Ras Sedr (Also spelled: Ras Sidr, Ras Sudr, or Ras Sudar; ar, راس سدر) is an Egyptian town located on the
Gulf of Suez and the
Red Sea coast. It is a part of the
South Sinai Governorate, and consists of three areas: Wadi Sidr, Abu Sidr and Soerp. The region has been known since ancient biblical times. Ras Sudr was the last point of Sinai that was conquered by the Israelis on 8 June 1967 during the Six Day War, the town had a readily event known as the
Ras Sedr Massacre when Israelis killed Egyptian POW.
Geography
Ras Sidr is 200 km from
Cairo and approx 60 km from the
Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel crossing in
Suez, on the western side of the
Sinai Peninsula, and almost opposite the resort of Ayn El Sokhna on the opposite Red Sea coastline. The main travelling road to Ras Sidr is by way of the main
Suez to
Sharm el Sheikh Road through almost total
desert
A desert is a barren area of landscape where little precipitation occurs and, consequently, living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life. The lack of vegetation exposes the unprotected surface of the ground to denudation. About on ...
terrain. The road is dotted with farms where olives,
tamarinds, and fruits are grown.
The majority of the town and outlying districts are inhabited by Sinai
Bedouin
The Bedouin, Beduin, or Bedu (; , singular ) are nomadic Arab tribes who have historically inhabited the desert regions in the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, the Levant, and Mesopotamia. The Bedouin originated in the Syrian Desert and A ...
s who live in the areas of Wadi Abu Sidr and Soerp. Ras Sedr itself is made up of two residential areas, bisected by the main north/south road. One side contains local housing for workers, who mainly come from the north of
Egypt and the
Nile Valley
The Nile, , Bohairic , lg, Kiira , Nobiin: Áman Dawū is a major north-flowing river in northeastern Africa. It flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile is the longest river in Africa and has historically been considered the longest rive ...
. The other contains private villa residences for professionals and second holiday homes whose owners are mainly from
Cairo. There is also a large
souk
A bazaar () or souk (; also transliterated as souq) is a marketplace consisting of multiple small stalls or shops, especially in the Middle East, the Balkans, North Africa and India. However, temporary open markets elsewhere, such as in the W ...
area with many shops and services including telephone, post office, internet services, council offices and a police station. Tradesmen of every kind can be found in the artisans' souk area. There is also a small military airstrip, which is being debated whether to build a civilian airport there or the military continues to use it.
Attractions
Ras Sidr has a 95 km beach coastline which offers waters for swimming and sea sports. The area also attracts bird watchers as tourists can see different species of migrating birds. Shallow water beaches and constantly blowing wind, makes Ras. Sedr one of the best
kite surfing sites in the world. Recently, several kite surfing centers have opened along the cost. The artificial lakes in Holiday Inn Fantasia & La Hacienda beach resort are suitable for beginners as the wind carries the kite surfers towards the beach not away from it.
Climate
Köppen-Geiger climate classification system classifies its climate as
hot desert
A desert is a barren area of landscape where little precipitation occurs and, consequently, living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life. The lack of vegetation exposes the unprotected surface of the ground to denudation. About one ...
(BWh).
See also
*
Ras Muhammad National Park
*
Ras Sedr massacre
*
Dahab
*
Taba
*
Nuweiba
*
Sharm el-Sheikh
*
List of cities and towns in Egypt
References
{{Authority control
Populated places in South Sinai Governorate
Seaside resorts in Egypt
Red Sea Riviera