Do you know what is Shali? Do you hear the word “ Shali” before? Shali is a fortress in Siwa, but It is not a usual fortress. It is located in Siwa Oasis in the western desert where you can find alive heart of the Oasis rich with nature. The word Shali originated from the Amazigh language which means the fortified city. The scene of the fortress of Shali narrates its story and displays how the citizens of Siwa lived 800 years ago. The reason behind the building of the fortress was to protect the citizens from the attacks of the Arabs and the traveling tribes who wanted to invade the city.
The material of building the fortress was made out of salt from the salted lakes combined with mud, which makes it strong like the cement when it dries. The date of building Shali fortress back to the 12th and 13th centuries when were the tribes trying to attack Siwa in harvesting time to get the harvest. The fortress included only one door first and its called “ Bab El Madina” or the gate of the city. In addition to surrounding the fortress with a massive wall to protect it. Discover this beautiful unique scene of Shali fortress in Siwa through Egypt Christmas Tours during your visit to Egypt with your family and partners.
The design of the fortress of Shali includes an old mosque inside the walls of the fortress, It also includes a new door for the fortress called “the new door or gate” or “ El Bab El Gadid”. In 1926, there was rainy weather which was continuous for three days that had led to the collapse of the houses; therefore, some citizens were obligated to leave their houses to have more safe houses. Contact Cairo Top Tours professional tour operators and get a magnificent trip to one of the top visited destinations in Egypt from Egypt Easter Tours in Egypt.