Alexandria: Historical Heritage and Coastal Charm on the Shores of the Mediterranean

الإسكندرية (بالإنجليزية Alexandria) is the second-largest city in the Arab Republic of Egypt in terms of both area and population. It serves as the country's second capital. Stretching along a coastline of approximately 33 kilometers on the Mediterranean Sea, Alexandria boasts the longest shoreline on the Mediterranean. Additionally, it houses Egypt's largest ports, handling around 80% of the country's imports and exports. As of 2018, its population was approximately 5.2 million people, with a population density of 12,500 individuals per square kilometer. Alexandria is also one of the most renowned tourist destinations in the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Name and History:

Alexander the Great founded the city of Alexandria in 332 BC and named it after himself, making it a center of global culture and civilization. Alexandria remained Egypt's capital for over a thousand years until the Islamic conquest of Egypt in 641 CE led by the companion Amr ibn al-As.

Since the presence of humans on its land until the beginning of the 14th century, Alexandria was a small village called "Rakotis." During this time, Egypt was briefly under Persian rule after the fall of the Thirty-first Dynasty. However, it was conquered by Alexander the Macedonian in 332 BC. He built and improved the city with the assistance of the engineer Dinocrates, constructing it in the Greek style to serve as a link between Egypt and Greece. After Alexander left Egypt and expanded his conquests, Alexandria transformed from a military city populated by Greek soldiers into a royal city with gardens and wide streets. During the Greco-Egyptian period, the Great Library of Alexandria was constructed, which became the first research center in history. Its lighthouse also became one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but it was completely destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 1307 CE. Before the collapse of the Greco-Egyptian rule, Alexandria nominally came under Roman control in 80 BC with the approval of Ptolemy X, until Julius Caesar invaded in 47 BC after a civil war between Ptolemy XIII and his advisors. Cleopatra VII, sister of Ptolemy XIII, eventually assumed control of Egypt. It is said that the Library of Alexandria was burned during this civil war. Egypt then became a province of the Roman Empire under Octavian, who later became Emperor Augustus. Christianity began to spread in Alexandria at the end of the 4th century CE during the rule of Emperor Theodosius the Great (378-395 CE). He issued decrees invalidating pagan worship, and under the forceful leadership of Patriarch Theophilus, Alexandria was forcibly converted to Christianity. He demolished temples and converted some into Christian churches. After the death of the Prophet Muhammad, Muslims began spreading Islam beyond the Arabian Peninsula. Amr ibn al-As led an army from Jerusalem to Egypt, engaging in significant battles against Roman forces. Eventually, Egypt fell into the hands of Amr ibn al-As, who captured most Egyptian cities except Alexandria due to Byzantine fortifications. He fully conquered Alexandria in 646 CE, leading to the loss of one of the greatest cities of the Byzantine Empire. After this conquest, Alexandria lost its political significance as Amr ibn al-As moved Egypt's capital from Alexandria to Fustat. However, Alexandria remained the primary and largest port in Egypt.

Climate:

Alexandria has a moderate Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers, as well as mild and rainy winters. Winter temperatures range from 12 to 18 degrees Celsius, while summer temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius during June, July, and August.

Notable Tourist Attractions in Alexandria:

• Corniche of Alexandria
• Graeco-Roman Museum
• Montaza Palace
• New Library of Alexandria
• Qaitbay Citadel
• Montaza Palace Gardens

Official Language: Arabic

Currency: Egyptian Pound

Postal Code: 21500

Foundation Date: 4th Century BC

Founder: Alexander the Great