H.E. Senator Akel Biltaji
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Chairman for the Heritage & Tourism Committee

Mediterranean Red Sea Council: Journey Back to the Cradles of Civilization
By Robert Haru Fisher

At the eastern end of the Mediterranean and bordering on the Red Sea, this is a part of the world where, history tells us, many of the world's leading civilizations can trace their roots to, especially those in Europe, the Americas, North Africa and West Asia. Visitors will want to come here to see in person the splendors of antiquity, the origins of religions and the ambience of centuries-old traditions. But they will also want to experience the vitality of modern life here, in the burgeoning economies and changing lifestyles so evident throughout the region. In the five nations of this council grouping, they can be assured of just that.

Egypt

With its slogan, "Where History Began and Continues," Egypt sums up all that is best about the country, for the culture and ambiance make a trip here unmistakably memorable. You can savor the glories of ancient art and culture up and down the Valley of the Nile, yet live in luxury at modern resorts, hotels or on cruise ships. In Cairo, be sure to visit such highlights as the Egyptian Antiquities Museum, the Kan el-Khalili souk or the Opera House. You must see the only one of the remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid at Giza, as well as the neighboring Sphinx, of course.

Outside Cairo, check out the beautiful new (2002) Alexandria Library, replacing the ancient one that was a great repository of classical knowledge until its destruction by Caesar and the Emperor Theodosius, and the Greco-Roman Museum there. A cruise up the Nile (south, that is) is obligatory, for from your ship you can visit such marvels as Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel. Luxor calls itself the world's greatest open-air museum, filed with ancient monuments such as the temples of Luxor and of Karnak, and across the river, the magnificent tomb-studded Valley of the Kings. At Aswan, in addition to the gigantic dam that now controls the Nile, you can see both Elephantine and Kitchener islands and the Tomb of the Aga Khan. Finally, in Abu Simbel you have the largest of temples, that of Nefartari and that of Ramesses II. For pleasure, visit Hurghada on the Red Sea or Sharm El Sheikh in Sinai, at both of which water sports reign supreme.

Israel

As the accepted birthplace of two of the world's major religions, Israel offers visitors a wealth of historical and cultural sites. Not just one of the earth's most modern nations, it presents far more of interest, with a lively educational, economic and scientific scene that also evokes wonder from travelers today. In Jerusalem, holy sites for Christian, Jewish and Moslem tourists and pilgrims are everywhere. The Big Three, of course, are the Via Dolorosa and Church of the Holy Sepulcher for Christians, the Western Wall for Jews, and the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque for Moslems. In addition, sites of Christian interest include the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane, of Jewish interest King David's Tomb.

Outside Jerusalem, historically- and culturally-minded visitors will aim for Nazareth, Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River, the Dead Sea (everyone wants to float on the surface here and the spa facilities are excellent) and Massada, or to Tel Aviv for its many museums and galleries. Those intent on pleasure will want to visit the Red Sea port of Eilat or the shores of the Mediterranean, including the cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa and nearby. Hiking and camping out are just two of many activities that lovers of the open air can pursue. Opportunities for shopping and fine dining are everywhere.

Jordan

Anchoring this region, Jordan entrances visitors with its magnificent cultural sites, ranging from the awesome spectacle of Petra to the amazing expanse of the Roman ruins at Jerash. Among highlights of the former is the formidable "Treasury" façade in this Nabatean stronghold dating back to the beginning of the Common Era. The plaza and columns of Jerash match those of nearly any ruins of the Roman Empire found today. After seeing Amman, the capital, with its imposing Citadel and Roman theater, be sure to see Aqaba, with its fort, and Madaba, famous for its many mosaics. Don't miss the desert fort of Qusair Asura, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the splendid desert expanses along the King's Highway, leading south from Amman to Aqaba on the Red Sea.

Of special interst to students of religion may be former crusader castles, such as those of Ajloun (12th century) and Karak, Mount Nebo (where Moses is said to have viewed the Holy Land), and Bethany, where St. John is believed to have baptized Jesus in the River Jordan.

Palestine

Although a new entity on the world political stage, Palestine is ancient, indeed, home of one of the world's earliest continuing civilizations, with some of its most historic and holy sites. Foremost among these are three that call out to visitors from many backgrounds—Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Jericho. Inside Jerusalem's fabled walled city, be sure to note the Dome of the Rock (Qubbat Al Sakhra) and its Al Aqsa Mosque sacred to Moslems; the Via Dolorosa and Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane hallowed by Christians; and the Western Wall revered by Jews.

Nearby Bethlehem houses the Church of the Nativity, the Tomb of Rachel and the Arab Women's Museum, among many sites. Jericho, said to be the oldest inhabited city on earth, and its environs are said to contain the burial place of Moses, and has two majestic sites, the Monastery of St. George (5th Century) and the Hisham Palace (8th century). Visit Hebron for its souk and burial place of Abraham, and Gaza for its Omari Mosque, Arts & Crafts Village and Church of St. Prophyrus (5th century). In Nablus, look up Jacob's Well, in Beit Sahour the Shepherd's Field (as in the Christmas legend), and in Sebastia, the Roman theater in which Salome is said to have performed her naughty dance.

Turkey

Astride two continents, Turkey manages to excel in both, offering the modern amenities of Europe with the allure of Asia. On the verge of full acceptance in the European Union, this is a nation that knows how to please visitors, with the vibrant bustle of a cosmopolitan city in Istanbul, and historic monuments in the vastness of the bulk of the nation's land across the Bosphorus and the Straits of Dardanelle. Istanbul's historic sites are a multitude, beginning with just the Top Five - Topkapi Palace Museum, St. Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Hippodrome.

Highlights elsewhere include Cappadoccia for its caves and stalagmite dwellings, Ephesus for its Hellenistic ruins and traditions from early Christianity, Konya for its religious history, the modern capital of Ankara, and 5,000 miles of unspoiled beaches. Six regions contain all the nation has to offer: Mediterranean (featuring such gorgeous places as Alanya, Antalya, Pergamum and Side), Aegean Sea (with highlights in Bodrum, Kusadasi, Marmaris, Pamukkale and Selcuk), Black Sea, Marmara, Central Anatolia (with Cappadoccia, Goreme and Kayseri as the starring sites) and Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia.