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Port of Call |
LAST UPDATE July 12, 2005
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| site design imagesparkle.com |
| August 28, 2004 |
Mediterranean Ports Photo Tour |
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SUEZ CANAL
The 163 km long Suez Canal forms a vital link between the Mediterranean Sea, the Gulf of
Suez and the Red Sea, cut through three lakes; the northern Lake Manzala, the central Lake Timsah
and the southern Bitter Lakes. As a busy commercial route and with its virtual control of the region's
trade, the artificial waterway has often been a source of conflict. Its history can be traced back
to 13th century BCE canal between the Nile Delta and the Red Sea, which was neglected until it became
un-navigable in the 8th century CE. In 1858 a joint French-Egyptian company started construction of
the modern canal, completed eleven years later. The British government eventually wrestled control
of the Egyptian stocks and in 1936 signed a treaty to keep a military force in the canal zone. The
1956 British withdrawal and subsequent nationalization of it by the Egyptian government led to French
and British attacks, under the pretext of opening the canal for all vessels. Egypt's answered by sinking
the 40 ships that were inside the canal. The canal closed again at the start of the Six-Day War with
Israel and didn't reopen for eight years, although only vessels carrying non-military goods to and
from Israel were allowed through. |
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EGYPT
As the entrance to the Suez Canal, Port Said is animportant Mediterranean port that brings many
people and cultures together. Peace Boat participants visited one quiet street in the port where
an orphanage for more than 40 children is located. Besides hearing about the various reasons the
children are separated from their parents, they shared Japanese culture such as origami and sang
songs with them. Other participants learned about a Moslem's daily life and Egypt's Islamic culture,
stopped at the pyramids in Giza and sailed the Nile in traditional farruca sail boats, learning
about the history of a region that has been a cultural crossroad for millennia. |
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ITALY
Stopping in Catania, the second largest city on the island of Sicily, Peace Boat participants had
a chance to explore the breathtaking azure coast and take in Italy's deep pool of history. A group
of outdoor enthusiasts took the chance to hike Mt.Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, towering
over Catania's harbor. Others explored ancient ruins and examined mosaic tiles that have preserved
scenes from daily Roman life and religion. In the neighboring town of Taormina, participants found
winding streets, azure skies and sea recognized since ancient times for their beauty. Perched high
on a surrounding hilltop in Taormina stands the amphitheater Teatro Greco, which seats 5,400 people,
an example of Classical Hellenic architecture. |
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ROCK OF GIBRALTAR
From Italy the Peace Boat sailed past the Rock of Gibraltar jutting imposingly into the air at
the gateway to the Mediterranean Sea. Because of its strategic position overlooking the narrow straits,
it has been fought over by Spain, France and Britain. Its six square kilometer are honeycombed by
hidden defense works and arsenals. First settled by the Moor leader Tarik ibn Zetard in 711 AD,
its inhabitants have since witnessed many sieges and battles over the centuries. This year marks
the third century since it was captured from Spain on August 4th, 1704 by an Anglo-Dutch fleet of
ships. As Spain waited for an opportunity to retake the Rock from Britain, sieges became a common
occurrence for Gibraltar, with the Great Siege lasting from 1779 to 1783. Although referendums as
recent as November 2002 show the majority of its people favoring British rule, the current British
government has shown signs it wants to abandon the Treaty of Utrecht that made Gibraltar a part
of Britain, essentially turning Gibraltar's 30,000 inhabitants into Spanish citizens. |
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MOROCCO
The advancing and receding tide of Arab influence has left a distinctive mark on Morocco's character
and architecture. A more modern influence is Europe's booming economy, holding out promises of a 'better
life' on the other side of the Gibraltar Straits. Because of this, illegal migration from the
African continent to Southern Europe has become a large problem for Tangiers. Peace Boat participants
joined an exchange with local families, learning about Islamic culture, Tangier life and helped prepare
traditional cous-cous for dinner. Others chose to wander the city's labyrinthine alleys, vibrant souks
(market place) and old quarter medina. Traveling outside the city, some enjoyed Morocco's mix of cultures
such as the Spanish-influenced town of Tituan in the Riff mountain ranges and the ancient city of
Fez, often called a 'living museum.' |
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