress, Castle. Mosques are very strict and formal places. Is this correct or incorrect?

Palace. Everyone is Egypt is Muslim. All Egyptians are Muslim. Yes or no? Which religion is older? Which religion was the first in Egypt?

Hotel, Hostel. Does the presenter stay in cheap hostels or expensive hotels?

City Square, Plaza. Is security and protection very important in Egypt?
 
 
 
Monument. My friends and I have visited Egypt. I have been to Egypt. Yes or no?

Memorial. Do many tourists visit Egypt? Why is Egypt a popular tourist destination? What do tourist do in Egypt?

Statue, Sculpture. Do many tourists visit your city? What are some attractions?

Water Fountain. I would like to study, work or live in Egypt (for a few years). True or false?

Park. What might happen in the future?

Tower. Should everyone visit Egypt? Should the government and business of Egypt encourage more tourism?