7 Information about Amazing Port Said and And her visits.

Port Said is one of the most important Egyptian ports overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is considered the entrance of the Suez Canal in the northeastern of Egypt. It distinguishes with its beaches making it receives the Egyptians and foreigners in the summer.

What is the history of Port Said?

After the construction of the Suez Canal, Ferdinand De Lesseps thought to build a city to be the entrance to this canal, so he decided to found Port Said city in 1859 and gave it the Khedive Said name.

The History of Port Said.

Port Said, a city with important historical and cultural significance in Egypt, has a rich and diverse history that has shaped its distinct identity. Here’s a thorough look at the history of this significant port city:

Foundation and Early DevelopmentSa’id of Egypt founded the Suez Canal on April 25, 1859, marking the beginning of its construction.
Ferdinand de Lesseps started the construction, as represented by the first swing of the pickaxe.
The city initially faced challenges such as ship anchoring issues, which were resolved by a nearby rocky outcrop.

Architectural Evolution

Early on, construction resources were scarce, so everything had to be imported.
Buildings were frequently made of wood or imported in kit form due to a scarcity of local stone.
Innovative construction techniques were used, such as conglomerate concrete for jetties and the lighthouse, which is still standing today.

Population Growth and Diversity

The population increased rapidly, from 150 laborers in 1859 to 10,000 by 1869, when the canal opened.
Port Said grew into a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population of nationalities and religions, particularly those from Mediterranean countries.
Geographical and Urban Development
Initially, the European and Arab districts were separated by a sandy beach, which later merged into a unified urban area.

Modern Developments

Following the Suez Crisis, the European community largely emigrated, and the city faced challenges during the Arab-Israeli wars.
Following the reopening of the Suez Canal in 1975, Port Said was repopulated and declared a duty-free port, resulting in a resurgence of the economy and population.
Port Said’s history is a tapestry of building triumphs, multicultural coexistence, architectural marvels, and significant geopolitical events. From its inception during the Suez Canal construction to its evolution into a bustling, diverse metropolis, Port Said has served as a vital link between Egypt and the rest of the world, embodying a distinct blend of cultures, languages, and histories.

Cultural melting pot

The city was a thriving international port with a diverse population, including Jewish merchants, Greek photographers, Italian architects, and others.
Multilingualism was common, with French serving as the lingua franca among Europeans and non-Arabs.
Historical Events and Changes.
Port Said has played an important role in Egyptian history, particularly during the British occupation and the Suez Crisis.
The city was at the center of major political and military events, including President Nasser’s nationalization of the Suez Canal in 1956.

What are sightseeing worth visiting in Port Said?

Suez Canal Authority building: This building was constructed in 1895. It distinguished with a unique Islamic architectural design that made it one of the landmarks of the city of Port Said. The building was the headquarters of the administration of the Suez Canal and used for monitoring the passing of ships through the canal.

The old lighthouse:

Khedive Ismail built it in 1869 for guiding ships crossing through the Suez Canal. This lighthouse has great importance as it was the oldest concrete lighthouse in the world.

The Obelisk of Martyrs:

Port Said martyrs memorial is a memorial war founded for the Martyrs who killed in the battles of the tripartite aggression during the Suez war and protecting their homeland. It takes the shape of an ancient Egyptian obelisk.

The Base of the Statue of De Lesseps:

the De Lesseps’ statue was established in 1899. After the Egyptian revolution against Britain and France army on December 23, 1956, and prevented them to enter Egypt, the Egyptians removed the statue from its base. December 23, 1956, became the national celebration day of Port Said.

You can visit Port Said with Explore Egypt Tours either through a day tour or shore excursions tour during your journey in the Mediterranean Sea.

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