Today, Al Quseir, Egypt is one of the most unusual places in Egypt; here one may actually go scuba diving in the Red Sea, or spend a comfortable afternoon sunbathing on a pristine beach, and then, whenever the mood strikes, inspect some of the amazing historical sites located conveniently nearby.

It is the position of the city, located 85 kilometers south of Safaga and 140 kilometers south of Hurghada, that once made it one of the most strategic ports of the Red Sea.

Page Contents

• Travel to Al Quseir
• Al Quseir Travel Info

History

Located right at the end of the shortest route from the Nile River to the Red Sea, it was one of Ancient Egypt's earliest and most important ports. This route was primarily used by Egypt, and other Mediterranean peoples, to transport goods to and from remote lands.

Probably the most well-known expedition through ancient Al Quseir Egypt was in 1493 BC, when Queen Hatshepsut sent her emissaries to the fabled land of Punt. Punt was a very rich country (identified with current Ethiopia). Hatshepsut sent her general Senenmet to purchase refined goods such as myrrh, frankincense, ebony, ivory, and exotic animals.

The Ottoman era was a flourishing period in the history of Al Quseir. The Ottomans felt that it was a necessity to protect the city against invaders; therefore, they built a fortress, a military stronghold.

Later on, the restored fortress at Al Quseir Egypt was the main departing point for pilgrims bound to Mecca, on the opposite shore of the Red Sea.

The Islamic influence is still found in the exquisite architecture displayed by many of the buildings in town, with their intricate wooden terraces and mashrabiyyas. After the Ottoman Period, first Napoleon, and then the British Empire occupied it as a key port.

Only the building of the Suez Canal in 1869 led to a decay of the town. With the crossing to the Mediterranean suddenly made easier, Al Quseir Egypt lost its prominent place as a link between the Occident and the Orient.

Nowadays

Nowadays, most of the residents have changed their activities from industrial or fishing to tourism. The narrow streets of the town have made it a perfect spot for the colored bazaars, which have a Bedouin accent.

The winter months are an ideal time to explore the many ancient historical sites, most of which are easily reachable. Al Quseir's burgeoning tourism industry is definitely a year-round affair.

Today, the city remains a quiet resort with sandy beaches and coral reefs; it is a wonderful destination for diving. It has also become an environmentally aware area. Thus, thankfully, the region's stunning coral reefs are well preserved.

Furthermore, many of the local hotels, such as the Mövenpick, the Flamenco Beach Resort, the Utopia Beach Club, the Mangrove Bay Resort, and the Fanadir, all of which have popular diving centers, are working to keep Al Quseir environmentally friendly.

Also, since Al Quseir Egypt is not only a seaside resort, but also one of historical importance, local officials are trying to ensure the city's heritage is kept safe. Old buildings built in the classic French and British styles, with large terraces and wooden balconies, are being protected from being sold and demolished.

There are many more equally interesting sites to be found in the immediate area, such as the mines at Bir Umm Fawakir, the rock pictures at Wadi Russumat, and the vast Roman settlement at Mons Claudianus.