Publications
Discover Sinai: A guide to the natural, cultural and historical faces of South Sinai
2009
“This is the most complete catalogue of attractions available about the region, with descriptions, almost 400 color photos, over 60 maps and relevant information so you can plan a trip and discover Sinai for yourself. There is also a comprehensive section on flora and fauna, as well as a dictionary based on the local dialect.”
• Download full guide FREE
(discoversinai.pdf 12.9 MB)
complete version: places of interest, Fauna and Flora, dictionary
• Download dictionary only FREE
(dictionary.pdf 0.29 MB)
black-and-white, easy and cheap to print/photocopy
Sinai Trekking And Safari: the complete route guide with GPS waypoints
Whether planning a tour on foot, camel back or by 4×4, you have all the essential information with over 100 maps, PLUS you can download all the GPS waypoints or view the routes – with photos – in Google Earth and Google Maps. The guide also contains other vital information; notes on culture, history and nature; illustrations; a catalogue of places of interest; and a part with a comprehensive list of useful Arabic words and expressions for trekkers.
Bedouin Life in Sinai, Egypt: traditions, modernity and ecotourism
The book presents an overall picture of the ancient customs of the Bedouin people of the Middle East but mainly focuses on the contemporary life of the tribes of South Sinai, Egypt, of which tourism is an important part. It also looks at development in Sinai and the efforts to make it sustainable, as well as how the Bedouin fit - and could fit - in it. The book also has a personal aspect, as the author had lived the larger part of a decade with the Bedouin in St. Catherine and worked, or was involved in other ways, with several projects during the years between 2005 and 2016. The book contains over 150 photos (black-and-white), most taken in this period, but also some rare historic ones. They give the topics a visual dimension and pay tribute to the people of Sinai.
The Sinai Bedouin: a photographic journey
The Sinai is a barren and inhospitable – but very diverse and stunningly beautiful – desert wilderness inhabited by nomadic Arab tribes, the Bedouin. Most of them are from the Arabian Peninsula originally, arriving in several waves before and after the Arab conquest. The Bedouin are now at a crossroad. This little ebook shows glimpses of their life and natural environment through 40 images.
A walk in Sinai: St. Katherine to Al Galt Al-Azraq
1998
Probably the the first trekking guide to the Sinai as such, this lovely book describes a popular circuit to some of the highlights of the High Mountain Region. There is also an imformative section about the flora and fauna of Sinai.
- Download FREE
- Home page: www.nottingham.ac.uk/~plzfg/
Gardens in a sacred landscape: Bedouin heritage and natural history in the high mountains of Sinai
Illustrated by Ahmed Gheith
2008
This beautifully illustrated book describes the unique environment and the natural history of St. Katherine in Sinai from the perspective of its inhabitants—the Gabaliya Bedouin. This book introduces—from their own observations—the gardens and the unique culture and heritage of the Gabaliya, the vegetables and fruits they grow, and the mammals, birds, lizards, and insects associated with their gardens and environment in this remarkable landscape. The book is fully illustrated with photographs and watercolor paintings.
- Download FREE
- Home page: www.nottingham.ac.uk/~plzfg/
Wandering through Wadis: A nature-lover’s guide to the flora of South Sinai
2013
A field guide to the plants growing in the mountain wadis and coastal plains of South Sinai. Perfect for the nature-lover or hobbyist interested in identifying the various plants encountered while trekking, hiking, or camel riding in the Sinai desert. For each of the 104 plants in the directory, you will find the Common English and Arabic names, general description and information, photographs, and practical and traditional Bedouin uses.
by Ahmed Shams
2011
This book is the first complete geo-based account about the High Mountains of Sinai Peninsula.A series of seventeen expeditions (Phase I: 2000-2008) were conducted to study the geography and human occupation development, providing exclusive highly detailed maps. Since March 2010 (Phase II: 2010-2013), the study is undergoing an extensive analysis/modeling process, supervised/sponsored by IMT Institute for Advanced Studies; scientifically cooperating with the European Research Academy ‘EURAC’, towards a global perspective.It is a multidisciplinary geographical account which focuses on a local Bedouin community which inhabits a transitional mountain area of a rich and complex context, reflecting the socioeconomic and geopolitical paradoxes of the Middle East, the decade prior the revolutions of the Arab Spring. It presents a complete image for the local aspects in a keystone Arab state; a state of a significant share: ‘the Egyptian National Reforms Revolution of January 25, 2011 CE’.
• Available from Amazon.com
A field guide to the plants growing in the mountain wadis and coastal plains of South Sinai. Perfect for the nature-lover or hobbyist interested in identifying the various plants encountered while trekking, hiking, or camel riding in the Sinai desert. For each of the 104 plants in the directory, you will find the Common English and Arabic names, general description and information, photographs, and practical and traditional Bedouin uses.
Eight Years Wandering In The High Mountains Of Sinai Peninsula: A Tale Of Two Maps
2011
This book is the first complete geo-based account about the High Mountains of Sinai Peninsula.A series of seventeen expeditions (Phase I: 2000-2008) were conducted to study the geography and human occupation development, providing exclusive highly detailed maps. Since March 2010 (Phase II: 2010-2013), the study is undergoing an extensive analysis/modeling process, supervised/sponsored by IMT Institute for Advanced Studies; scientifically cooperating with the European Research Academy ‘EURAC’, towards a global perspective.It is a multidisciplinary geographical account which focuses on a local Bedouin community which inhabits a transitional mountain area of a rich and complex context, reflecting the socioeconomic and geopolitical paradoxes of the Middle East, the decade prior the revolutions of the Arab Spring. It presents a complete image for the local aspects in a keystone Arab state; a state of a significant share: ‘the Egyptian National Reforms Revolution of January 25, 2011 CE’.
• Available from Amazon.com
Mount Sinai
1995
This study of the Egyptian mountain widely believed to be Mount Sinai examines its geographical features, sacred sites, and the effects of rising tourism. Hobbs describes all Christian and Muslim sacred sites around the mountain. He also views Mount Sinai from the perspectives of the Jabaliya Bedouins and the monks of the St. Katherine Monastery, both of whom have inhabited in the region for centuries. He concludes his account with the international debate over whether to build a cable car on Mount Sinai and with an unflinching description of the negative impact of tourism on the delicate desert environment. His book raises important, troubling questions for everyone concerned about the fate of the earth's wild and sacred places.
• Available from Amazon.com
A Culture of Desert Survival: Bedouin Proverbs from Sinai and the Negev
2004
Gathered over 30 years by author Bailey (Bedoin Poetry), these one-line adages reflect the communal knowledge accumulated by Bedouins over centuries of nomadic living. From camel care to the art of hospitality, the proverbs were screened for their authenticity; Bailey omitted any that appear to come from non-Bedouin (i.e. sedentary Arabs) sources, including those whose logic goes contrary to desert life. The proverbs are translated by Bailey from the Arabic and are accompanied by illuminating explanations on their meaning, context and usage.
• Available from Amazon.com
