Egypt Excursions » Al Quseir
Al QuseirAL QUSEIR
Al-Quseir (85 Km South of Safaga), known in Ptolemaic times as
the White Harbor, has a long history as one of the major ports
of the Red Sea. From here, Queen Hatshepsut launched her
expedition to the Land of Punt, as depicted in the relieves in
Deir el-Bahari temple at Luxor. Legend has it that the
expedition returned with two live panthers and 21 incense trees.
The 16th century fortress of Sultan Selim, still standing in the
center of town, shows al-Quseir's former strategic importance.
Today, it is a quiet resort with sandy beaches, clear waters and
coral reefs. The town's narrow streets are lined with colorful
bazaars which have a decidedly Bedouin accent. An ancient
caravan trail, to Qift in the Nile Valley, leads from al-Quseir
through the mountains, passing several Pharaonic and Roman
sites.