Al Maţarīyah, Egypt
Region: Al Sharqia Governorate
Geographic Coordinates: 31.183300, 32.033300
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Climate: Dry and hot with very little rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 20-40°C throughout the year.
Population: 300000
Language: Arabic
Al Maţarīyah is a charming town situated in the Dakahlia Governorate of Egypt, Located about 80 kilometers northeast of Cairo. This small town has a population of around 100, 000 people and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The town is situated on the eastern bank of the Nile River, Offering visitors stunning views and natural resources. One of the main attractions in Al Maţarīyah is Bubastis, An ancient city that dates back to 4000 BC during the Pharaonic era.
This city was dedicated to Bastet, Goddess of fertility and cats, And was famous for its magnificent temples and statues. Visitors can explore these ruins which include towering columns with hieroglyphs inscribed on them. Another significant attraction in Al Maţarīyah is Lake Burullus located just north-east from it. This lake covers an area of approximately 460 square kilometers making it one of Egypt’s largest lakes; it’s also home to several species such as flamingos birds that migrate here during winter months from Europe.
In addition to historical sites and natural wonders, Al Maţarīyah has a vibrant local market where visitors can experience traditional Egyptian culture through food stalls selling falafel sandwiches or koshari (a popular Egyptian dish made from rice lentils pasta topped with tomato sauce). The market also offers handicrafts like woven baskets or pottery items made by local artisans.
The town hosts several annual festivals including Moulid El Sayeda Nafisa which celebrates one of Islam’s most revered saints who lived in Egypt during Islamic Golden Age; this festival attracts thousands every year who come to pay their respects at her shrine located near Bubastis temple ruins. Despite being a small town compared to other cities within Egypt like Cairo or Alexandria – Al Maţarīyah has a rich history and cultural heritage that makes it an interesting destination for travelers.
The town’s proximity to the Nile River, Ancient ruins, And natural wonders like Lake Burullus make it a great place to explore and experience Egypt’s diverse culture.
- Unfortunately, I do not have access to up-to-date information on the current major industries and businesses in Al Maţarīyah, Egypt.
- However, according to a report by the International Trade Administration in 2019, some of the major industries in Egypt include:
- Tourism
- Textiles and clothing manufacturing
- Agriculture and food processing
- Construction materials manufacturing (including cement)
- Energy production (including oil and gas)
- Automotive manufacturing and assembly
- It is possible that some of these industries also exist in Al Maţarīyah.
- Additionally, small businesses such as local shops and services likely play a significant role in the local economy.
- The Battle of Al Mansurah was a significant event during the Seventh Crusade and took place in Al Maţarīyah in 1250.
- Muhammad Ali Pasha, the founder of modern Egypt, spent a considerable amount of time in Al Maţarīyah despite being born and raised in Kavala (Greece).
- The construction of the Suez Canal had a substantial impact on the economy and development of Al Maţarīyah by increasing trade and commerce.
- Gamal Abdel Nasser, former Egyptian President from 1956 until his death in 1970, had strong ties to Al Maţarīyah despite being born and raised in Alexandria.
- Evidence suggests that the region around Al Maţarīyah has been inhabited since ancient times as part of the ancient Egyptian civilization.
- Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb near Luxor’s Valley of Kings in 1922, with many artifacts transported to Cairo via El-Mataria railway station for display at museums worldwide.
- There are several notable mosques and other Islamic buildings located throughout Al Maţarīyah showcasing unique examples of Islamic art and architecture from different periods throughout history.
- The Mohammed Mahmoud Khalil Museum is situated nearby with an impressive collection featuring works by Vincent van Gogh, Auguste Rodin, Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin etcetera.
- Al Maţarīyah Museum showcases the history and culture of the region, featuring ancient artifacts and traditional crafts.
- The Mosque of Al-Hussein is a stunning mosque located in the heart of Al Maţarīyah with intricate decorations.
- The Tomb of Imam Shafi’i is a must-see for anyone interested in Islamic history as it’s the final resting place of one of the most important Islamic scholars.
- Although not located in Al Maţarīyah, The Pyramids at Giza are just a short drive away and are one of Egypt’s most famous landmarks.
- Located just outside Al Maţarīyah in downtown Cairo, Cairo Opera House hosts performances by some of Egypt’s most talented musicians and performers.
- Egyptian Museum houses an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts including mummies, statues, and other treasures from Pharaonic times but is also located outside Al Maţarīyah.
- Salah El-Din Citadel is a medieval fortress built by Muslim general Salah El-Din (also known as Saladin) offering stunning views over Cairo for those interested in military history or architecture exploration.
- Cairo International Film Festival
- Luxor African Film Festival
- Abu Simbel Sun Festival
- Cairo Jazz Festival
- Nile Watercraft Parade (Eid al-Fitr)
- Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi)
- Ramadan Lanterns Fair (Fanous Ramadan)
- Sham El Nessim Spring Festival
If you are interested in attending any of these events or others in Al Maţarīyah or other cities in Egypt, it is recommended to check local event calendars or tourism websites for specific dates as they may vary from year to year depending on the Islamic calendar and other factors such as political stability, weather conditions, etc.
- Koshary El Tahrir: A restaurant that serves traditional Egyptian dish called koshary which is made of rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta topped with tomato sauce and fried onions.
- El Shabrawy: A fast-food chain that offers a variety of Egyptian street food such as falafel sandwiches and shawarma.
- Felfela Alaa El Din: This restaurant offers a wide range of Egyptian dishes including stuffed pigeon (fatta), grilled meat (kabab), and molokhia (a green leafy vegetable soup).
- Abu Shakra: This is another popular restaurant that serves traditional Egyptian dishes such as liver sandwiches, grilled chicken (taouk), and mixed grills.
- Zooba: This modern eatery offers a contemporary twist on classic Egyptian street food like taameya (Egyptian falafel) or hawawshi (meat-stuffed pita bread).
- Al Matariah Park – a public park located in Al Matariah neighborhood.
- El Nasr Sporting Club – a sports club that offers various recreational activities such as swimming, football, tennis and basketball.
- Cairo Festival City Mall – a shopping mall with entertainment facilities such as cinema and arcade games.
- Family Park – a small park with playground equipment for children.
- Heliopolis Sporting Club – a sports club that offers various recreational activities such as swimming, football, tennis and basketball.
Please note that this information is provided based on general knowledge of Egypt’s parks and recreational facilities but may not be accurate or up-to-date for Al Maţarīyah specifically.
