Kafr ash Shaykh, Egypt

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Kafr ash Shaykh, Egypt

Region: Kafr ash Shaykh

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Geographic Coordinates: 31.111700, 30.945800

Climate: Hot and dry summers, mild winters with occasional rainfall.

Population: 147393

Language: Arabic

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Kafr ash Shaykh is a city situated in the Nile Delta region of Egypt, Located about 134 kilometers north of Cairo. The city boasts a population of over 246, 000 people and serves as the capital of the Kafr ash Shaykh Governorate. It is renowned for its cultural heritage, Rich history, And agricultural production. The name Kafr ash Shaykh means the village of the sheikh, Which refers to a local religious leader who resided in this area centuries ago. The city has been inhabited since ancient times and was a vital center for trade during Pharaonic rule.

It was also an important location during Islamic governance in Egypt, Serving as an educational center for religious studies. One of Kafr ash Shaykh’s most notable landmarks is its historic mosque that dates back to the 14th century. The mosque’s architecture reflects both traditional Islamic design elements as well as unique features specific to this city. Visitors can appreciate intricate stonework and carvings on both the interior and exterior parts of this mosque. Another attraction worth visiting in Kafr ash Shaykh is its vibrant marketplaces or souks that are bustling with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

Tourists can experience traditional Egyptian culture by browsing through these markets while savoring local delicacies like falafel sandwiches or sweet pastries. Agriculture plays a significant role in Kafr ash Shaykh’s economy with crops such as cotton, Rice, Wheat, Corn and beans grown throughout the region due to fertile soil conditions provided by annual flooding from Nile river across delta lands .

In addition to farming activities , There are also several factories producing textiles , Food products , Paper goods etc., Providing employment opportunities for locals For those interested in history or archaeology , There are several sites around Kafr ash-Shayk that offer insight into ancient cultures . One such site is Bubastis ruins which was once a major center of worship for the goddess Bastet. Visitors can explore the remains of temples and other structures from this ancient civilization. Kafr ash Shaykh is also known for its festivals and celebrations throughout the year.

One such festival is Moulid al-Sayed al-Badawi that honors a local saint and includes music, Dancing, And traditional food. Other festivals celebrate religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr or Coptic Christmas. Overall, Kafr ash Shaykh provides an opportunity for visitors to experience Egypt’s rich cultural heritage while enjoying modern amenities and attractions. From historic landmarks to bustling markets to beautiful agricultural landscapes , There is something for everyone in this charming Nile Delta city.’

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1. Al-Mansoura Stadium
2. Qaitbay Mosque
3. Abu Mandour Palace
4. Rasheed Castle
5. Al-Azhar Park
6. The Nile River
7. The Great Pyramids of Giza (located near Cairo but can be visited from Kafr ash Shaykh)

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• The major industries and businesses in Kafr ash Shaykh, Egypt are:
1. Agriculture
2. Fishing
3. Food processing
• The region is known for its production of:
1. Rice
2. Cotton
3. Wheat
4. Vegetables
• Fishing is also a significant industry due to the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.
• Additionally, there are small businesses such as:
1. Retail shops
2. Service providers that cater to the local population

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Noteable History

1. Battle of Kafr ash Shaykh (1803): This was a significant battle that took place during the French Campaign in Egypt and Syria. It involved the French and Ottoman forces.
2. Sheikh Ahmad al-Badawi: He was a prominent Sufi saint who lived in Kafr ash Shaykh during the 13th century.
3. Muhammad Ali Pasha: He is considered as the founder of modern Egypt, and he conquered Kafr ash Shaykh in 1804.
4. Gamal Abdel Nasser: Born in Alexandria, he spent his childhood years growing up in Kafr ash Shaykh before becoming Egypt’s second President.
5. Ahmed Zewail: He is an Egyptian-American scientist who won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1999, and he was born and raised in Kafr ash Shaykh.
6. Ibrahim El-Salahi: One of Africa’s most renowned artists, he grew up here and studied art at a secondary school after being born in Omdurman.
7. Hoda Shaarawi: She was a pioneering feminist activist from Cairo whose father hailed from Kafr ash Shaykh originally.
8. Mahmoud Mokhtar: A world-famous sculptor from Cairo whose mother came from a prominent family living here.
9. Ahmed Shawqi: A famous Egyptian poet whose ancestry can be traced back to this city.
10. Mohamed Salah: Egyptian professional footballer playing as forward for Liverpool FC; he grew up playing football on local streets with friends before becoming one of the world’s best players.

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Museums and Things To See

1. The Kafr ash Shaykh Museum displays the rich history and culture of the region, showcasing artifacts from ancient times to modern-day.
2. The Al-Quran Al-Kareem Museum is a tribute to the Holy Quran and boasts an impressive collection of rare manuscripts, calligraphy, and other Islamic art.
3. El-Montazah Palace is a stunning palace that was constructed in 1892 by Khedive Abbas Helmi II as a summer residence for Egyptian royalty.
4. Abu Mena Monastery is an important UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the remains of St. Menas, an early Christian martyr who was held in high regard by both Christians and Muslims.
5. The Mosque of Sheikh Ali al-Rifa’i is a significant Islamic monument in Kafr ash Shaykh that dates back to the 15th century and features intricate architectural details.
6. Take a boat trip along Egypt’s famous Nile River for breathtaking views of the countryside and traditional life on its banks.
7. El-Delta Park is a popular recreational area that offers visitors access to gardens, playgrounds, cafes, and even a small zoo with local wildlife such as crocodiles and ostriches.
8. Visit the bustling Fish Market in Baltim Village to see fresh catches brought in daily by local fishermen – you can even purchase some fish to cook yourself!

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Cultural Events

1. Moulid al-Sayed al-Badawi: This is a religious festival that takes place in Kafr ash Shaykh every year to celebrate the birth of the Sufi saint Sayed al-Badawi.
2. Kafr ash Shaykh International Book Fair: This annual event attracts book lovers from all over Egypt and features book signings, readings, and discussions by local and international authors.
3. Eid al-Fitr: Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, this festival is marked by feasting, gift-giving, and prayer.
4. Sham El-Nessim: A spring festival celebrated on the Monday after Coptic Easter that involves picnics, egg-painting competitions, and other outdoor activities.
5. Cairo International Film Festival: Although not specifically held in Kafr ash Shaykh, this prestigious film festival often screens films in nearby cities including Alexandria and Cairo.
6. Abu Simbel Sun Festival: Held twice a year at Abu Simbel temple near Aswan (a few hours’ drive from Kafr ash Shaykh), this event celebrates the alignment of the sun with Ramses II’s inner sanctum on his birthday (February 22) and coronation day (October 22).

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Cuisine

• Fattah: A dish made with bread, rice, meat, and tomato sauce. It is a popular breakfast meal in the region.
• Koshari: A vegetarian dish made with lentils, rice, macaroni topped with tomato sauce and fried onions.
• Molokhia: A green leafy vegetable stew usually served over rice or bread.
• El Gomhoreya Restaurant: One of the most famous restaurants in Kafr ash Shaykh known for its delicious Egyptian cuisine.
• Al Mahrousa Restaurant: Another great restaurant that serves traditional Egyptian dishes such as koshari and molokhia.
• El-Tawfiq Bakery: Famous for their freshly baked breads including baladi bread (Egyptian flatbread) and feteer (a layered pastry).
• Abu Ali Cafe & Restaurant: Known for its seafood dishes such as grilled fish and shrimp cooked in various ways.
• El-Sheikh Eldabaa Sweets & Pastry Shop: Offers a wide range of sweets including baklava, kunafa (sweet cheese pastry), basbousa (semolina cake), etc.!

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Parks and Recreation

1. Al-Mansoura Park is a sizeable public park situated in the city of Al-Mansoura in Kafr ash Shaykh, offering a range of recreational activities such as playgrounds, walking paths, and picnic areas.
2. Lake Burullus is an extensive lake located near the Mediterranean Sea that provides various water sports activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.
3. The Nile River flows through Kafr ash Shaykh and presents opportunities for boat tours and cruises.
4. Al-Nasr Sports Club is a well-known sports club that offers various athletic activities such as football (soccer), basketball, volleyball, swimming, and tennis.
5. El-Salam Park is another public park located in the city center of Kafr ash Shaykh that features playgrounds, walking paths, and picnic areas.
6. El-Manzala Lake National Park is a protected area around Lake Manzala with bird-watching opportunities.
7. El-Qanater El-Khayreya Park is a green space with gardens & fountains next to an ancient bridge over the Nile.
8. Rasheed Beach Resort & Hotel – A beachfront resort offering water sports like windsurfing & kiteboarding.

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Get Lost In The World.

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