Research paper proves Al Farama fortress built during the Abbasid age
Egypt, History, 4/1/2002

Latest studies revealed that AL Farama Fortress in Sinai belongs to the Abbasid age in the reign of Caliphs Al Mutawakel Billah. As such it is considered to be the oldest Abbasid monument In Egypt that precedes the Nilometer on the Roda Island in Cairo which was previously considered the oldest.

It was previously believed that the fortress dates back to the Roman age. Al Farama is considered one of the Egyptian cities that played a major role in protecting Egypt's eastern gate since Pharaonic times till the end of the Crusaders war.

In his research Sami Abdul Malek relied on the absence of any mentioning of establishments in Farama in the first two centuries following the Arab's invasion of Al Farama.

According to historic accounts the Caliph Al Mutawakel ordered the building of fortifications across the country one of which was Al Farama fortress. The researcher explained that historic texts mentioning Al Mutawakil's orders used the verb 'build' rather than restore.

The different dates suggested for building the fortress ranging between the Roman, late Roman and Byzantine indicate that the fortress was built by the Abbasids.

He also proved that the Greek writings on the northern gate was added in a latter stage while the architectural elements are purely Abbasid innovation giving ample proof that the whole fortress was built in the Abbasid period.

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