Alexandria Governorate

Alexandria Governorate is one of the governorates of Egypt. It is located in the northern part of the country, directly on the Mediterranean Sea, making it one of the most important harbours in Egypt. Alexandria was historically the capital of Egypt until the foundation of Fustat, which was later absorbed into Cairo. Nowadays, the Alexandria governorate comes second in importance after the Cairo Governorate. Alexandria Governorate is located in the northern part of the country, directly on the Mediterranean Sea, making it one of the most important harbours in Egypt.

Location of Alexandria Governorate

Alexandria governorate lies along the Mediterranean coast and stretches about 70 km northwest of the Nile Delta. Thus, the Mediterranean Sea bounds the governorate in the North, the El Beheira governorate in the South and the Matrouh governorate in the West.

Overview

Along with Cairo, Port Said and Suez, Alexandria is one of four governorates in the country as municipalities. The governorate capital is the city of Alexandria, the second-largest city in Egypt. The total area size of the Alexandria governorate is almost 2818 km2. It has the most significant harbour in Egypt. It is the second-largest urban governorate in the country, with a population of more than four and a half million (4,799,740 in March 2015) and a population density of 1700 square kilometres, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). Alexandria has a unique geographical location and a mild climate. It is also considered an industrial governorate where 40% of Egyptian industries are concentrated, especially chemicals, food, spinning and weaving, and petrol industries and fertilisers.

History

The Foundation of Alexandria

The bond between Egypt and the Hellenic Empire dates from centuries before Alexander the Great. Greek merchants and brokers were located in a village called “Kom Ge’eif” in the Governorate of Beheira, and Egyptians were particularly close to the Greek community during the entire Persian occupation of the Nile Valley.

When Macedonia unified the Hellenic Empire into a mighty army, Philippe attacked the Persian Empire. Still, he died short of fulfilling his goal, which became the task of his successor, his son Alexander the Great, to undertake.

The crushing victory of Alexander the Great over the Persians in Asia gave him control over the Eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea. As Alexander took control of all ports and harbours of the Eastern Mediterranean, he reached the location of Alexandria in the autumn of 332 B.C. The Persian ruler surrendered without resistance on entering Alexandria, and Alexander entered the city triumphantly.

Travelling further south, he reached the City of Menf, where he was warmly welcomed by the poor farmers who were euphoric at the ousting of the evil Persians. Alexander was ceremoniously crowned in a Pharaonical ceremony as the Son of Amon and ordered the construction of the seaside city of Alexandria to bear his name forever.

Birth of the Concept

As Alexander the Great rides along the Mediterranean Coast, a plot of land between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Mariout catches his attention. With its unique features and intrinsic peculiarity, the spot was ideal for founding a great city of the most modern style. It had easy access to fresh water from the River Nile via the Canopic Branch. It was hardly a mile away from a small island strategically placed right on the opposite side, allowing for the possibility of connecting them both and creating a formidable natural frontline for the city. To the south was Lake Mariout, another natural border, which further fortified the city defences. On the outskirts of the area to the West was the Racotis Village, populated with fishers. Alexander was firmly persuaded of the importance of building a city bearing his name to immortalise his memory for good and become a port for international trading in the entire region.

Faithfully conceived by Alexander the Great, the idea was conveyed to Democrats, the Greek architect appointed by Alexander the Great to plan the new city.

The name of Democrats remains closely associated with the history of Alexandria since he started planning the city’s layout in 331 B.C. The genius of this architect became evident as he blueprinted plans for roads, squares, and districts of the city. Democrats were born on the island of Rhodes in the Mediterranean Sea. He had been a close advisor of Alexander the Great. He accompanied him on his expeditions to scout the area, which started from Canopic Abou Kir to Racoda village and the Island of Pharos, to decide on the most suitable spot to build the great city of Alexandria.

Planning the city

Democrats chose to use the hippo-dame theme for the city, consisting of two main roads intersecting at right angles, while other side streets were planned to parallel these perpendicular axes. Such a cityscape was widespread across Greek cities in the Fifth Century B.C. Democrats also considered building a bridge linking the mainland with the island, later called “Pharos”, at a height of 1300 meters.

As this bridge was erected, the port was split into two parts: the main port – known as the Grand Port – on the Eastern side and the Lesser Port – known as Port Al Awd Al Hamid – on the Western side.

City Quarters

Alexandria was divided into five quarters, bearing the first five letters of the Greek Alphabet. Quarters included the Royal Quarter (Brucheum), the Jewish Quarter (with the Great Theater extending across the centre of town from East to West, a district known as Canopus Street (currently known as Fouad Street), bordered by Canopus Gate to the East, Sedra Gate to the West and the long street stretching North to South intersecting with Nabi Daniel Street, connected to the North by the Moon Gate and to the south by the Sun Gate.

Alexandria has played a significant role in Egyptian History and the Civilized World throughout history, extending beyond the Ptolemaic Era—heirs to Alexander the Great’s rule in Egypt—to well beyond 30 B.C. Though Alexander the Great laid out his vision of the city in 332 B.C., he continued his journeys eastward of Egypt. He was never to see this city immortalize his name for posterity.

Alexandria at the Ptolemaic Era

The death of great Alexander never allowed him to bear witness to the birth of the city that took his name and immortalised him. Under the rule of Ptolemy I (Soter), the municipality bloomed until the rule of Ptolemy II “Philadelphus”, who ruled from 285 B.C. till 246 BC, when it became the most significant and most famous capital of the world, surpassing ancient Greek and modern Egyptian cities and a centre for the Ancient World admiration.

A Capital City

The Ptolemies designated Alexandria the capital of their rule, given its unique location on the Mediterranean Sea and its proximity to battlefields where combat among rival forces in the region could potentially break out.

The Ptolemies chose Alexandria as a centre for spreading their belief in the Egyptian God of Serapis to the whole region and successfully achieved their mission.

The Port

Alexandria became the first Egyptian port in deep waters, given that it is directly located by the sea. It also became the meeting point and transit point for trading routes connecting Egypt with other regions it dealt with. Alexandria was also considered the first hub for the Egyptian import and export industry.

Egypt started to import cedar wood from the northern Balkans and the Levant for shipbuilding. Ptolemy imported gold from Spain and India, silver from Spain and Greece, iron from the islands of the Aegean Sea, Armenia, and the entrances to the Black Sea, marble from Greek islands, and silk textiles from Phoenicia.

Egypt imported some raw materials to manufacture some products and then exported them to the West, such as precious stones, ivory, and Ostrich feathers. In addition to its exports, which had initially been Egyptian, Egypt also exported oil, wheat, papyrus, and glass products.

A Beacon for Science and Culture

During the Ptolemaic era, two important institutions were founded between 288 and 280 B.C. These institutions are:

The University of Alexandria, or the Museion, also known as the House of the Muses. Students at this university were the society’s elite, including students of science, intellect and literature from all over the world, as Ptolemy invited them from all parts of the world.

The Great Library encompasses a considerable number of written volumes or rolls, about seven hundred thousand, and Cleopatra VII added about two hundred thousand rolls.

The Society

The Ptolemies aimed to support their rule with the most significant number of skilled people. Therefore, they encouraged Greeks to emigrate to Egypt, particularly Alexandria, to provide the city with the most efficient workforce and work in all fields.

Alexandria became mainly populated with Egyptians, Greeks and Jews. Egyptians represented the more significant segment of society. However, Egyptian Alexandrian citizens never had the same rights as Greek ones, who enjoyed a privileged status, given that Greeks were formally considered the elite. In contrast, Jews and Egyptians did not have a right to citizenship.

Political Organization

Two main political trends dominated the political scene in Alexandria during the Ptolemaic Era:

The central rule of the Pharaonic Era prevailed in Alexandria, the capital.

In addition to the central rule, Macedonian and Greek elements were also introduced into the political life of the city, known as the Macedonian and the Alexandrian political parties.

The political system was supposed to combine the central and popular methods, but the international instability forced the Ptolemies to prioritise the central rule system. Thus, principal public services remained under the central rule, including foreign policy, economic matters, security, research and cultural activities, while local councils dealt with day-to-day affairs.

In addition to the Macedonian and the Alexandrian Councils, an Advisory Council also existed in Alexandria.

Alexandria in the Roman Era

On his first entry to the city, Emperor Augustus (30-13 B.C.) used a wise policy to enter Alexandria as a conqueror. He declared a general amnesty for all Alexandrians and Egyptians, did not take revenge on anyone, contrary to the ancient tradition when opening an opposing city, and refrained from allowing his soldiers to loot the town. To gain their sympathy and safeguard from any revenge from their side. Plutarch, the historian, says that Caesar Augustus walked to the city holding his right arm to bestow honour and tells of the long march of the Emperor in the city, hand in hand with Arius, the philosopher, in a show of confidence and respect from the citizens. He then entered the gymnasium (an institution for the education of citizens) and sat at the top of the podium.

Half-deified, he was worshipped by the people who bowed before him. Still, he ordered them to rise to their feet and declared his general amnesty for various reasons. Firstly, Alexander the Great was the founder of the City of Alexandria; secondly, for his admiration of the city’s beauty and appreciation for his master and friend – Arius. It is claimed that he delivered his speech in Greek to enable his audience to understand him.

The City System

Augustus Emperor revoked the Alexandrian House of Commons and ordered the city to be ruled by the Alexandrians.

As for the executive authority, represented by the appointed rulers of the city, the Ptolemaic era system continued unchanged. The positions were held as prestigious posts and never paid. Only citizens who were rich enough to spend on the job were appointed to these posts.

Augustus’s Roman sovereignty and dominion over Egypt had caused Alexandria to lose its independence and significance. The Alexandrians were not satisfied with their new situation, but they could not rebel publicly or directly against Roman rule.

Therefore, Alexandrians resorted to two outlets for their repressed rage: firing jokes about their rulers and ridiculing them, lashing out at those who supported the rulers, and empathising with them.

At the end of the second century, the political conflict grew in Rome, and Alexandria started to announce its indignation at the Emperor by supporting his opponents. The last rebellion against the Emperor, in which Alexandrians took part, was created by a Roman officer in the city against Diocletian, who had to go to Alexandria in person to put down the revolt, which caused much damage and destruction to the town.

Social Life

As a Greek city founded by Alexander the Great and later ruled by the Ptolemies and the Romans, Alexandria was populated by the Greeks, its foremost citizens, followed by others deemed worthy of enjoying its citizenship.

Under Roman rule, Alexandrian citizenship was a privilege only granted by the Emperor himself.

For a long time, Alexandrians represented the elite of Egyptian society. Many villagers and rural dwellers flocked to Alexandria to seek special privileges and evade the heavy taxes otherwise imposed on them.

Religion Environment

Worship of the Alexandrian trinity of Serapis, Isis and Hour persisted. In addition to this traditional trinity, the worship of Roman Emperors replaced the worship of the Ptolemies.

Further, the worship of Roman Emperors emerged as public worship taking place during public celebrations but not in households. Various religious cults also existed under the rule of the Greek Empire.

Economic Environment

If Ptolemy adopted an approach of master planning and the monopoly of most economic activities by the state, the Romans took the reverse approach: a free economy in many fields to revive the state’s economy.

It is worth noting that the economic status of the Alexandrians flourished immensely due to foreign trade. Alexandrians turned part of their wealth into the ownership of farms. In such circumstances, major iqta’as, known mainly as “Al Wesiya” in the history of Egypt’s agriculture during the first century of Roman rule, started to emerge.

Alexandria was regarded as the largest centre for industry and trade in Egypt and the entire Roman Empire in terms of industrial and commercial life.

The glass, papyrus, and textile industries became quite popular, in addition to other small enterprises, including jewellery making, perfumes, and fine crafts, e.g., metal sheet works, among others, whose materials were imported from Africa and Asia to be manufactured in Alexandria.

Alexandrians used their naval fleets in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. In the Mediterranean, they had the first trading fleet, whereas, in the Red Sea, Alexandria completely monopolised the trade to the East up to India.

Culture Environment

The Romans favoured cultural and scientific institutions in Alexandria, as evidenced by the famous Alexandria Library, the House of Wisdom, schools, and auditoriums, which attracted many students from within Alexandria and afar. Further, scientists and researchers were granted many exclusive privileges and tax exemptions.

Among the most eminent scientists of that era was Ptolemy, the Geographer who excelled in mathematics, astronomy and physics. He had laid out a map of the world on which countries and cities were drawn at accurate scales.

Tourism

Alexandria is known for its diverse history, as several cultures have occupied it throughout the years. Several monuments shape Alexandria’s historic sites today.

Monuments in Alexandria Governorate

Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Citadel of Qaitbay
Graeco-Roman Museum
Alexandria National Museum
Royal Jewelry Museum
Serapeum Temple
Pompey’s Pillar
Roman Amphitheatre
Also, the Lighthouse of Alexandria

Industrial zones

According to the Egyptian Governing Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), in affiliation with the Ministry of Investment (MOI), the following industrial zones are located in this governorate:

New Manshia
Al Nasseria
Upper and Lower Mergham
The industrial zone in K 31, Desert Road
Seibco
Ajami
Al Nahda and its expansions
Ohm Zagheou
Also, (New urban community industrial zone) Borg Al Arab

Gardens

Al Montaza Gardens
Al Shallalat Gardens
Antoniadis Garden
El-Nozha Garden
Also, the International Park of Alexandria

Education

Alexandria Governorate follows the Egyptian Educational System in its public schools and universities.

Most notable educational institutes

Bibliotheca Alexandrina ( Alexandria Library)
Alexandria University
Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport
Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology in New Borg el Arab city.
The city of scientific research and Technological Applications
Also, Pharos University

Sports

The governorate of Alexandria has several sports clubs that represent the governorate, such as:

El Ittihad Alexandria Club
Egyptian Olympic Athletes Club
Smouha Sporting Club
Also, Alexandria Sporting Club

Alexandria governorate’s most common sport is football, and holds three main stadiums, which are:

Borg El Arab Stadium
Alexandria Stadium
Also, Haras El-Hedoud Stadium

Transportation

Ports

Alexandria Port
Al Dekheila Port is The second largest port in Alexandria Governorate after Alexandria Port).
Abu Qir Port
Also, Eastern Port is One of the oldest ports, built in 2000 B.C. in Racoda village to serve ‘Pharos Island’).