When planning a holiday or thinking of all the famous Arab countries around the world, Sudan probably doesn’t spring to mind! You are probably thinking who in their Right mind would go to Sudan! And you’re probably right; Sudan doesn’t feature in glossy magazines or holiday brouchers, instead it is a regular among the BBC World News items on war and famine in Africa. For that reason, tourists tend to give Sudan a miss. but (im not just saying this because I’m half Sudanese) Sudan has more to offer than you think…
I come from the capital of Sudan, Khartoum which lies at the confluence of the Blue and the White Niles. And yes, they are different colours! Across the White Nile is Khartoum's traditional cousin, Omdurman, while facing Khartoum on the opposite bank of the Blue Nile is Khartoum North, more commonly known as Bahri. Bahri is mainly a residential and industrial suburb, Khartoum has a lot to offer like other Arab countries, I get really fed up of people stereotyping Sudan...
First of all, no we don’t live in straw houses. We actually have houses like any other countries even with swimming pools etc. we don’t have camels for transport! We have cars of all shapes and sizes BMW's and Mercedes are not rare here. We also do have 5 star luxury hotels, Hilton, meridian hotel etc and the Night life is not dead here, discos and bars are regular in Khartoum and if that’s not your seen we have
endless other things to do, like AFRA Mall which has restaurants and
Cinemas and a bowling plex…
Now the best thing in Sudan, Khartoum which is mainly made up of Arabs, is thier freindlyness, kindness and hospitality. Chances are you will meet new friends and will be invited to their house for a meal. Take my
advice... accept, but never accept more than one invitation in one day, as death by overfeeding is not the most pleasant way to go!
Sudan is a Muslim society, and has abided by Shari'a Islamic Law since
1983. That doesn't mean that the women are veiled completely, and it doesn't mean it is a country of fundamentalists and terrorists. The women generally do cover their hair with loose lengths of material called "tobes" or just plain headscarves, but many do not seem to be too bothered if these slip off in public or not.
Now another point which I want to clearly state is about SUDANESE LADIES.. Again we never see Sudanese women in magazines or in Arab television when you think of the most beautiful Arab women you usually think of Lebanon, alkhaleeg etc not once have I seen a Sudanese girl mentioned or recognized, because people think they are all:
1. Black
2. Have rough straw like hair
3. wear tribal clothes
I have seen a lot of Sudanese girls and BELIEVE ME they are stunning, we have girls here who are as white as milk and have long black midnight hair, people should look more than what they see on TV. Sudan has a lot of potential for tourism if given the chance, river trips along the Nile, diving in the Red Sea, trekking in Jebel Marra in the west, camel racing with the Nomads, the mountainous town of Kassala, safaris in Dinder National Park, the ancient ruins and pyramids of Marawi and Dongola... just the infrastructure needed to attract foreign visitors is not there. So next time you think of Sudan I hope you will think of it in a positive light.
By guest writer Ghada
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Is there animosity against jews? Would I, as a jew, be denied entry? Would I enjoy that same hospitality you mention? I am very interested in visiting places which are off-mainstream (wife and daughter here -slightly abandoning Winnie Pooh DVD for a while- strongly agree). As a matter of fact, I am fed up with stereotypes! I am sure Sudan is what you depict and even more. Thanks for an interesting read!!!
that is so true!what u wrote ghada!
hey ghada,
I liked your article, even though you emphasized on the Northern, rather arabic part of Sudan and neglected the south.
I have met few Sudanese in my life, I'm from Iraq originally, and i remember i had two twins classmates, and yes, there are Stunning beautiful Sudanese ladys, i remember when their mom used to come to our school, everyone would turn heads, she had this natural look.
and yes, i dont like it how people when think of arab beauty think of those COMMErcial countries, and YES, i want to see Sudanese arab muthee3at, they got this beautiful arabic/afro mix. Also, i want more samrat girls in our t.v as well,i mean, beauty can ashgar, asmar, 7in6awi, khamri whatever,,,,,
and enough of looks.......you should have submitted more pics of Sudan!
take care :)
Simon,
I am really sorry to hear about the attitude towards jews in the arab world, however things are changing, people are meeting more people as interchangebility is increasing.
I would even love to meat jews originally from iraq, they added diversity to iraq at the old times!
however, i am strictly NOT LOOKNG forward into meeting ZIONIST, we have nothing against jews, but zionsims does give us an allergy lol
:)
Hey interesting article I am from Sudan too and I have a Jewish background and was Jewish by nature, I personally saw no hostility in Sudan towards Jews. You must understand that there is some, but very few and only by the people in power to give justification to the problems in Sudan and blaming on the escapegoats- sadly the U.S and the Jewish people Oy vay! There were a great number of Sudanese Jews in Sudan, but have left the country due to the bad politics... I have meet many and they still harbor love or Sudan and hope one day they shall return to live side by side in harmony inshalla (god-willing)! But the people are soooooooo beautiful I instantly fell in love with my motherland- immediately! The people are amiable in every way possible... There are some problems between the South and the North, but it is similar to the problems in the States between the Yankees and the red-necks confederates but in Sudan it escalates to war...I would recommend knowing a Sudanese person first before going and u will have fun and it is different...Not every country has everything but Sudan without a shred of doubt has the people! Shalom, Salamat, and God bless!
Im going 2 sudan next week and im really happy!Who said Sudan is not a country 2 visit??Now thats bull****.Sudan is a very intresting country 2 visit.The only thing that will hold u down is the weather but who cares,everyone can loos weight rite?
hi everybody im planning to travel to sudan june 1st, of '06, and would like to know how much money should i take for one month stay? does anybody know of hostels rather than hotels there? and the dawwali mosque in omdurman, would it take in travelers or homeless as they say ?? im muslim, of sudanese decent...if any one can give me the answers to my questions, it would b greately appreciated...thank you
Good day to all,
I belive that sudan is an excellent place, am actually egyptian and i know that we both share the same cultural background. anyway, i will be visiting sudan next month and i wonder if any one would help me out with some tips and info. thnx in advance friends
Ahmed (a_elokr@hotmail.com)