Hotspots Sharm El Sheikh: Old Market & Al-Sahaba Mosque

A Deep Journey Into Sinai's Living History, Vibrant Souks, and Arabian Architecture

The Old Market—affectionately known by locals as Old Sharm—serves as the true cultural, historical, and economic soul of the city. Nestled beautifully against a dramatic backdrop of towering desert mountains and artificial waterfalls, this bustling hub stands as an enchanting contrast to the sleek, ultra-modern luxury resorts of Naama Bay or Nabq. Stepping into this lively district feels like stepping back into ancient trading times, where the air is heavily perfumed with fresh spices, perfume oils, and the sounds of friendly bartering.

Photo by Xj2006 / Wikimedia Commons
Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 International

Photo by Шухрат Саъдиев (Shuhrat Sa'diev) / Wikimedia Commons
Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 International

The Architectural Wonder: History of Al-Sahaba Mosque

Rising like a dream straight out of *A Thousand and One Nights*, the monumental Al-Sahaba Mosque is a brilliant milestone in contemporary Islamic art. The foundation stone of this majestic sanctuary was officially laid in January 2011. Despite facing several construction delays due to local economic shifts, the dedication of Egyptian engineers and traditional craftsmen prevailed. Under the creative direction of renowned Egyptian architect Fouad Tawfik Hafez, the doors were proudly opened to the public on March 24, 2017.

Spanning a vast area of over 3,003 square meters, the design is a magnificent synthesis of classical Islamic architectural eras. It masterfully fuses the soaring, dramatic minarets of the Ottoman Empire (reaching an incredible height of 76 meters) with the intricate structural details of the Mamluk and Fatimid dynasties. The iconic copper-colored domes draw inspiration from the famous Mosque of Muhammad Ali in Cairo, while its heavy, beautifully detailed golden doors add an undeniable touch of luxury and antiquity to the sacred structure.

Living Worship, Global Education, and Visitor Access

Far from being just a visual landmark for photography, Al-Sahaba is a fully operational, living house of daily prayer. Five times a day, the mesmerizing sound of the Islamic call to prayer echoes through its minarets, gathering hundreds of local worshippers inside.

To foster international understanding, the mosque houses a massive cultural library in its lobby. Operated in coordination with the Islamic Research Complex of Al-Azhar, it offers free educational booklets, translations of the Noble Qur'an, and multi-language materials in English, French, and Russian. Respectful non-Muslim tourists are warmly welcomed outside of active prayer hours. Modest dress is strictly required, and traditional garments are available at the entrance for guests to cover their hair and shoulders.

Shopping the Souks: Spices, Herbs, and Genuine Leather Bazaars

The true heartbeat of the Old Market reveals itself just after sunset. As the desert air cools down, the traditional winding streets and covered alleys illuminate with thousands of colorful hand-blown glass lanterns. It is an absolute paradise for shoppers looking for genuine Egyptian products.

The famous Spice Shops feature over-flowing burlap sacks of natural Egyptian hibiscus tea, cumin, saffron, star anise, and medicinal desert herbs sourced straight from the Sinai Bedouins. Nearby, the Aroma & Perfume Bazaars let you blend customized, pure essential oils such as lotus flower, sandalwood, and amber without alcohol bases.