Egypt
Egypt is known as the ‘country of one thousand domes’ and with so many beautiful mosques to visit, plus a lively atmosphere during Ramadan nights, its a popular destination to experience the month of Ramadan.

Some of the must-visit mosques in Cairo are in Islamic and Coptic Cairo, or Old Cairo. The area features the Mosque of Amr Ibn El Aas - one of the oldest in Cairo. Other well known mosques are Al Rifai, Sultan Hassan, Ibn Tuluun and Mohamed Ali Mosques. But there are other less known mosques with beautiful architecture that visitors can also visit.

These include: the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Al-Malik Al-Mu’ayyad Shaykh. Raised on the ruins of an ancient jail, this mosque is an outstanding landmark of Cairo’s Islamic monuments and was one of the leading educational institutions of the fifteenth century. It is located behind Bab Zuwayla – the southern gate of the old Fatimid City.

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The Blue Mosque: originally constructed in 1346, the mosque got its name thanks to a restoration project completed in the 1600’s which included redecoration of the sanctuary with Isnik blue and turquoise tiles outlined with plant and floral designs imported from Istanbul and Damascus.

Other places to visit include the Museum of Islamic Ceramics, located in the Palace of Prince Ibrahim, which is an impressive example of Islamic architecture and decoration. The museum features a priceless collection of Islamic ceramics from Egypt, Iran, Turkey and southern Spain and demonstrates various firing and decoration techniques.

Ramadan nights in Egypt are known for coming alive with events and entertainment such as music concerts by popular Arabic singers, folklore shows, poetry recitals, oud concerts and Arabic classical concerts taking place almost every evening. Popular places to go for entertainment in historic Cairo are El Amir Taz Palace: a restored Bahari Mamluk palace; Al-Geneina Theatre: the open-air amphitheatre situated inside Al Azhar Park; The Salal Eldin Citadel, which holds music concerts in its garden; and Kobet El Ghouri, and arts centre where you can see dances, music concerts and poetry recitals.

For a different type of iftar, and to enjoy a nice breeze on the Nile, visors can rent a felucca boat and sail the night away enjoying the glittering lights of Cairo, or take the boat during dusk and watch the sunset. Most felucca owners will treat guests to some authentic Arabic music too.

HOW TO SELL:
Key draws: Egypt’s famous Ramadan tents spring up all over the country during Ramadan. There are many stunning mosques to visit not forgetting all the ancient monuments.
How to get there: Emirates, Etihad, Egypt Air, Qatar Airways
Contact: Egypt Tourism Authority
Tel: + 2 02 2684 1970
www.egypt.travel/arabic.egypt.travel.