A historical contemplation in the shadow of the pyramids, peace in Al-Azhar Mosque, and a 100% halal family holiday on the Red Sea shores... Discover the unknowns of Egypt.
When you step into the capital Cairo, a giant history welcomes you. The old city center known as 'Islamic Cairo' offers a medieval Islamic architecture rarely seen in the world. Sitting as a family in the courtyard of Al-Azhar Mosque, which has been one of the most important centers of knowledge of the Islamic world for more than a thousand years, and watching students of knowledge from all over the world gives great tranquility to your soul. When it is time for the adhan, the mixing of thousands of adhan sounds echoing in the skies of Cairo will give you goosebumps. After the prayer, you can go to the historical Khan el-Khalili bazaar right next door, walk accompanied by the smells of spices and incense in the narrow stone streets, and sip your fresh mint Arabic tea with your family in an authentic cafe.
You cannot go to Egypt and not see the Giza Pyramids, one of the seven wonders of the world. However, for a Muslim family, these giant structures are not only tourist monuments but also a deep occasion for taking a lesson. When you stand in front of these giant stone masses rising to the sky and the Sphinx in the middle of the desert, you can remind your children of the stories of Pharaoh told in the Holy Quran. The story of past peoples who were destroyed because of their arrogance even though they had the greatest power and the greatest wealth in the world is engraved much stronger in children's minds in the shadow of these structures. Contemplating the transience of the world and the absolute power of Allah by looking at the giant pyramids will be the most unforgettable spiritual lesson of your trip to Egypt.
Egypt is famous not only for its history but also for having one of the most beautiful seas in the world. If you want to get away from the lively atmosphere of Cairo and rest with your family, the Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada routes on the Red Sea coast are just for you. Here, you can rent alcohol-free villas with private pools and high walls suitable for conservative families, or stay in family-friendly resort hotels. The Red Sea is one of the best diving spots in the world with its colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. Even by just wearing a snorkel, you can watch that magnificent aquarium underwater with your children and witness the reflections of Allah's art of creation under the sea. Moreover, with its warm climate where you can swim 12 months of the year, it offers the luxury of having a summer holiday even in the middle of winter.
When Egypt is mentioned, many people only think of pyramids and deserts. However, this ancient geography is an immense country whose name is mentioned many times in the Holy Quran, which carries the footprints of prophets, and which has been one of the greatest centers of knowledge of Islam for centuries. Moreover, it is a perfect holiday route where the worry of 'Can we find halal food?' completely disappears, and where you can experience both history and the unique nature of the Red Sea at the same time as a family.
The biggest exhaustion for Muslims vacationing in Europe or the Far East is asking for ingredients at every meal and searching for a halal restaurant. In Egypt, this stress is completely zeroed! Knowing that every meat you eat, from the smallest street vendor to the most luxurious restaurant, is slaughtered according to Islamic procedures is a great comfort. Egyptian cuisine is very close to the Turkish palate. You must definitely try the national dish 'Koshary', which is sold on the streets and is a tremendous combination of lentils, pasta, and chickpeas with a special sauce. The warm 'Ta'meya', an Egyptian-style falafel, and the fava bean paste 'Ful' for breakfast will be your family's new favorites. A cold Karkadeh (Hibiscus) tea you will drink after meals is a unique flavor that will refresh you in the Egyptian heat.
Egypt is not just a holiday or a tourist trip, but a deep journey through time with your family. Giving your children a Quranic lesson by showing the fate of the Pharaohs, standing shoulder to shoulder with your Muslim brothers from different geographies in the historical mosques of Cairo, and then resting as a family in the clear waters of the Red Sea... Being able to do all this with peace of mind without worrying 'I wonder if what we eat is halal?' is a priceless luxury. This deep-rooted and warm-hearted country of the Islamic world is waiting for you to open your horizon with its history and rest your soul with its nature.
