Pharaoh’s Island in Egypt.
Pharaoh’s Island is an islet off Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, north of the Gulf of Aqaba.
It was also known as “Coral Island” and was known as “Pharaoh’s Island” since it was initially occupied during the reign of Ramses III.
It’s on the Red Sea, near the Sinai Peninsula’s eastern shore, in the northwest corner of the Gulf of Aqaba, 11 kilometres south of Eilat.
It is formed by two big boulders that protrude twenty metres above sea level, united by a third rock that is smaller than the preceding two. It is very modest (about 300 m long and 100 m wide).
Pharaoh’s Island (also known as Coral Island by Israelis) is a popular diving destination, surrounded by spectacular reefs. Boats leave from the Salah ad-Din Hotel on the coastal road opposite the island, which is only 250 metres (820 feet) from the coastline and close to the Israeli border.
The reconstructed remnants of a 12th-century Crusader stronghold; strategically located to secure the safety of pilgrims visiting the Holy Land, are worth investigating. Salah ad-Din took the fortress in 1170 and utilised it as an Arab bastion against the Crusaders until 1183, as it was abandoned.
The Pharaoh’s island today
In comparison to the various archaeological sites of cultural worth that Egypt has to offer; the island’s tourist appeal is quite limited. Its near environs; on the other hand, are appealing; particularly to divers and observers of aquatic species; such as the Picasso crossbow fish or coral reefs.
Because foundations from the Hellenistic and Byzantine periods can be found all across the island; the Pharaoh’s Island was a particularly popular path. Another benefit of this tour is the opportunity to dive or snorkel in clear waters away from the throng. Swimming and relaxation are also options.
Thomas Edward Lawrence; afterwards known as Lawrence of Arabia, provided an example. He requested permission to see the island and its remains while on an intelligence operation in the Sinai Peninsula in 1914. “Lawrence seems to have been attracted by the thrill of the event as much as the evocative ruins of the island itself;” his Bedouin guide said after building a makeshift raft to the island.
Restoration work on the Pharaoh’s Island
The Egyptian tourism authorities’ efforts to market Pharaoh’s Island; The ruins in question, on the other hand, lead us to a narrative of a rich history told in broad strokes. This is what the Egyptian tourism authorities are attempting to promote; both through recent repair work on the Citadel and a submission to UNESCO for its placement on the World Heritage List.
This island, however embellished with the atmosphere of Salah el-Din; is “minuscule” in comparison to the Cairo Citadel. However, this “Sinai tourist pearl” and “architectural jewel”