Шарм-эль-Шейх

Geographically and historically speaking, Egypt has always been in a good position – the establishment of a dynastic era in ancient Egyptian history made the north and the south merge into one. Sharm El Sheikh is situated in the northeast and was initially recognized as a mining area. A number of the ancient quarries are still standing near the city. Due to its position in the southernmost tip of the Sinai peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh served as a bridge between Africa and Asia. In fact, because of its location on the exact spot where the Red Sea is split into the Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba, this city got its name – ‘Sharm’, meaning ‘The Split’ in Arabic.

With the conquering of Egypt in 32 BC, the Romans were the next ones to take control of the country. Sharm El Sheikh was a small fishing village back then but also served as a trading post. It was inhabited by the Nabateans Arab – famous traders who supplied Roman Egypt with incense and leather from the Arabian peninsula. Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh included, was a Roman province until the Muslim conquest in 632 AD.

Throughout history, the city evolved into an important port, but its favourable location also played its part in the Suez Crisis of 1956, when Sharm El Sheikh was conquered by Israel. However, a year later, it was returned to Egypt. But that didn’t last very long as the 1967 Six-Day War happened, and it was once again under Israel’s command.

Finally, Egypt regained control of the Sinai peninsula (including Sharm El Sheikh) in 1973. Six years later, a treaty was signed between the involved parties in the last conflict (Egypt and Israel), acknowledging the area as a significant place for tourism, diving, fishing, camping, and more.

Nowadays, it is all about progress! Within the past half a century, this city has been developing one step at a time, to become a popular destination for all those who wish to gain a unique experience. If you are looking for an adventurous coastal spot in Egypt where the sea is calm, and the beaches are endless, this is the place to be!