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This Ottoman fortress in the town center of Quseir is certainly worth a
visit. It was built in the 16 century during the reign of Sultan Selim
to protect trade links with
India
. Napoleon's troops
occupied the fortress in 1799, fortifying it with cannons mounted high
on the walls. They also added a new viewing platform. A few years later,
British forces ejected the French after a fierce battle and added a new
gate to the fortress. The opening of the Suez Canal
in 1869 led to the decline of Quseir and its fortress. Recently,
restoration work on the fortress has been completed. Cannons are once
again pointing seawards from their original gun ports. The viewing
platform was also restored with the help of illustrations from the
Déscription de l'Égypte that had been commissioned by Napoleon. The
fortress now houses the new Visitor Center containing displays on local
history, archaeology and culture of the surrounding region.
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