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DUBAI: Egypt has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East. Despite recent political instability, its historic sites and cultural treasures continue to dazzle visitors from around the world.

However, an independent tour guide based in Cairo has shaken things up a bit by looking beyond the country’s typical, heavily advertised offerings. “Tourism in Egypt hasn’t changed much in almost 100 years,” Asma Khattab told Arab News. “The first travel agencies came to Egypt and studied what potential it has for tourism. They did their cruises and palace tours. But since then until now, few people have actually changed the way cultural tourism in Egypt (goes).”

Ten years ago, as the country’s use of social media skyrocketed, largely due to the Egyptian revolution that ousted former president Hosni Mubarak, Khattab began posting photos of some of the country’s heritage sites on a Facebook page. which she called “Walk Like an Egyptian.” In 2015, she launched what is believed to be Egypt’s first off-the-beaten-track cultural walking tours.

Her clients are treated to in-depth, quality-oriented experiences, uncovering gems including celebrity museums and houses of worship in the capital, as well as neighboring cities including Alexandria and Suez.

“People come to Egypt, but they don’t get the full Egyptian experience. It’s very touristy,” Khattab said. “Of course, it is important to visit the pyramids, but there is always something special about Egypt that makes it Egypt. I wanted people to see Egypt as an Egyptian and so I came up with the name Walk Like An Egyptian.”

Here, Khattab highlights some of his favorite spots from his tours.

Historical Cairo

A World Heritage Site, historic Cairo is home to many important monuments that date back to the 7th century, as well as traditional crafts such as glassblowing. “It is dear to my heart because I have always been fascinated by Islamic art,” Khattab said. The tour includes the oldest mosque in Cairo, Ibn Tulun, which incorporates elements of Abbasid architecture and was built in the 9th century by the then ruler of Egypt, Ahmed Ibn Tulun. The area is also home to the City of the Dead, home to royal tombs.

Mina

Located in Upper Egypt, Minya is a stunning oasis-like site that houses ancient necropolises and temples. “Minya is underrated,” Khatab said. “The nature in Minya, like the Nile and the greenery, is mind-blowing.” It’s also a place of contemporary talent. One of the most famous artists is the Minya-born self-taught artist Hassan El-Sharq, who creates folk art. His humble house has been turned into a public museum.

Manic

Another underrated gem in Khattab’s eyes is this southern area of ​​Cairo, located on Roda Island in the Nile River, which includes a little-known water temple known as the nilometer – an ancient invention used to measure the water levels of the life-giving river. The island also has a museum dedicated to the iconic Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum. Opened in 2001, the intimate museum displays her personal costumes, jewellery, records, letters and awards. Another must-see is the ornate Manial Palace, which was opened in the early 20th century. Built by the uncle of Egypt’s last monarch, King Farouk, it was influenced by Andalusian, Ottoman and European styles.

Sultan Kalavun Complex

This complex was built in just one year during the artistically productive Mamluk period in the 13th century and was commissioned by Sultan Al-Mansur Qalawun. The complex is impressive both in scale and design. It houses a mausoleum, a school, a mosque, a public hospital and one of the largest minarets in the country. This central landmark aesthetically resembles other prominent monuments in Europe and the Middle East, such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Palermo Cathedral in Sicily, and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

Hosh al-Basha

Meaning ‘Court of the Pasha’, this large domed complex is the final resting place of the family members of Egypt’s powerful ruler, Mohammed Ali Pasha. The site was built in the early 1800s by the Pasha, although the man himself is not buried there. Instead, his sons, their husbands and children, along with servants and advisors, lie in repose in the mausoleum.