Luxor: The Timeless City of Pharaohs and Temples

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlak]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [a'ethran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kaifa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bi-khayr. wa-ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al-ingliziyya?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uriidu an araa al-qa'imah, min fadlak]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakulu al-lahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtik!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [uriidu an adfa', min fadlak]

• Help!النجدة!
  [al-najdah!]
• Go away!إرحل!
  [irhal!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [ataassal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [ataassal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt al-tariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uriidu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarrag]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam si'ruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka khafd al-si'ru?]

• What time is it?كم الوقت؟
  [kam al-waqt?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [al-wahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al-'ashirah wa-al-nisf]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [ba'd al-dhuhur]
• Eveningمساء
  [masa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'ah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين ال...؟
  [ayn al...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al-unwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuka an turini (ala al-kharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata al-hafilah al-qadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tadhkirah (ila ....)]

Luxor, known in ancient times as Thebes, was established as a significant city during the Old Kingdom period (c. 2686–2181 BCE). The city rose to prominence as the capital of Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms. It served as a religious and political hub, with its influence stretching across the ancient world.

One of the most remarkable construction projects in Luxor’s history is the Karnak Temple Complex. Initiated during the reign of Senusret I in the Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–1650 BCE), the complex was continuously expanded by various pharaohs over nearly 2,000 years. It is dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu and remains the largest religious building ever constructed.

During the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE), the pharaohs chose the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor as their final resting place. The Valley of the Kings became the royal necropolis, housing the tombs of illustrious pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramses II. This burial ground reflects the grandeur and artistry of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs, ruled during the 18th Dynasty (c. 1479–1458 BCE). She commissioned numerous building projects in Luxor, including her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari. This temple is renowned for its unique architecture and stunning reliefs depicting her divine birth and expedition to the Land of Punt.

The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, erected around 1350 BCE. These statues originally guarded his mortuary temple, which was among the largest in Egypt. Although the temple has largely disappeared, the Colossi remain as a testament to Amenhotep III's grandeur.

Luxor Temple, primarily built by Amenhotep III and later expanded by Ramses II, was a central part of Thebes’ religious life. Unlike other temples in Luxor, it was not dedicated to a specific god but to the rejuvenation of kingship. The temple’s avenue of sphinxes, grand colonnades, and intricate carvings highlight its significance in ancient Egyptian culture.

The Opet Festival was one of the most important annual religious events in Thebes. It celebrated the journey of the god Amun, his consort Mut, and their son Khonsu from Karnak to Luxor Temple. The festival, lasting up to 27 days, involved elaborate processions, rituals, and celebrations, reflecting the religious fervor of the ancient Egyptians.

In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the virtually intact tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings. This discovery was one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century, revealing a wealth of artifacts and providing invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices and art.

Luxor is accessible by air, road, and rail. The easiest way to reach Luxor is by flying into Luxor International Airport (LXR), which has regular flights from Cairo and some international destinations. From Cairo, you can also take an overnight train or a bus, with train journeys typically taking around 9-11 hours and buses slightly longer. For those already in Egypt, driving to Luxor is an option, with well-maintained highways connecting it to major cities.

Within Luxor, you have several transportation options: taxis, minibuses, horse-drawn carriages (calèches), and boats for crossing the Nile. Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive, but it's advisable to agree on a fare before starting your journey. Minibuses follow set routes and are a cost-effective way to get around. For a more leisurely pace, consider a calèche ride, but make sure to negotiate the price in advance. To cross the Nile, public ferries and private motorboats are available.

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's a good idea to carry cash for smaller purchases and tips. ATMs are available throughout Luxor, especially in tourist areas. It's advisable to have some small denominations for tipping and minor expenses.

Luxor is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less crowded areas. Be cautious of pickpockets in busy markets and tourist spots. Areas like the east bank near the train station and some parts of the west bank are known for minor scams and aggressive touts. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 122 for police, 123 for ambulance, and 180 for fire services. Luxor has several hospitals, including Luxor International Hospital and El-Moamena El-Mohamady Hospital. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues, and many pharmacists speak English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, remove your shoes and dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. It’s customary to use the right hand for greetings, giving, and receiving. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality; it is considered impolite.

To experience Luxor like a local, visit the local markets such as the Souq at El-Souk Street where you can find fresh produce, spices, and traditional Egyptian goods. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about Luxor’s history and culture. Don’t miss the lesser-known sites like Medinet Habu and the Tombs of the Nobles for a more intimate experience. For a unique view, take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the West Bank.