The Citadel Masjid of Alexandria

I called it the Citadel Masjid as there was no dedicated name given to it. Built by Sultan Al Ashraf Safy al-Adin Qaitbay and situated on the ground floor of the main tower where once the Lighthouse of Alexandria – the Pharos was.
As you enter the main door of the main tower building, turn to the left and straight to the right until the end, you will find an area where the floor is half foot below the main floor, decorated with marbles mosaic. The Masjid is claimed to be one of the oldest mosques ever built in Alexandria. The Mehrab is still incredibly intake and the design of the ‘dome’ cum minaret provides natural light and helps circulating fresh air. However, for security and safety reasons I think, it is now merely a tourist spot visited by people around the globe.

The Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay

Established by Sultan Al Ashraf Safy al-Adin Qaitbay in 1477 AD or 882 AH, the Qaitbay Citadel or Fort of Qaitbay is a 15th century defensive fortress located on the Western tip of Alexandria’s Mediterranean front. Under the supervision of a prominent architect then, Qagmas AL-Eshaqy – the Edifices Mason, the main tower of Citadel was erected exactly on the site of the once Seven Ancient Wonders of the World – the Pharos lighthouse of Alexandria. It was said that the Pharos octagon foundation was damaged by strong earthquake in the 11th century and destructively destroyed by the 14th century earthquake.
28 October 2009 marked exactly 3 years we have set our feet in Egypt, but it was my first time exploring the inner part of the Citadel, despite many times visited the surrounding enjoying the Mediterranean breeze and watching the blue wave crushing the exterior wall.
With 25 LE (for foreigner), one would spend and take their ample time exploring the Fort amenities while enjoying the fascinating shoreline of the charming Alexandria and the superb scenery of the Mediterranean.
The Mediterranean breeze though is refreshing but caused the erosion of the outer wall of the Citadel. The eroded however, is home for the pipits that spent sometime in autumn during their migration to the south passing through Egypt airspace.

The main square tower is ‘guarded’ by the inner and outer walls that provide reinforcement structure to the whole Fort. The outer wall has many chambers and serves as a passage to the beach, perhaps an escape route. The main four-storey tower has at least 12 small rooms or chambers with small rectangular windows on each floor, probably used for monitoring any intruders from the sea front.

The original structures that were mainly made of sandstone and some of the wooden beam or bracing are still well preserved. Exploring the tower from one floor to another, chamber to another chambers, makes you feel like one of the Mamelukians wearing heavy clothing and armor guarding the Fort in the 17th century.

During the Ottoman period, most of the Mameluk period and the Modern period, the Citadel continued to function as defensive edifices against the Turks, French and others. It was kept out of spotlight and remained neglected after the British bombardment on 11 July 1882. But, not until 1904 when the Ministry of Defense restored the Upper floor. After 1952 revolution, the Egyptian Naval troops transformed it to a Maritime Museum. Since then, the Egyptian Supreme Counsel of Antiquities restored it several times and the major one was in 1984.

It has proper ventilation system, which looks like tower or chimney as well as water reservoir at the basement of the main tower.
The whole premises are well maintained, preserved, and cleaned. Unfortunately, it is not that tourist-friendly due to lack of information, signage, or notice boards guiding the visitors on the story of each spots inside the Citadel.

The ArrivalDay - our 3rd Anniversary

Akin to birthday, 28 October is our ArrivalDay to Egypt - our 4th autumn and probably the last in Egypt. October retained its name (from the Latin "octo" meaning "eight") after July and August, after Julius and Augustus Caesar respectively; when the calendar was originally created by the Romans. October is commonly associated with the season of autumn in the Northern hemisphere and spring in the Southern hemisphere, where it is the seasonal equivalent to April in the Northern hemisphere and vice versa.
October is also the harvesting month of the Egyptian Balaah or dates, perhaps our last time enjoying the beautiful scene of this dates’ farms.
This October is quite busy for many of us especially those involved in the planning activities – the business planning, training planning exercise, performance management planning and appraisal exercise, the budget things, and the spinning of the ‘Local Plus’ speculation, which made us jumping gratuitously.

Well, October will surely remind us about our stint in Egypt.

Determination

Energy Receive Energy Return, Aspiring Others....

Energy receives, energy return, aspiring others everywhere. This year, with the theme of ‘silaturrahim’, we once again successfully organized the Alex Raya Gathering 2009. Zillion of thanks to Kamarul for voluntarily allowing us to use his house to accommodate around 180 people – Al-Azhar and Medical Malaysia students studying in Alexandria; the new student attaché – Noor Zakiah; MARA Officer, Tn Hj Idris and all the seven PETRONAS Secondees in Egypt.

The menu this year was; Lamb and Chicken Briayani by Yahalla restaurant; Chicken and Beef Satay from ‘Rumah Johor’; Squid with red-hot sauce/paste by Chef Nana; Kek Lapis Sarawak or the popular Sarawak Layered cake by Zaidi; Malay traditional cakes arranged by Zaidi, and beverages by Kamarul.

Thanks to all the seven star for making the auspicious event a memorable one, the last event for my family and I with them here in Egypt. InsyaAllah, one day we will cross path and meet again.

...for 1PETRONAS

The Thinker for OnePETRONAS, OneMalaysia spent 2 days and 2 nights at Dusit Thani Lakeview, Cairo brainstorming and strategizing their move to optimize their investment in this beautiful country of the Northern tip African continent.
This part of the year, I called the planning phase, full of bustle – all levels of planning; budgeting; reporting, and to top it all – the appraisal rating. The rule of the games is to stay focus and on track; organize and prioritize; sharp but open-minded; put some passion and patience and do it with the end in mind. During the session, we were challenged how we are going to survive the current environment – recession and economic downturn; how to nurture the billion dollars investment; what would be the best options to bring our company image and reputation further above the big world class players – failure is not the option.

Anguished; the 10 hours of mental stress was relieved and comforted by the scrumptious dinner amused by the cool ambience of the Dusit Thani pool garden.

While watching video clips and listening to soft oldies songs, we had our part II of the dessert and fresh juices inside the Purple Room, refreshed and boosted our minds to think ‘outside the box’ inline with the Planning Away theme – the New Paradigm.

The bluish water of the pool and the rugged trunk of the dates trees, flooded with the spotlight, was very pleasing, rejuvenating, soothing and relaxed one mind. Thanks PICL(E) for providing us the opportunities to explore the splendid Dusit Thani Lakeview.

Nana Latest Collection

Bought from the new Charles & Keith new branch of the new wing of the Alexandria City Stars shopping Mall. Can't remember the price. She planned to wear it during the long service award dinner at the KLCC. However, we were stranded at Doha. Man plan Allah swt disposes.

Our First Ever Experience at Dusit Thani Cairo

Launched a year ago, Dusit Thani Lakeview Cairo located at the exclusive 5th Settlement of the Al Qattamaya district, is the latest edition of Thailand venture in Egypt.
We checked-in on 14 October and checked-out on the 17th. They were many decent and pleasant Asean people serving and taking care of you. One of the food and beverages manager is a Malaysian, Zulkipli, who had been there since 7 months ago.
Its facilities featuring modern contemporary concept breaks the classical tradition concept of many hotels in Egypt.

One could have their wedding receptions or any other parties or events around the poolside guarded by the refreshing palm trees, facus trees and man-made water falls.

They are Adults now....

This black forest cake seems to be our trademark when marking our family members’ birthday. It is delicious and cheap here in Egypt.
Yes, it was ‘Afi and Muhammad Afiqs’ Birthdays. They are adults now, more freedom to explore what this temporary world would offer. Fundamentally, any one of us has the sole freedom to choose between what is bad and what is good. Any wise men would opt for the bright positive side of things, wouldn’t they?
Celebrating birthday in a grand scale manner is not our tradition. However, remembering one’s birthday is important though. The more you are celebrating your birthday, means your age number is becoming bigger, which also means the nearer we are to the next phase of our journey. Birthday is a day when all of us first arrived to this temporary world, the third phase of our journey, after spending about nine months and ten days in our mothers’ wombs. Thus, reminding us, how compassionate and arduous she was then; the sacrifice and patience that she possessed and established had made us what we are today, ultimately with the Blessing, Grace and Mercy of the Almighty Allah swt.
This reminded me one of my favorite songs in the early 80s called ‘Anak’ by Freddie Aguilar:
When you were born into this world; your mom and dad saw a dream fulfilled; Dream come true, the answer to their prayers
You were to them a special child; Gave them joy every time you smiled; Each time you cried, they’re ar you side to care
Child, you don’t know, you’ll never know how far they’d go; To give you all their love can give; To see you through and God it’s true; They’d die for you, if they must, to see you here
How many seasons came and went; So many years have now been spent; For time ran fast and now at last you’re strong.

To ‘Afi and M Afiq, alf mabrouk, the world is yours; the journey had been outlined, the rules had been set, the guide had been laid out, the answers had been crafted, and both of you had been equipped by the Rabbul Jalil with the five senses and physiques………and now the game is all yours. All the best, sons.

The Usual Scene....

Today, after I had my hair trimmed at MahatahTram, we went to Carrefour as usual, shopping for our groceries and rations. What else could you do in Alex though?
Carrefour is less cramp and congests on Friday morning, thus the best time for you to wander around whilst running through your shopping list without banging someone shopping cart or squeezing your shoulder with the locals.
We dropped and went in through the new wing of the Alex City Center. There were only few people along the aisle, one family having their breakfast at the Cilantro; a woman at her early 50s probably and group of men were having their favorites drinks at the Starbucks; the Mont Blanc boutique and Debenhams are still closed, and one nice security personnel greeting us as we entered the second door of the Center.
After briefly completed our part, in the interest of time, catching the Friday prayer, we joined the queue at one of the 8 opened counters out of 20 counters available. In Egypt, one must possess high tolerability; mentally ready for the unexpected and patience. Believed me, we only spent around 20 minutes filling up our cart, but took us about 25 minutes in the queue and another 5 minutes before I left the Cashier.
Anyway, the hiatus was psychologically entertained by two ‘frames’ of the usual Egyptian drama.
While in the queue, a very pleasant and polite Egyptian man accompanied by his wife and daughter Faridah (unusual name for Egyptian but very common to Malaysian) greeted us. He politely asked whether I preferred him to converse in Arabic or English. Certainly, I opted for English, or else it will be another scenario of a dumb and a dumber. He honestly thought that, from our appearance, we were Chinese, but I replied him with my broken ‘Arabic’, we are Malaysians working here in the oil & gas industry. Upon hearing my answer, he was very surprised that he exclaimed; “despite less popular as compared to British and Italy, you are here”. Continuing his excitement, sincerely expressed his respect, and saluted Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed for what he had done to Malaysia and the Muslim countries in general. I humbly responded; “Allahu Kaleeq” literally means Allah swt is the Creator, which is one of the positive sides of the Egyptian culture when somebody praises him. As the saying says; when you are in Rome, do what Roman do. Keep the saying aside, this is one of the good things that we should shamelessly subscribe.
It was our turned unloading our groceries and rations to the conveyor, just next to our counter, another drama commenced. It was about a boy disrespectfully jumped the queue, instigated a man at late 40s who was patiently waited for his turn since the past 20 minutes. He asked the boy to join the queue courteously. However, this arrogant and impolite vulgar, selfishly defended his case baselessly and with no sense. Henceforth, the usual scene of the drama – the shouting busted. Minutes later, one of the Carrefour’s Security personnel arrived at the scene, tried to settle the commotion amicably. Well, to cut the long story short, what frustrated me was the verdict given by the Security Personnel – the boy was not guilty - he allowed the boy to and disregarded the right of the grumbling old man. What an interesting world though!

NOTE: Unfortunately, I could not capture both scenes because shoppers are not allowed to use their cameras whilst shopping.

Ta'lim - Part X

Saidina Umar Radiallah hu anh (ra) during the time of his Caliph, used to petrol the streets and suburbs of Madinah himself during the nights to keep a watch. During one of his night-patrols, he noticed a camelhair tent pitched in an open space. He had never seen this particular tent before. Approaching the tent, he found an individual sitting outside, and heard a sort of groan coming out of the tent. He greeted the stranger with ‘Assalammualaikum’ and sat down beside him.
“Whence brother?”
“I am from the desert, and a stranger to this place. I have come to request Amirul Mu’minin for some help in my need.”
“who is there groaning like inside the tent?”
“Please mind your business”
“Do tell me please. May be that I can help you.”
“If you must know, inside there is my wife groaning with labour pains.”
“Is there anybody else to attend her?”
“No one.”
Saidina Umar ra, thereupon, got up and hurried homewards. He broached the subject to his wife Umm Kalthum radiallah hu anha (rha):
“Allah has brought you an opportunity to receive great blessings.”
“What is it, O, Amirul Mu’minin?”
“Yonder, a poor woman of the desert is in child birth, with none to attend her.”
“I am ready to attend her, if it may please you so.”
Umm Kaklthun rha was after all the daughter of Fatimah rha, and grand-daughter of the Prophet; how could she hesitate at the time of such need of forlorn sister, such a service and a devotion which Allah loves best?”
“Then you should make all due haste. Also take a pan, some butter, provisions and other things needed during the child birth.”

Umm Kalthum rha did as she was bidden and left for the place where the tent was pitched. Umar ra followed her close. She entered the tent, while Umar ra made a fire and occupied himself with cooking something which those people could eat. After some time, Umm Kalthum rha called out from inside the tent,
“O Amirul Mu’minin, congratulate your friend on the birth of a son.”
The stranger was much embarrassed when he heard the address ‘Amirul Mu’minin’ and realized the position of the person who had been serving him. But Umar ra put all his fears to rest, saying:
“That is all right, there is nothing to worry about.”
He then placed the pan near the tent, asking his wife to take it and feed the woman. She fed her and returned the pas. Then, Umar ra asked the Bedouin to partake of the food, as he had kept awake the whole night.
Having rendered this service, Umar ra returned home with his wife, telling the person:
“Come to me tomorrow, and I shall see what I can do for you.”
Is there any king, nay a petty chief, or even an ordinary middle class person of our time, who will thus take his wife out of a dead of night, and out in the wilderness, to attend a poor strange woman, while he himself gladly engage in making a fire and cooking food. Leave the worldly rich aside, how many of the religious people would do that? We should realize that unless we really follow in the footsteps of those God-fearing people whom we profess to look up to as our models, we cannot deserve and wish for the special blessings that Allah swt bestowed on them.