Sharm El Sheikh history

Foundation and Meaning of the Name

Unlike the ancient cities in the Nile Valley, Sharm El Sheikh does not possess a thousand-year history of capital grandeur from the time of the Pharaohs. For a long time, this place existed as a small, secluded fishing settlement. The city's name translates from Arabic as "Bay of the Sheikh," reflecting its original essence—a hidden harbour at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula.

The first mentions of this area on navigational charts were primarily linked to maritime activities. As a fully-fledged urban centre, Sharm El Sheikh began to take shape relatively recently, having remained a quiet corner at the junction of the desert and the sea for centuries.

Key Development Factors

Geography played a decisive role in the destiny of the future city. Its unique location determined its development long before the appearance of modern infrastructure:

• Strategic Position: The city is located at the very entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba, in immediate proximity to the Straits of Tiran. This made it a critical point for controlling maritime routes and navigation in the Red Sea.
• Natural Landscape: The presence of a deep-water bay, reliably protected by mountains from desert winds, created ideal conditions for the safe anchorage of vessels.

Early Lifestyle and Economy

Before the onset of large-scale urbanisation, life in this region was governed by traditions and the rhythms of nature. The local population consisted mainly of Bedouin tribes, whose culture was forged in the harsh conditions of the Sinai.

The economic life of the early period was based on simple yet vital activities:

• Fishing: The coast, rich in marine fauna, was the main source of sustenance and goods for exchange.
• Trade Transit: Thanks to its location, the settlement served as an important stopover point for ships and small trade caravans travelling between the regions of the Middle East and Africa.

Key Development Milestones

The history of the transformation from a modest fishing harbour into a world-class resort is filled with events that defined the modern appearance of the city.

• 1762 — The first documented appearance of the area's name on geographical maps by the French cartographer Jean-Baptiste d’Anville.
• 1982 — The beginning of a new era in the city's history: the territory returns to full Egyptian administration, launching the large-scale construction of tourism infrastructure and hotel complexes.
• 1983 — The establishment of Ras Mohammed National Park, which became Egypt's first marine reserve and a magnet for divers from around the world.
• 1996 — Hosting the international "Summit of Peacemakers," thanks to which Sharm El Sheikh received the unofficial title "City of Peace."
• 2002 — UNESCO recognition of the region's uniqueness within the framework of designating the Saint Catherine Area (located nearby) as a World Heritage Site, which increased tourism interest in South Sinai.
• 2007 — Commissioning of a new terminal at the international airport, significantly increasing the capacity of the air harbour.
• 2015 — Opening of Peace Square (Midan Al Salam), adorned with a monumental stele and becoming a symbol of the city's hospitality.
• 2017 — Completion of the Al Sahaba Mosque in the Old Market area; the building with its unique architecture immediately became a landmark of the resort.
• 2018 — Hosting the World Youth Forum, cementing the city's status as a platform for global international dialogue.
• 2020 — Grand opening of the Sharm El Sheikh Museum, featuring thousands of artefacts telling the history of Egypt from ancient times.
• 2022 — The city hosts the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), confirming its role as an important centre of international diplomacy.

Stages of Transformation and Development

The phenomenon of Sharm El Sheikh lies in the incredible speed of its metamorphosis: in just a few decades, a harsh desert strip has turned into a blooming oasis of a world-class standard. This is a clear example of how strategic vision and investment can radically change a landscape. The pace of construction was so rapid that the coastline changed beyond recognition: where lonely Bedouin tents and fishing huts stood quite recently, kilometres of landscaped promenades, tropical gardens, and cascading pools now stretch out, creating the effect of a man-made miracle amidst the sands.

The evolution of the resort's status proceeded no less intensely than its physical construction. Starting as a niche, almost secret destination for diving enthusiasts, the city quickly outgrew the framework of a simple beach holiday. The expansion of the airport and road network opened the region to mass tourism, while the construction of congress centres added political weight. Today, Sharm El Sheikh represents a rare combination of the relaxed atmosphere of a seaside resort and the business rhythm of a diplomatic hub, earning the reputation of the "City of Peace."

The modern stage of development is characterised by moving beyond the "hotel enclave" concept. The city has acquired a full-fledged urban fabric: lively shopping squares, entertainment districts, and cultural objects have appeared, such as museums and mosques with unique architecture. The vector of development has shifted from quantitative growth to qualitative: the introduction of "green" technologies and the digitalisation of infrastructure are turning Sharm El Sheikh into a modern eco-resort, striving to preserve the fragile balance between the comfort of millions of guests and the protection of the unique nature of the Red Sea.

Urban Concept and Development

Sharm El Sheikh represents a unique example of "resort urbanism" of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Unlike the historical cities of Egypt, there are no layers of ancient eras here. The city developed linearly along the Red Sea coast, following the terrain of the bays. The urban structure is clearly zoned:

• Coastal Strip: Occupied by hotel complexes with low building density and extensive landscaped parks.
• Second and Third Lines: Residential residences, administrative buildings, and infrastructure for staff.
• Entertainment Centres: Localised enclaves (Naama Bay, Soho, Old Market) serving as focal points for nightlife.

Architectural Styles and Trends

The architecture of the city is eclectic and subordinate to the main function—creating an atmosphere of relaxation. The main stylistic trends forming the resort's appearance include:

• Functional Modernism (1980s–1990s): Characteristic of the early development of the Naama Bay area. These are concise white buildings with flat roofs, terraces, and minimal decoration, harmoniously blended into the desert landscape.
• Neo-Islamic Style (Neo-Orientalism): The dominant style in the modern public architecture of Sharm El Sheikh. It interprets traditional elements (domes, arches, mashrabiyas) using modern materials (concrete, glass). A striking example is the Old Market area, which, despite its name, is a modern stylisation of an oriental city.
• Thematic Postmodernism: Widely represented in the architecture of hotels and entertainment centres. Here one can encounter imitations of Luxor temples, Nubian villages, or Italian palazzos. This is "architecture of impressions," creating scenery for tourists.

Iconic Buildings and Structures

Despite the city's youth, it has several objects that have become architectural landmarks of the region:

• Al Sahaba Mosque: A grandiose structure in the Old Market area, completed in 2017. The building's architecture represents a unique eclecticism, mixing the Ottoman style (characteristic pencil-minarets) with elements of Fatimid and Mamluk architecture. It is a visual symbol of modern Sharm El Sheikh.
• The Coptic Cathedral of Al Sama'iyoun (The Heavenly Cathedral): Built in the early 2000s. From the outside, the building looks modern and restrained, but the interior amazes with large-scale frescoes in a Neo-Byzantine style covering all walls and vaults, making it one of the most beautiful Christian temples in Egypt.
• SOHO Square: An example of modern entertainment urbanism. Architecture here gives way to lighting design, small architectural forms, and a dancing fountain, creating a futuristic space in the middle of the desert.
• Sharm El Sheikh Museum: A modern building combining strict geometry of volumes with elements referencing ancient Egyptian temples (massive walls, colonnades), adapted for 21st-century museum functions.

Historical Figures and Politicians

Although Sharm El Sheikh is a young city, its strategic position has linked it with the names of major statesmen and explorers of various eras.

• Jean-Baptiste d’Anville — French geographer and cartographer (18th century).
  Played a key role in the early identification of the region. It was on his maps of 1762 that the name of the area was first officially recorded, cementing the existence of this harbour in European science long before the appearance of urban infrastructure here.
• Gamal Abdel Nasser — Second President of Egypt.
  His name is inextricably linked to the military history of the region. In 1967, it was Nasser's decision to blockade the Straits of Tiran, control over which was exercised from Sharm El Sheikh, that became a turning point leading to a change in the geopolitical map of the Middle East.
• Hosni Mubarak — Fourth President of Egypt.
  Considered the main political patron of the resort. It was thanks to his initiative that the city turned into the "political capital" of the country and an international diplomatic hub, receiving the status of "City of Peace." Mubarak spent a significant part of his time here and facilitated the attraction of global investments.

Creators of the Modern Look

The transformation of the desert coast into a blooming oasis and an architectural gem is the merit of specific visionaries, architects, and entrepreneurs.

• Hussein Salem — Egyptian businessman and developer.
  Often referred to as the "father of modern Sharm El Sheikh." He was a pioneer of private development in the region, building the first water desalination systems, power plants, and iconic hotel complexes that set the standards for the entire tourism industry of Egypt.
• Fouad Tawfik — Architect.
  The author of the Al Sahaba Mosque project. His creative vision allowed for the creation of a unique building combining elements of Ottoman and Mamluk styles, which instantly became the main architectural symbol of the Old City and one of the most photographed attractions.
• Bishop Apollo — Bishop of South Sinai.
  The ideological inspirer behind the creation of the Coptic Cathedral of Al Sama'iyoun (The Heavenly Cathedral). Under his leadership, the temple was erected, the interiors and frescoes of which are recognised as a masterpiece of modern Coptic iconography and art, attracting tourists of all faiths.