INSPIRATION COLOUR QUARTERLY 10
24–25 2
The Sinai Peninsula—Desert splendours
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The Sinai Peninsula in the east is hallowed land. Mount Sinai is famed for being the legendary site where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Here, the desert never ceases to surprise and the Coloured Canyon is a labyrinth of barren cliffs, a crazed canvas of yellows, purples, golds, and reds twisting and blending into spectacular formations. Beneath the cobalt waters around Tiran Island in the Gulf of Aqaba, coral reefs sway gently in profusions of fuchsia, jade, lemon, and lavender. Every imaginable shade of blue is visible in the saltwater Magic Lake at Ras Mohammad National Park. Sunrise–0526 | R 232 G 116 B 52
Twilight Zone–7325 | R 34 G 75 B 143
The sandstone temple ruins of Karnak, built over a period of 1300 years to consecrate the Theban triad of Gods, Amun, Mut, and Khonsu are jawdropping in scale and execution.
Luxor—Celebrating the glory of the gods
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Red Sea coast—An aqua paradise
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The coastal areas are famed for the abundant marine life that inhabits a long stretch of coral reefs.
500 kilometres south of Cario, Luxor sits on the banks of a lovely segment of the Nile, whose deep blue waters are dotted with white felucca sails. Once the site of the 4000 year-old Egyptian city of Thebes, Luxor’s past overwhelms its contemporary identity. The open air temple ruins at Karnak are famed for being the largest ancient religious site in the world. At the centre of the ruins sit the main Temple of Amun. The Great Hypostyle Hall which sprawls over 5000 square metres is a silent testament to the architectural vision and engineering skills of its creators. Its roof no longer exists but the 134 earth-toned columns and outer walls remain, covered with inscriptions, carvings of battle scenes, and important events during the reign of Seti I, his son Ramses II and their descendants—a priceless historical record. South of Karnak, the blue expanse of the Sacred Lake fed by the Nile is a symbol of the primeval ocean and the waters of creation. A massive statue of a scarab beetle, symbolic of ancient Egypt, overlooking the lake was commissioned by King Amenhotep III. A wavy hieroglyphic encircling the walls represents the flowing water of the Nile.
Far from these desert wonders, the Red Sea coast on the eastern border of Egypt is an 800 kilometer stretch of white beaches, crystalline water, and the jewelled beauty of coral gardens. Wadi el Gemal (Valley of Camels), a national park, comprises of 7000 kilometers of diverse natural habitats. The blues and greens of the ocean, palm groves, and sea grass beds transition into the browns, yellows, and beiges of the desert. Egypt’s unique geography and the legacy of her ancient cultures blend into a tapestry of colour and beauty that never ceases to inspire and amaze. History continues to weave in new skeins of colour into this fabled land.
Balsam Brown–8520 | R 204 G 169 B 120 Egypt Colour Palette Royale Play–Canvas Base Coat: Rocky Cliff–8632 Top Coat 1: Red Earth–8029 Top Coat 2: Cozy Cabin–8509
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The Sacred Lake was a holy site for ancient Egyptians priests.
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Hieroglyphic carvings on a pillar at the temple ruins of Karnak.
All shades are printed representations and may vary slightly from actual colours. Please refer to the Asian Paints Colour Spectra for exact shade reference.
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The Coloured Canyon rock formation in the Sinai Peninsula.
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The Red Sea borders Egypt in the east.