Fortress of Shali, Siwa Oasis
The crumbling ruins of Shali Fortress dominate Siwa’s main square and are one of the main reasons for a trek to this idyllic desert oasis. Built in the 12th century to protect oasis inhabitants from foreign invaders as well as mosquitoes, this mud brick citadel once housed more than 600 people in four to five story abodes. Consider the majesty of this fortress before the rains melted the salt, one of the principle materials of karsheef, and washed it away. Can you imagine what life in the Fortress of Shali was like?
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Fortress of Shali reviews
A living science experimentSubmitted on 15 February 2008 by snowedunder from Monza, Italy
My 9-year-old daughter is no expert in architecture yet she found the Fortress of Shali fascinating. When she discovered that the citadel's mud brick walls were made with salt the crumbling ruins were quickly understood. Documenting the affects of rain on salt bricks became her mission for the day. ‘I have to show this to my class!' Climbing the ruble made the task that much more fun. Was this review helpful?
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