News

Khan el Khalili is a famous marketplace located in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. It has a rich history dating back to the 14th century when it was established as a major hub for trade during the Mamluk period.  As you enter Khan el Khalili, you'll find yourself surrounded by a maze of narrow streets and alleyways lined with shops, stalls, and cafes. The bustling atmosphere is filled with the voices of merchants calling out to customers, bargaining, and the occasional sound of traditional Arabic music. The market is especially lively at night, with the glow of lanterns and colorful...

The Tomb of Nefertari, also known as the "Tomb of Queen Nefertari," is one of the most exquisite and well-preserved tombs in the Valley of the Queens, located near Luxor, Egypt. Nefertari was the principal wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II, who reigned during the 19th Dynasty of ancient Egypt. The tomb was believed to have been constructed around 1255 BC. The tomb's exquisite artwork and colorful wall paintings make it one of the most remarkable and significant ancient Egyptian tombs.   The decorations within the Tomb of Nefertari depict various scenes from the Book of the Dead, including religious rituals, scenes...

In Egyptian mythology, Babi is a deity associated with baboons and characterized as a fierce and primal god. Babi is often depicted as a baboon or as a human figure with the head of a baboon.  One of the notable roles of Babi in Egyptian mythology was his association with the afterlife. He was believed to be a guardian of the gates of the underworld and would protect the deceased in their journey to the afterlife. Babi was also associated with the solar god Ra, as baboons were believed to greet the rising sun, symbolizing the dawn and the renewal...

The Narmer Palette is an ancient Egyptian artifact dating back to the Early Dynastic Period, around 3100 BCE. The palette is now on display in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. When we saw it in person, we were surprised by how large it was. The Narmer Palette is about 25 inches tall and depicts scenes from the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under the pharaoh Narmer. It is carved on both sides. The front of the palette shows Narmer wearing the white crown of Upper Egypt, striking an enemy with a mace while holding him by the hair. The...

On a recent trip to Egypt, I had a long lay-over in northern Italy and visited the Egyptian Museum in Torino (Museo Egizio). It was a delightfully surprising collection. I have heard about the museum for many years, but little did I know that it is considered the second largest collection (more than 30,000 items) of Egyptian antiquities, and also it is considered the oldest Egyptian museum, more than 250 years old! Although it was midway through a Tuesday afternoon, the museum was filled with visitors; turns out it is one of the most visited in all of Italy.   The tour of...