Antique Lands Travel

15/06/2022

My friend and former colleague at the University of Arizona, Tuve Floden, writes a phenomenal blog about Middle Eastern culture and history called "Other Things." His latest post is all about drinks you have to try when visiting Egypt, ranging from sweet sugar cane juice to thick draughts of Turkish coffee. Tuve graciously asked me to photograph the drinks for this post, and I had magnificent day of sampling and shooting the best beverages that Egypt has to offer! Check out his blog at https://buff.ly/3Hs1tJD. I highly recommend subscribing. Thank you, Tuve!

A journey through lesser known aspects of Middle Eastern art, architecture, food, music, literature, and more. Come experience the region from new perspectives!

02/05/2022

Eid Mubarak from Cairo!

02/05/2022

Eid Mubarak from Cairo!

14/12/2021

Some good news out of Egypt regarding cultural protection and preservation.

The framework builds on the success of a 2016 deal that targeted the illicit trade of cultural property

14/12/2021

This we're marveling at Egypt's Bent Pyramid, history's biggest and yet grandest architectural mistake. Constructed around 2600 BCE by the Fourth Dynasty Pharaoh, Sneferu, his builders had to correct the original angle to keep the structure from collapsing. When standing next to the Bent Pyramid, you can't help but be awed by its incredible mass, and you have the feeling that this monument could come tumbling down upon you at any moment. Be sure to add this magnificent and under-visited site to your Egypt itinerary. You won't regret it.
Photo by Mark Voss

03/12/2021

It's , and today we're hankering for some Moroccan Briouat. Briouats are puff pastries that can be either sweet or savory. Sweet briouat are usually filled with almond or peanut paste, are deep fried, and then dipped in honey infused with orange-blossom water. Savory briouat contain ground lamb or chicken, cheese, herbs, and lemon. Regardless of the one you choose, you can't go wrong, but why not enjoy both?

02/12/2021

This we remember Imad ad-Din Zengi, the Turkish atabeg of Aleppo and Mosul, who this month in 1144 successfully besieged the Crusader-held city of Edessa (today's Şanlıurfa in modern Turkey), striking the first major blow against the Crusaders in the region. His capture of Edessa led to the Second Crusade in 1147, and his eventual successor, Salah ad-Din (Saladin), followed Zengi's lead, retaking Jerusalem in 1187.

01/12/2021

This we're longing to get lost again along Oman's backroads. Just about every town in Oman has a fortress of some kind, beautiful palm groves, and a refreshing water source. What they also have are incredibly hospitable people who will insist on showing you around and making you feel welcome. When you visit this amazing country, rent a car and get lost or have your guide take you to some off-the-beaten-path locales to experience some of the best that this country has to offer.

30/11/2021

It's , and when you travel to Jordan be sure to stop in the ancient town of Madaba southwest of 'Amman. There you'll want to visit St. George's Church to view this massive mosaic map of the Holy Land dating from the 6th century CE. This masterpiece of Byzantine art contains over 2 million tiles and contains a detailed map of Jerusalem, a historical snapshot of the city and its urban development in the early Christian era.
Photo by Angela Meier, Adobe Stock

26/11/2021

This we're dreaming of Karkadeh (Kerkade), a super-sweet, chilled Egyptian hibiscus tea that cools you to the core on a hot day. One of the delights of checking-in to a hotel in Egypt is being served this welcoming, delicious, and refreshing drink. It's one of many little lagniappes that makes traveling in Egypt so great.

25/11/2021

This we're commemorating the opening of the Suez Canal, which occurred this month in 1869. While that may not seem to be much of a throwback, did you know that attempts to create a canal between the Nile and the Red Sea began as early as 4,000 years ago? Darius the Great successfully built the first such canal that functioned during the Nile flood season, and subsequent masters of Egypt such as Ptolemy II, Trajan, and a-Hakim built the canal anew over 1,000 years until it silted up and fell into disuse. Today, over 10% of the world's trade flows through the modern canal that links the Mediterranean with the Red Sea.

24/11/2021

This we're longing to return to jasmine-perfumed nights in Cairo. Jasmine vendors such as this one can be found throughout the city in the evening, selling jasmine blossom garlands and bracelets. It's a heavenly, heady way to make a great evening even better.

23/11/2021

This we're appreciating Morocco as an incredible travel destination with stunning natural beauty, fascinating cities rich with history, amazing food, a vibrant, diverse culture, and warm, welcoming people. It's why we love . What do you love about this captivating place?

20/11/2021

Jordan launches a new marketing campaign called Jordan: Kingdom of Time. Jordan is a perfect destination for history buffs, religious pilgrims, outdoor enthusiasts, and culture seekers. Check out the Ministry of Tourism's latest video to see what we mean and then think about a trip to Jordan this winter. The memories are for all time.

All the time in the world! Take your time and immerse yourself in a vibrant culture drawing upon multitudes of civilizations crossing paths from the beginnin...

19/11/2021

Ahh, Turkey, what don't you do wonderfully? This we're hungry for Iskender Kebab. Named after its inventor, Iskender Efendi, who created the dish in Bursa in the 19th century, to make Iskender Kebap take sliced döner kebab (grilled lamb and fat), place it over diced bread, and layer spicy tomato sauce, fresh yogurt, and sheep's milk butter on top. Once you've tried it, it's unlikely you'll be ordering anything else at your local Turkish restaurant.

18/11/2021

It's ! and we're going back to Cairo to remember the 13th-century Mamluk sultan, al-Mansur Qalawun, who died this month in 1290. While he was a scourge of the Crusaders abroad, at home Qalawun was a generous patron of the arts and civic life. The restored Qalawun complex still standing in the heart of Historic Cairo is a testament to his generosity. The site included a mosque, an Islamic college, and a hospital. Education and health care were free to all who used the facilities. When you visit Historic Cairo, make plans to visit this gem of Mamluk civic/religious architecture.
Photo by Mark Voss

17/11/2021

This we're yearning to go back to the Red Sea in Egypt and take advantage of the incredible scuba and snorkeling opportunities to be had. Whether you're visiting one of the larger resort towns such as Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada, or if you're really getting away from it all in places like Dahab and Nuweiba, the waters of the Red Sea have some of the most beautiful undersea viewing in the world. Have a story from your time swimming in the Red Sea? We'd love to hear it!
Photo by Volff. Adobe Stock.

16/11/2021

This we're thinking once again about Oman--this time about the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bahla located in the heart of Oman with a stunning fortress that dates back to the 13th century. The town is renowned for its pottery, and locals believe the fortress to be haunted by Jinn (genies). For those wishing to have an authentic Arabian travel experience, you can't do better than Oman, and you have to visit Bahla and its fortress (Jinn and all).

12/11/2021

This we're honoring Omani hospitality by showcasing a sweet that's routinely offered to guests, Omani Halwa. It's a luxurious, but simple combination of sugar cooked with butter, saffron, cardamom, and rose water. When you visit Oman, you'll be knocking on random doors just to be given this rich and unique dessert.

11/11/2021

Born this month in 1494, this remembers Suleiman the Magnificent, widely considered the Ottoman Empire's greatest sultan. Suleiman consolidated his father's conquest of Syria, Arabia, and Egypt; built up Istanbul on a grand scale (including his exquisite Suleimaniye Mosque which dominates the city's skyline); battled both Europeans and Persians; and he reorganized the Ottoman legal system to such an extent that he's also known as "The Law Giver." A grand patron of the arts, Suleiman is considered to have initiated an Ottoman "Golden Age" of wealth, power, and artistic achievement. You can watch an over-the-top soap opera about him, his powerful wife Hürrem, and Ottoman court intrigue by searching for the Turkish drama, "Magnificent Century" (with English subtitles) on You Tube. Downtown Abbey, eat your heart out. Happy Birthday, Suleiman!

10/11/2021

Will wonders never cease? New discoveries are being made all the time in Egypt that are enhancing our appreciation of Egypt's story, which...is our story, too.

The discovery was made by the Cairo University archaeological mission, which has been excavating the complex for more than a century

10/11/2021

This we're yearning to wander back to Wadi Rum in Jordan. There are deserts all over this world, but there's only one Wadi Rum, one of the most majestic landscapes on the planet. If you haven't visited in person, you've likely visited this incredible locale through movies such as Dune, Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, or any of the recent Star Wars films. If you have visited in person, what was your favorite part of experiencing Wadi Rum?

05/11/2021

From opening the new Grand Egyptian Museum to inaugurating Luxor's Avenue of the Sphinxes, there's lots going on in Egypt in the coming months. Tourists are starting to flock back, and let's hope that the Ministry of Tourism's efforts successfully inspire even more people to experience this phenomenal country.

Carrier EgyptAir restarts direct Heathrow route to Luxor

05/11/2021

This we're feeling fanatical about fuul, a simple fava bean dish that's the staple of the Egyptian diet. Take a bunch of fava beans, cook them all night on low heat, and in the morning you have a rich, tasty, and nutritious meal. Egyptians mainly eat fuul for a filling breakfast that keeps them going all day. There are numerous ways to dress up fuul, usually with lots of garlic, cumin, olive oil, shatta (small red pepper flakes), tahini, lime juice, and freshly chopped tomatoes, parsley, and onions.

04/11/2021

Ninety-nine years ago this , Howard Carter made the greatest historical discovery in modern times when he found the entrance to the intact tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen. The treasures inside are yours to discover next November when Egypt opens its new Grand Egyptian Museum on the 100th anniversary of this auspicious day.
Photo by Harry Burton, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

03/11/2021

As fall is already giving way to winter, this we're yearning for Oman's warmer climes and stunning natural beauty. Pictured here is the beautiful oasis of Wadi Beni Khaled. Situated in a rugged desert canyon, Wadi Beni Khaled is one of Oman's many lush, sprawling hideaways perfect for an afternoon picnic punctuated with ripe dates. And it's never too cold for a refreshing plunge in its pristine waters. But please wait an hour after eating....

02/11/2021

This we're visiting the great Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Once the largest church in Christendom, Hagia Sophia became a mosque in 1453 when the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II conquered Constantinople. In the early 20th century, Ataturk converted the space into a secular museum. Recently, President Erdoğan turned the structure into a mosque again. Whatever your faith, you'll be awed by this magnificent building and its artistic treasures. Make it the first place you go when you visit Istanbul.

29/10/2021

Earlier this week we visited Jordan's stunning ruins at Petra. When you do so in person, you'll build up quite an appetite. So, for this we're recommending a delicious and filling Chicken Shwarma sandwich for when your sightseeing tank is running low. Layers of mildly spiced chicken and fat are rotisserie grilled to perfection and served in a pita with tahini, pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes. It's so good that you might just need two.

28/10/2021

This we remember Egypt's mighty Mamluk Sultan, Baybars I, who rose to power this month in 1260. We'll gloss over the fact that he stabbed the previous Sultan, Qutuz, in the back to seize the throne. Such was the nature of Mamluk politics. Baybars, a Kipchaq Turk, started his career as a slave soldier and rose through the ranks to become a king. By defeating the Mongols at the Battle of 'Ayn Jalut and then clearing the Crusaders out of the Holy Land save but for a few toeholds, Baybars put the Mamluk dynasty on the map in Egypt, Syria, and Arabia for almost three centuries until they were conquered by the Ottomans in 1517. Under the Mamluks, Cairo became the richest, most cosmopolitan, and most intellectually vibrant city west of China. His rule ushered in another Golden Age for Classical Islamic Civilization, and the numerous, stunning artistic and architectural treasures this unlikely dynasty left behind are still with us to this day. Incidentally, Baybars' death was as ignominious as his ascension. He poisoned a cup of wine he was going to serve to a rival but accidentally drank the toxic draught himself. Oops. Sic transit gloria.

Photo: Gold Dinar of Malik az-Zahir Baybars. By I, Sailko, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons