Alexandria
Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. The city was given to his general Ptolemy as governor. The Ptolemais ruled Egypt for 300 years until Cleopatra killed herself. According to some evidence the Egyptians and Greeks blended well’ since they both worshipped multiple gods. Greeks, Egyptians and Jews lived separately in their own quarters. One of the wonders of the ancient world was The Lighthouse of Alexandria. It was built by Ptolemy II and estimated to be 300 feet in height.
Ancient Alexandria
Alexandria was the capital of the ancient world. It was a city by the Sea. The Mediterrean Sea that is. A colonial city of the Greeks and Romans in the Middle East.
The city was an intellectual capital according to some historians. The first Ptolemy was tutored by Aristotle, Greek Philosopher.
A great library was built by Ptolemy in Alexandria.
The Library of Alexandria.
Any ships that came to Alexandria, by law was required to hand over their books. The books were copied and returned to their owners.
Date of founding Library of Alexandria: 295 BC
Founded by: Ptolemy.
No of Books in Library: 200,000 to 700,000.
The books were written in mainly Greek and ancient Egyptian.
The Library was destroyed in two different occasion:
• Julius Caesar –when he intervened in fight between Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII.
• The second branch of library was destroyed by Roman Emperor Theodosius in 391 CE.
Actually nobody knows for sure who destroyed the Library. Though there is controversy, but PK Hitti, clears it.
Timeline of Egypt’s history after
- 641 CE-The Muslim conquest of Egypt by Khalifa Rashidun. The adoption of Islam and Arabic.
- 969 CE-Fatimid Caliphate established. Al Azhar University Established.
- 1168CE –Seljuks take over Egypt with Shirukh appointed as governor. Later on Salah Uddin becomes Sultan of Egypt.
- 1250 CE-The Mamelukes take control. They defeat the Mongolians, army of Hulagu Khan in Battle of “Ain a Jalut
- 1525 CE-The Ottomans take over Egypt,
- 1798 CE-French Occupation of Egypt by Napoleon Bonaparte.
- 1805 CE-Muhammad Ali takes over Egypt.
- 1882 CE-British Occupation and Protectorate until 1952 CE.
- 1936 CE-King Farouk is placed in control of Egypt after his father King Fuoad I.
- 1952 CE– King Farouk Abdicates in favor of his son King Fouad II.
Modern Egypt
Modern Egypt begins in 1922 when it gains independence from British and King Fouad I came in. Later his son King Farouk of Albanian heritage takes over and continues till 1952, when he was force to abdicate. A Netflix TV series by the name: Once Upon a Time tells a story of an Egyptian elite family inheritance in city of Alexandria. The film was the reason of inspiration of writing about Alexandria. The city might feel similar to Calcutta in some ways as both were ruled by the British. King Fouad I’s ancestor Muhammad Ali Pasha took Egypt and later on Ottoman Sultan supported him. It looked like an artistic city where everybody respected Arts and culture.
Places to visit in Alexandria
- Qaitabay Citadel
This place is located in heart of Alexandria and was built by Mamluk Sultan el-Ashraf Saif ed-Dīn Qāitbāy in 1477 CE. It was built to defend the city from Crusaders. It was last Mamluk stronghold and only one that did not fall to the Ottomans.
Suitable for visiting: Family and History lovers. Entry Fee: 80 Egyptian pounds. - Library of Alexandria
Located near the ancient Library of Alexandria.
Entry: 70 Egyptian pounds. - Kom El-Dikka
A Location where is a Roman Theatre with baths, cisterns and residential buildings. There is a House of the Birds on the East.
Entry Fee: 80 Egyptian pounds.
Site Open: 8 am to 5 pm.
- Pompey’s Pillar
The Pillar is large red granite column measuring 27 meters long, dating back from Roman Period. - The Royal Jewelry Museum
The Royal jewelry Museum was built in 1919 for Princess Fatima Al-Zahraa Haidar of the Royal family. The room is extravagantly decorated.
Entry Fee: 100 EGP - Montaza Palace
The Palace was built by Khedive Abbas II ancestor of King Farouk II.
Entry Fee: 25 EGP
7. El Alamein
Souvenirs to buy
The souvenirs to buy from Egypt are:
• Ladies’ Scarves
• Galabeya
• Dried Dates
• Spices
• Papyrus
• Alabaster
• Carpets- Saqqara or Aswan
• Stylish chandeliers
• Kohl- A Black powder
Food to Eat
There are many delicious food to eat from Egypt. Don’t miss them’
There are many tasty fishes in Alexandria.
One of them is Singari Fish.
Where to Eat:
• Arousa El Bahar
• Alban Swesra
• Mohamed Ahmed
• Cecil Hotel
• Uncle Zaghloul
Restaurants recommended in Alexandria
• Greek Club
• Mohamed Ahmed
• El Lol
• Chez Gaby
• Farag Abou Khaled
• Teatro Eskendria
• Negro