Daqahlia governorate Delta Bride
Egypt, Local, 5/7/2002

Daqahlia governorate lies in the Nile Delta. It covers far-stretching area extending from Damietta in the east to the Mediterranean Sea and Manzala lake in the north, Gharbia and Kafr El- Sheikh in the west and Sharkia in the south. It has a total area of 3459 sq/km , and a population of 4.226 millions. It comprises 13 central towns, 17 towns and 445 small villages and hamlets.

Daqahlia Governorate has a special importance in Egypt's history, and future prospects. Thus it rightly deserves to be called ''The Bride of the Delta''.

Historical Role of the Governorate Seven hundred years ago, during the reign of the Ayyubids, the Crusaders attacked and seized Damietta, wherefrom they advanced toward Al- Mansoura. Soon , Egyptian soldiers were mobilized from all parts of the country. Under the leadership of King Al-Saleh Ayyoub, assisted by Egyptian national heroes: Qutoz and Baybars, as among commanders, the Egyptian troops marched towards Al Mansoura.There, they bravely attacked the Crusaders, and inflicted heavy losses on their armies. Finally, the Crusaders were conquered and the then king of France Louis IX was taken as prisoner at Ibn Luqman's House in Al Mansoura. This victory was a source of pride and pleasure for all Egyptians all over the country. Hence, the name of Al Mansoura, now the capital of the Governorate, has been inscribed in the annals of Egyptian history as an outstanding landmark.

National Day Daqahlia governorate celebrates its National Day on May 7, which marks the anniversary of capturing the King of France in Dar Ibn Luqman in 1250 A.D.

Economic and Agricultural Activities The governorate basically depends on agriculture.The area of cultivated land totals 636,942 feddans and reclaimable land 730,000 feddans. Main crops include cotton, rice, wheat and maize. It produces annually about 72,658 tons of animal products and about 160 million eggs. The governorate is famous for cultivating rice.

Industrial activity mainly covers chemical fertilizers, textiles, cotton gining, processed wood, resins, hydrogenated oils, soap, rice and flour mills, dairy products and agricultural products and food processing.

Scope of Investment in the Governorate:

The governorate is remarkably rich in natural resources and investment opportunities, such as natural gas, soft sands, hotels and tourist villages, land reclamation, animal wealth, glass and paper industry and fisheries.

Cultural and Tourist Features In the governorate, there are many tourist attractions. In Al Mansoura, there is the Rose Island and the social club. It is called the Floating Island. It is a beautiful spot and a breathing space for families and childern. In Mansoura there is also the Museum of Ibn Luqman which narrates the story of the Crusaders' invasion, its defeat and the capture of King Louis IX and his release in return for a large financial ransom and a pledge on his part not to return once more.

Al Mansoura University

Mansoura University is a prominent landmark of Daqahlia modern revival. It is an integrated university and an example for Egypt's regional universities. It comprises all faculties and necessary scientific specializations. There is also a branch of Al-Azhar University. The governorate is also famous for its gardens spreading everywhere. Beautiful streets are named after victorious kings and Egyptian army leaders who conquered the Crusaders such as King Al-Saleh, King Al-Kamel, Shagaret Al- Dor and Touran Shah. Matarya of Daqahlia is in general a coastal town as it lies on Manzala Lake and most of its population are fishermen.

Gamasa Summer Resort

Gamasa summer resort lies between Ras El-Bar and Baltim summer resorts. It has fascinating beaches.It houses a boat-shaped cinema as well as many beautiful chalets, palms and child gardens. In Daqahlia, there is a principal radio transmission station in Batra village near Al Mansoura. Talkha electricity station is considered one of the biggest power stations in Lower Egypt.

The total number of hotels is 8 with 462 rooms.

Celebrities from Daqahlia

The governorate was the birth place for many outstanding celebrities, including men of letters, intellectuals, musical composers and top singers, such as, Ahmed Hassan El-Zayat, Ahmed Lotfy Al-Sayed, Dr. Mohamed Hussein Heikel, Om Kolthoum, Ali Mubarak Pasha, Riyad Al-Sonbaty, Hassan Tobar and Anis Mansour.

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