Overview:

Siwa Oasis, located in the Western Desert of Egypt, is an isolated oasis that has been inhabited since the 10th millennium BCE. It is surrounded by mountains and stretches for about 80 kilometers, covering an area of over 5,000 square kilometers at its peak. The oasis is the south-westernmost of Egypt's protected areas and the most remote from urban settlements. The land of the oasis is used primarily for traditional agricultural activities such as olive and date palm cultivation. It is a melting pot of languages and cultures, retaining many ancient Egyptian influences such as an unusual form of Arabic and an abjad (the ancient Egyptian writing system) writing system for Pre-Islamic inscriptions. The traditional inhabitants of Siwa also share many customs with their Berber neighbors and also practice Sufism, an Islamic form of mysticism. Siwa is a well-known destination for its unique Bedouin culture, beautiful landscapes, and its importance in history as a part of the ancient Silk Road trading network. It is a favored get-away destination for European visitors who come for the opportunity to explore ruins, visit stunning beaches, ride camels, and enjoy the culture of the region. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

1. Date palms: Siwa Oasis is dotted with over one million date palms. 2. Hot Springs: The area is renowned for its thermal springs, which are said to have therapeutic properties. 3. Mud-Brick Architecture: The unique mud-brick architecture is a hallmark of the area. 4. UNESCO Site: Siwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural and natural significance. 5. Qara Oasis: Siwa is known as the "Valley of the Oracle" for its association with the temple of Amun at the ancient oasis of Qara. 6. Natural Wonders: The area is home to a variety of natural wonders, such as the Cleopatra Spring, the Great Sand Sea, and the Cave of Swimmers. 7. Mummies: The distinctive Caves of the Beekeepers are the final resting place for the well-preserved mummified remains of numerous ancient Siwan leaders. 8. Bedouin Culture: The area has a long tradition of Bedouin culture, with vibrant handicrafts and traditional customs. 9. Olives and Feta: The area is famous for its olive oil and production of feta cheese. 10. Crocodiles: Believe it or not, the area is also home to one of the last surviving populations of crocodiles in Egypt. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The Siwa Oasis is an oasis located near the Egyptian-Libyan border in Egypt’s Western Desert. It is one of the most isolated settlements in Egypt and throughout the Middle East and is known for its unique culture and customs. The origins of the Siwa oasis can be traced back as far as the Early Bronze Age. It has been inhabited since pre-dynastic times, with evidence of occupation as early as the fourth millennium BCE. Despite its isolated location, the oasis was an important port and commercial center for the Ancient Egyptians. It was also a center of religious activity for various gods and goddesses. During the Persian period, the Siwa was a core part of Pharaoh Amasis' 22nd Dynasty and was later taken by the Persians under Cambyses in 525 BCE, leading to a sack of the city and the destruction of its temple. The oasis then became a part of the Ptolemaic Kingdom in 305 BCE, under the rule of the Greek Pharaoh, Ptolemy I Soter. The oasis was considered a strategic center in the Late Roman Empire, but it eventually declined in influence during the Byzantine era. During the Early Islamic period, trade redeveloped in Siwa, with merchants from across North Africa, as well as those from Syria, India, and Persia. Muslim Berbers soon gained control over the oasis, with the arrival of the Banu Sulaym tribe in the 11th century CE. Siwa was captured by the Mamluk Sultanate in the 13th century, but it was soon taken by Sultan Qalawun in the late 13th century. However, there was not much progress or development during this time. In the 16th and 17th centuries, European travelers visited the oasis, documenting its monuments and population. With the arrival of the French in 1798, many of Siwa’s inhabitants began to emigrate to nearby settlements. Today, the Siwa Oasis has a population of approximately 25,000 and is well-known for its Berber culture and its unique art, architecture, and rituals. Many of the population’s descendants still live there today, and its traditional way of life is still celebrated. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Siwa Oasis in Egypt is known amongst locals as the'Island of the Dead'. It is surrounded by a vast expanse of desert and has a history of ancient burial customs. 2. Siwa was once the home of the Oracle of Amun, a sacred oracle which provided accurate predictions to many Pharaohs throughout Egypt’s history - the last Pharaoh to consult it was Cleopatra herself. 3. Siwa is renowned for its untouched wilderness, one of the best places to visit in the Middle East. With its lush vegetation, crystal and saline lakes and vast mountain ranges it is considered an oasis paradise. 4. Siwa is home to the enigmatic ruins of the Shali Fortress, a 16th century mud-brick fortress and the last seat of the local Bedouin rulers. It is thought that the fortress was abandoned in the 19th century due to changes in kingdom power. 5. Siwa Oasis is also the birthplace of Alexander the Great, the legendary conqueror and king of Macedonia. It was at Siwa that he consulted an oracle to seek answers about his own destiny. To this day, the oasis town still celebrates his birth each year. 6. Siwa is home to over 25,000 people, of whom the majority are of Berber origin. This ancient community speaks a distinct language called Siwi and the town’s name comes from the ancient egyptian word for 'Papyrus'. 7. Siwa is famous for its fusion of traditional and modern architecture. Ancient structures like mud-brick homes and mosques blend naturally with modern shops, cafes and a newly renovated hotel. 8. Siwa is home to an incredible variety of wildlife and birdlife, including plenty of species of reptiles, mosquitoes and other insects. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era