08/11/2022
A paradise in the western desert
✨Siwa Oasis✨
⁃ Siwa, a wonderful oasis in the Egyptian Western Desert covered in lush greenery, was formerly known in ancient Egyptian as “Sekht-am, which means 'palm land'. The name perfectly represents the palm trees that the oasis is famous for. It's also best known for olive trees and crystal clear salt lakes.
⁃ The Zeitoun Lake, the largest salt lake in the Siwa Oasis, appears to be a mirage of the sparkling waters of any paradise beach at first glance. A lake totaling more than 12,000 hectares appears on the border of the wilderness 600 kilometers east of Cairo, on the way east from Siwa in Egypt's Western Desert. For centuries, the area, which is 50 kilometers from the Libyan border, has remained isolated. Even when it opened to tourism in the 1980s, it remained outside of Egypt's major tourist sites, which helped to preserve its unique and vulnerable nature.
⁃ Both hot and cold salt pools can be found in Siwa, as well as salty and fresh water springs. Each of these pools has their own health benefits and unique pleasures. The salt pools are particularly good for your sinuses, skin and eye infections. You can float in them just like in the dead sea!
⁃ Crafts and products of Siwa are getting stronger popularity year by year. The Siwan people developed a unique set of designs for their decorations, traditional clothing, cooking pots, and jewelry.
⁃ One of the amazing Siwan Products is the salt lamps, which are produced from local salt that is found abundantly in its saline lakes. The lamps come in beautiful abstract forms and geometrical shapes, which can really add a nice lighting touch to your home. Additionally, they remove negative energy.
⁃ Siwa is very popular for producing various kinds of delicious dates. They have over 100 types, the most common ones are Siwi, Azzawi, and Frehi Dates. Dates are very important for Siwans, that’s why they make a feast after their annual harvest.
⁃ The traditional cuisine of Siwa is very similar to the Egyptian as well as Moroccan ones. In addition, camel meat is popular among Siwans, especially during feasts. The secret ingredient to Siwan food is its locally pressed olive oil. This magnificent oasis produces the best olives in Egypt. Locals use them in all sorts of food and health products.
⁃ “Karshif” is the basic building material. It’s created by mixing sand, clay, and salt, then it’s left to dry until it gains its mechanical properties. Along with the thick walls constructions, the building material provides protection from the hot summer days and the extreme cold of the desert night.
⁃ Siwan music is characterized by its group chanting and sharp Flute melodies combined with clapping and percussive sounds. Siwans sing about their culture and their lives. Additionally, they sing for the sometimes love of God and religious figures.
