The Enchanting East Bank of Luxor: A Gateway to Ancient Egypt

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [na'am]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aadhra]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bi-khayr. wa-ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al-ingliziyya?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأرغب في رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [urghab fi ru'yat al-qa'ima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا أأكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul al-lahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود الدفع، من فضلك
  [awad al-dafa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [al-najda!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itasil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [itasil bitalib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أرغب في شراء...
  [urghab fi shira'...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatallu']
• How much is it?كم هو ثمنه؟
  [kam huwa thamanuh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd al-si'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam al-sa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [al-sa'at al-wahida]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [al-sa'at al-'ashira wal-nisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [al-subah]
• Afternoonالمساء
  [al-masa']
• Eveningالليل
  [al-layl]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [al-yawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [saba'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'a]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين ...؟
  [ayn ...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al-uanan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tarini (ala al-kharita)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata yaati al-hafilat al-taliya?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tathkirat (ila ...)]

The East Bank of Luxor, known as the site of ancient Thebes, was once the capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom period (c. 1550-1070 BCE). This era saw the construction of grand temples and monumental architecture, including the magnificent Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple, which served as both religious and political centers. The East Bank was a thriving urban hub that played a crucial role in the religious practices dedicated to the god Amun.

The East Bank was central to the worship of Amun, one of the most important deities in ancient Egyptian religion. The construction of the Karnak Temple Complex, which began in the Middle Kingdom and expanded in the New Kingdom, featured numerous temples, chapels, and pylons dedicated to Amun. This site became a pilgrimage destination and a symbol of the power of the Pharaohs, who sought to legitimize their rule through their association with the divine.

Located on the East Bank, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari (nearby but often associated with the East Bank) is a remarkable example of ancient architecture designed to honor the Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's few female rulers. Completed in the 15th century BCE, this temple is renowned for its unique terraced structure and beautifully painted reliefs that depict Hatshepsut's divine birth and her trading expedition to Punt, underscoring her significance in Egyptian history.

During the Roman and Byzantine periods, the East Bank continued to flourish. The Romans built several structures, including a Roman fort and a temple dedicated to the goddess Isis at the Karnak Complex. The East Bank became an important administrative and religious center, maintaining its significance even as Egypt transitioned through various empires.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the East Bank gained international attention due to extensive archaeological excavations. These efforts unveiled the rich history of Thebes, leading to the discovery of numerous artifacts, inscriptions, and architectural remnants that have provided invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian civilization. Today, the East Bank remains a focal point for scholars and tourists alike, showcasing the timeless allure of Luxor's ancient past.

East Bank is easily accessible from various parts of Luxor. If you are coming from the West Bank, take a ferry across the Nile River, which operates frequently and offers a scenic view of the city. For those arriving at Luxor International Airport, taxis and private transfers are available to take you directly to your destination on the East Bank. Additionally, Luxor's central bus station provides intercity buses, connecting you to other major cities in Egypt.

East Bank is well-connected and easy to navigate. Local taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber operate within the area, providing convenient transport options. Bicycles can be rented from various shops, allowing for a leisurely exploration of the local sights. Public buses are available, but they may be less tourist-friendly. Walking is also a great way to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of East Bank, particularly around areas like the Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.

East Bank is generally safe for tourists; however, standard precautions should be taken. Areas around crowded markets and bus stations can be prone to petty crime, such as pickpocketing. It's advisable to avoid wandering alone at night in less populated areas and to keep your belongings secure. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying alert and cautious is always wise.

In case of an emergency, dial 122 for police assistance or 123 for medical emergencies in Egypt. The local hospitals and clinics in Luxor are equipped to handle most situations, but it's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available across East Bank, offering over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites; avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; refrain from taking photographs in places of worship without permission. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers and be polite. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a warm smile and a handshake; a slight nod shows respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept invitations to share food; don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience East Bank like a local, visit the vibrant Luxor Market, where you can shop for spices, textiles, and souvenirs. Engage with local vendors who are often eager to share stories and recommendations. For an authentic dining experience, seek out small local eateries that serve traditional Egyptian dishes. Consider taking a felucca ride on the Nile at sunset for a memorable view of the city skyline.