Banhā, Egypt
Region: Al-Qalyubia Governorate
Geographic Coordinates: 30.466700, 31.183300
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Hot and dry summers, mild winters with occasional rain.
Population: 157701
Language: Arabic
Banhā is a city in the Nile Delta region of Egypt and serves as the capital of Qalyubia Governorate. The city has a population of approximately 2 million people and is located on the east bank of the Damietta branch of the Nile River, About 48 kilometers northwest of Cairo. The history of Banhā dates back to ancient times when it was known as Per-Banebdjedet, Which means the house of Banebdjedet. Banebdjedet was an ancient ram-headed god worshipped by Egyptians during that time. Banhā was also famous for its linen production and exportation during Pharaonic times.
Several historical landmarks in Banhā attract tourists from all over Egypt and beyond. One such landmark is Al-Salih Tala’i Mosque, Built-in 1160 AD by Saladin’s nephew. The mosque features intricate Islamic architecture and beautiful calligraphy on its walls. Another historical site in Banhā is the Temple of Banebdjedet, Dating back to around 2000 BC during the Old Kingdom period. The temple served as a place for religious ceremonies and offerings dedicated to Banebdjedet. Apart from its historical landmarks, Banhā boasts several modern amenities such as shopping malls, Restaurants, Cinemas, Parks, Hospitals, Schools and universities.
Agriculture remains a significant part of its economy with crops like cotton grown abundantly in surrounding areas. Banhā hosts several cultural events throughout the year including religious festivals like Eid al-Fitr (the end-of-Ramadan festival) and Eid al-Adha (the feast-of-sacrifice). These festivals are marked by colorful processions through town streets with people dressed up in traditional attire. In terms of transportation, Banhā has good road connections with other major cities in Egypt. The city is served by several bus and train services, Making it easy for visitors to travel to and from the city.
Banhā is a fascinating city with a rich history and culture. Its historical landmarks, Modern amenities, And cultural events make it an ideal destination for tourists looking to experience the best of Egypt.
- Banhā Museum
- The Great Mosque of Banhā
- The Church of Saint George
- The Shrine of Al-Nabi Danial (Prophet Daniel)
- The Palace of Mohamed Ali Pasha
- Qanater El-Khayreya Bridge
- Al-Azhar Park in Cairo (located nearby)
- The main industries and businesses in Banhā, Egypt are:
- Agriculture
- Textile manufacturing
- Food processing
- Tourism
- Banhā is renowned for its production of:
- Cotton textiles
- Carpets
- The city also has a substantial agricultural sector that produces crops like:
- Wheat
- Rice
- Beans
- Vegetables
- Moreover, Banhā houses several food processing plants that manufacture:
- Dairy products
- Juices
- The historical landmarks in the city are also a significant attraction for tourists visiting the region.
- The city was known as Oxyrhynchus in ancient times and was a center of learning and scholarship during the Hellenistic period.
- In 1896, a large cache of papyrus documents dating back to the Roman era were discovered in Oxyrhynchus, providing valuable insights into daily life and culture during that time.
- Banhā was also an important center for Coptic Christianity, with several churches dating back to the early Christian era still standing in the city today.
- Notable people from Banhā include Mustafa el-Nahhas Pasha, who served as Prime Minister of Egypt three times between 1928-1946; and Ahmed Zaki Abu Shadi, a renowned poet and literary critic who played an important role in shaping modern Arabic literature.
- During World War II, Banhā played a strategic role as a transportation hub for Allied forces moving troops and supplies across Egypt.
- In more recent years, Banhā has been known for its thriving textile industry, producing high-quality cotton fabrics that are exported around the world.
- Banhā Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Banhā and its surrounding areas. It features exhibits on ancient Egyptian artifacts, Islamic art, and Coptic Christian relics.
- Al-Azhar Park: This beautiful park offers stunning views of Cairo’s skyline. It features a lake, gardens, playgrounds, and restaurants.
- El-Qanater El-Khayreya Bridge: This historic bridge spans the Nile River near Banhā. It is a popular spot for taking photos.
- The Great Sphinx of Giza: Located just outside of Banhā in Giza, this iconic monument is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Egypt.
- The Pyramids of Giza: Also located in Giza near Banhā, these ancient structures are among the most famous tourist attractions in Egypt.
- The Egyptian Museum: Located in Cairo about an hour’s drive from Banhā, this museum houses an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts including mummies and pharaonic treasures.
- Khan el-Khalili Bazaar: This bustling market in Cairo offers a wide range of souvenirs including jewelry, textiles, spices, and traditional handicrafts.
- Old Cairo (Islamic Cairo): A historic district filled with mosques dating back to the 9th century as well as other important cultural sites such as Al-Azhar Mosque and Bab Zuweila Gate.
- Moulid Al-Nabi: This religious festival is celebrated by Muslims to honor Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.
- Sham El-Nessim: This festival marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated on the Monday following Coptic Easter.
- Banha International Folklore Festival: This annual event brings together folk dance groups from around the world to perform traditional dances and music.
- Ramadan: Muslims worldwide observe this holy month, including those living in Banhā.
- Coptic Christmas: Celebrated on January 7th each year according to the Coptic Orthodox Church calendar, this holiday commemorates Jesus Christ’s birth.
- Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: These two Islamic festivals mark the end of Ramadan and commemorate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God respectively.
- Koshary El Tahrir: A popular restaurant that serves traditional Egyptian street food like koshary, falafel, and taameya.
- Abou El Sid: A high-end restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional Egyptian cuisine.
- Almaza Bay: A seafood restaurant located near the Mediterranean Sea that serves fresh fish and other seafood dishes.
- Felfela: A casual dining spot that specializes in Egyptian mezze dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, and stuffed vine leaves.
- Al Shabrawy: A fast-food chain that is famous for its delicious sandwiches made with grilled meats and vegetables.
- El Abd Bakery: This bakery is known for its freshly baked bread and pastries like feteer meshaltet (a layered pastry).
- Al Andalusia Restaurant & Cafe: This restaurant offers a mix of Egyptian and Mediterranean cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
- Fatatrik Bakery & Pastry Shop: This bakery specializes in sweet treats like baklava, basbousa (semolina cake), konafa (shredded phyllo pastry), as well as savory pies filled with cheese or meat.
- Sakkara Restaurant & Cafe: This cafe-restaurant serves international cuisine alongside local specialties such as grilled meats with rice or couscous dishes.
- El Helal Fish Restaurant : This fish market/restaurant has been serving fresh seafood since 1940s to locals at Banha city center.
- Al-Azhar Park
- Banhā Public Garden
- Banhā Sporting Club
- El-Salam Park
- El-Nasr Sporting Club
- Al-Gala’a Park
- Al-Kabir Mosque and Garden
- Nile River Corniche
- Banhā Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Note that some places may be temporarily closed or have limited hours due to COVID-19 restrictions; it is recommended to check ahead before visiting any attraction or site mentioned above.
Please note that these are just a few examples as there could be many more cultural events taking place throughout Banhā throughout the year depending on local customs or international influences.
