The Egyptian Adventure: The Town of Hijarat ai Shara (Stones of the Desert)

The market place in Hijarat ai Shara

Hijarat ai Shara was a bustling town on the trade route between Aswan and Luxor as merchants, travelers and traders moved from the upper Nile to the lower Nile. It was convenient also as a trade route for travelers from Arabia crossing the Red Sea.

 Overview of Hijarat ai Shara

The town declined from the 13th through the 17th Century and became a shell of a once luxurious way station for travelers. The town has seen a massive revival and new capital is flowing into the region due to the continuing involvement of the British in the Sudan (in fact the railroad spur to Hijarat ai Shara is almost complete) and the Archeological excavations that take place nearby. Many local inhabitants and adventurers from all over the world now converge on this growing town of interest.

 New construction near ancient artifacts attest to how long the area has been occupied. In the background is the District Police Headquarters. 

 A view of the Central Market.

 An Egyptian police officer helps to direct the crowds and onlookers in the market.

 Merchants call out their wares to their favorite customers.

 Another artifact, near the mosque, is guarded by another policeman as an English scientist makes a sketch.

The entrance to the District Police Headquarters is just off the market.

 Irish reporter Kevin O'Connell, who works for the"Daily Yell" jots down notes that he will undoubtedly exaggerate with mummies and ancient curses.

New wealth and unwary travelers are often prey for the bandits that infest the "Stones of the Desert" surrounding the town.

Deputy Inspector Abasi Gamal is determined to stamp out the banditry and the illegal antiquities market in Hijarat ai Shara. 

 Dara 

Hijarat ai Shara is also close to the new excavation at Dara making it the ideal location for supplies, adventurers, criminals and unexplained encounters . . .