Fifty years after 'Tut-mania,' fascination and excitement remain around Egypt

Ahead of America's 250th anniversary, and a World Cup that will see the Egyptian National team play in Seattle and stay in a basecamp in Spokane, reporter Mitchell Roland traveled to Egypt to take in the food, culture and sights.

Section:Gallery

Wed., May 27, 2026

The Great Sphinx of Giza was built to guard the royal tombs and protect the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Mitchell Roland The Spokesman-Review
Although alcohol is not prohibited, since Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, bars are a rare sight. However, that doesn’t mean that Cairo is not without a nightlife. Cafes are the center of the Egyptian social scene, with many visitors opting to smoke hookah, a traditional water pipe to smoke flavored tobacco. A cafe is pictured in Cairo, Egypt on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Mitchell Roland The Spokesman-Review
he Great Pyramids of Giza are among the seven wonders of the ancient world, and one of the most significant pieces of human engineering. At 481 feet, the Great Pyramid towers over the surrounding desert and was the tallest man-made structure for 3,700 years. The Pyramids of Giza are pictured in Giza, Egypt on Wednesday, May 13.

Mitchell Roland The Spokesman-Review
Although camels did not arrive in Egypt until well after the construction of the Great Pyramids, they were later used for travel and trade and have since become a national symbol for the country. Camels are seen at the great Pyramids of Giza in Giza, Egypt on Wednesday, May 13.

Mitchell Roland The Spokesman-Review
The only one of its kind in Egypt, the Roman Amphitheatre was used for both government and entertainment purposes. The site dates back to the fourth century CE, and was used for around 300 years. The amphitheater is pictured in Alexandria, Egypt on Friday, May 15.

Mitchell Roland The Spokesman-Review
Packs of cats and dogs are a typical sight on the streets of Egypt. The animals are friendly, and can often be found in shady spots trying to avoid the afternoon heat. A litter of kittens is seen sleeping outside of the Ancient Roman Amphitheatre in Alexandria, Egypt on Friday, May 15.

Mitchell Roland The Spokesman-Review
Built in the 15th century, the Citadel of Qaitbay was used as a defense fortress on the Mediterranean coast and was used to track the approach of the Ottoman military. The Citadel is pictured in Alexandria, Egypt on Friday, May 15.

Mitchell Roland The Spokesman-Review
While the Library of Alexandria has since been destroyed, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina was built near the site of the original library. The library has shelf space for up to 8 million books, and a mural with more than 120 languages is engraved on the outside of the museum. The mural is pictured in Alexandria, Egypt on Friday, May 15.

Mitchell Roland The Spokesman-Review
A historic building is seen in downtown Cairo, Egypt on Saturday, May 16. Many buildings in Cairo were built with both European and Islamic influences.

Mitchell Roland The Spokesman-Review
Visitors to the Egyptian Museum of Cairo are greeted by a 23 foot tall statue of Amenhotep III and his Great Royal Wife, Tiye. The limestone statue was carved nearly 3,300 years ago. The statue is pictured in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt on Saturday, May 16.

Mitchell Roland The Spokesman-Review
Although they are challenging to grow in Egypt, tree nuts are a popular evening snack in the country. Dozens of varieties of colorful cashews, almonds and pistachios are seen at an Egyptian market in Cairo, Egypt on Sunday, May 17.

Mitchell Roland The Spokesman-Review