Ţanţā, Egypt
Region: Ţanţā is located in the Gharbia Governorate
Geographic Coordinates: 30.783300, 31.000000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 40.0°C (50°F to 104°F)
Climate: Hot and dry climate with very little precipitation throughout the year, with temperatures peaking in the summer months.
Population: 429503
Language: Arabic
Tanta is a city in the Nile Delta region of Egypt, Located about 90 kilometers north of Cairo. It is the capital of the Gharbia Governorate and has a population of roughly 500, 000 people. The city is renowned for its rich history, Vibrant culture, And stunning architecture. One of Tanta’s most notable landmarks is the Al-Mahalla Al-Kubra textile factory which was established in 1927. The factory played an essential role in Egypt’s textile industry and was also a hub for labor activism during the mid-20th century. Several strikes that took place at this factory helped shape Egyptian politics.
The Tanta Museum is another famous attraction in the city that displays artifacts from various periods throughout Egyptian history. The museum showcases exhibits on pharaonic art and culture as well as Islamic art and calligraphy. Tanta boasts several mosques worth visiting such as El-Ghouri Mosque and Sidi Abdel Rahman Mosque which showcase intricate Islamic architecture with beautiful designs and patterns. In addition to its historical sites, Tanta has a lively market area where visitors can find fresh produce to handmade crafts while vendors haggle over prices making it an immersive experience into local life.
Tanta celebrates an annual Moulid festival honoring Sufi saint Ahmed El-Badawi who lived during medieval times. Thousands gather during this festival to participate in religious rituals such as singing hymns or performing dance movements called zikr while dressed up in traditional clothing. Overall, Tanta offers visitors a unique glimpse into Egypt’s rich cultural heritage with stunning architecture, Museums filled with historical treasures, Lively markets full of local flavor all surrounded by beautiful natural scenery making it an excellent destination for travelers looking to experience authentic Egyptian culture.
- 1. Agriculture
- 2. Textile manufacturing
- 3. Food processing
- 4. Tourism
- 5. Leatherworking
- 6. Ceramics production
- 7. Metalworking
The city is known for its production of:
- Cotton textiles
- Carpets
The agricultural sector produces crops such as:
- Rice
- Wheat
- Sugarcane
- Vegetables
The city is also home to several historical sites that attract tourists from around the world.
- The Battle of Tanta: In 640 AD, Amr ibn al-As led the Muslim Arab army to victory over the Byzantine forces in a battle near Tanta, which aided in the establishment of Muslim rule over Egypt.
- Al-Maqrizi: A renowned historian and scholar who was born in Tanta in 1364 AD. He authored numerous books on Islamic history and culture.
- Sayyid Ahmed al-Badawi: A Sufi saint who resided in Tanta during the 13th century. His shrine is located in the city and is a popular pilgrimage destination for Muslims.
- The Moulid of Sayyid Ahmed al-Badawi: An annual festival celebrated in Tanta to honor the birth of Sayyid Ahmed al-Badawi that attracts millions of visitors from across Egypt and other parts of the world.
- The Egyptian Revolution of 1919: Tanta played a pivotal role during this revolution against British colonial rule, with many demonstrations and protests taking place there.
- Mohamed Morsi: The previous president of Egypt who was born in Tala, a town near Tanta.
- Al-Azhar University branch campus: One of Egypt’s most prestigious universities has a branch campus situated in Tanta that offers courses on Islamic studies, Arabic language, law, medicine, engineering etcetera.
- Tanta Museum: This museum displays the history of Tanta and the surrounding region, including ancient Egyptian artifacts.
- Al-Gezira Garden: A serene park located in the heart of Tanta, ideal for a leisurely walk or picnic.
- Sayed El-Badawi Mosque: A renowned mosque dedicated to Sufi saint Sayed El-Badawi, who is credited with introducing Islam to Tanta.
- El-Sayed El-Dakrory Shrine: The shrine of another famous Sufi saint set amidst a picturesque garden.
- Shobra Palace: An historic palace constructed by Khedive Ismail in 1869 that now serves as a cultural center and museum.
- Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque: One of the oldest mosques in Tanta renowned for its unique architecture and intricate decorations.
- Al-Tawfiq Mosque: Another historic mosque featuring impressive architecture and intricate details throughout its interior and exterior design.
- The Martyrs’ Memorial Monument: A memorial honoring those who lost their lives during protests against British occupation in 1919.
- The Clock Tower Square: An iconic landmark showcasing a clock tower surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants – perfect for people watching!
- The Old Market (Souk): An authentic bazaar filled with stalls selling everything from spices to textiles to souvenirs – great for shopping or just soaking up the local atmosphere!
- Tanta Sporting Club: It is a football club founded in 1920 and plays its home matches at Tanta Stadium.
- Al Ahly Tanta: This is another football club from Ţanţā that was founded in 1953.
- Al Masryeen Club: This club was established in 1955 and has teams for various sports such as basketball, volleyball, handball, and table tennis.
- Smouha Sporting Club: Although not based in Ţanţā, this Alexandria-based football club has a significant fan base in the city due to its success on the national level.
These clubs have participated in various local and national competitions over the years and have produced several talented athletes who have represented Egypt at international events.
- Moulid al-Sayed al-Badawi: This is a religious festival held annually to honor the Sufi saint Sayed al-Badawi. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over Egypt.
- Tanta International Film Festival: An annual film festival showcasing films from around the world with screenings, workshops, and discussions with filmmakers.
- Ramadan Nights: During Ramadan month, many cultural events happen throughout Egypt including Ţanţā such as traditional music performances, storytelling sessions, poetry readings and food markets.
- Samaa Festival: A Sufi music festival celebrating mystical traditions of Islam through music and dance performances.
- Coptic Christmas Celebrations: The Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7th each year with special church services and festive gatherings in homes across Ţanţā.
- Eid Al-Fitr: Celebrated at the end of Ramadan month where Muslims break their fasts after fasting for 30 days during daylight hours. This event is celebrated by family gatherings, exchanging gifts, visiting friends & relatives, wearing new clothes etc.
Traditional Egyptian Dishes:
- Koshari – a traditional Egyptian dish made with rice, lentils, chickpeas and pasta topped with tomato sauce and fried onions.
- Fattah – a dish made of layers of bread, rice, meat or chicken and garlic yogurt sauce.
- Mahshi – stuffed vegetables such as peppers or eggplants filled with rice and minced meat.
- Molokhia – a soup made from the leaves of the jute plant served over rice or with bread.
Popular Restaurants in Ţanţā:
- Abu El-Sid – known for their traditional Egyptian dishes including koshari and molokhia.
- El Khedewy Restaurant – serves authentic Egyptian cuisine including grilled meats and seafood dishes.
- Al Bustan Restaurant – offers an extensive menu featuring Middle Eastern cuisine such as shawarma sandwiches and falafel plates.
- Al Shabrawy Fast Food – serves fast food items like burgers, fries, pizza but also has some local dishes on their menu like koshari and falafel sandwiches.
- Al-Muizz Street: Take a stroll down this historic street in Old Cairo and see some of the city’s oldest buildings and landmarks.
- Citadel of Salah El Din: This medieval fortress offers stunning views of Cairo and houses several museums and historic structures.
