Port Said: Gateway to Maritime Life and Culture on Egypt's Coast
Port Said is an Egyptian city located in the northeastern part of Egypt, at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal. It is often referred to as the "Heroic City." It is bordered by three provinces to the west: Damietta, Dakahlia, and Sharqia. To the east, it is adjacent to Port Fouad, which is administratively part of Port Said Governorate. It is also bordered to the south by Ismailia and to the north by the Mediterranean Sea. The city covers an area of 845.445 square kilometers, and its population was approximately 764,499 people as of the 2019 census. Port Said is home to numerous museums and historically significant tourist areas. The building of the Suez Canal Authority is located here, which is one of the city's most important landmarks.
Name and History:
The name "Port Said" is composed of two parts: "Port," an English word that means harbor, and "Said," which is in reference to Muhammad Said Pasha, the governor of Egypt who passed away in 1863.
The known history of the city dates back to the early Islamic conquests of Egypt when the Arabs referred to it as "Al-Farma." The city's official establishment dates back to April 25, 1859, during the reign of Khedive Said, when Ferdinand de Lesseps began work on digging the Suez Canal. At the same time, the construction of the current city of Port Said began. From that point onward, the city's historical journey encompassed both World Wars and the 1956 Suez Crisis. Port Said was one of the cities that struggled for its independence during this period.
Climate:
Port Said has a Mediterranean climate, resulting in moderate conditions throughout the year. It experiences a hot and dry summer with temperatures ranging between 25-35 degrees Celsius, as well as a mild and wet winter with temperatures ranging between 5-20 degrees Celsius.
Notable Tourist Attractions in Port Said:
- Museum of Modern Art in Port Said
- De Lesseps Statue Base
- Port Said Military Museum
- Suez Canal Authority Museum
- The Tourist Promenade