Page 2 of 3 of the Alexandria Archive's articles on the city's history and its cultural and architectural heritage.
حكاية كلمة الكازوزة — Explore the origins of the word Kazooza for carbonated drinks in Egypt, from French and English influences to the first factory in Alexandria in 1909.
Al Montazah Palace 🏰 — Montaza Palace in Alexandria is an iconic royal architectural masterpiece, witnessing significant historical events, surrounded by lush gardens and unique servi
Abdul Latif Abu Heif — Abdul Latif Abu Heif, the "Swimmer of the Century," born in Alexandria in 1929, achieved numerous world and local championships.
The story of the word "governor" — Explore the Turkish origin of "hakimdar," meaning governor or chief of police, and its spread in Egypt and Arab countries during the Ottoman occupation.
Ras El Tin Palace — Ras El Tin Palace in Alexandria, one of Egypt's oldest royal palaces, narrates the history of Muhammad Ali Pasha's rule and witnessed significant historical eve
Mohamed Al-Fayed — Mohamed Al-Fayed, the Alexandrian who built a global empire from the Port of Alexandria, owned famous hotels and stores, and died in 2023 at 94.
The story of the word "tailor" — Explore the origin of the Turkish-Persian word "tarzi" in colloquial Arabic and the history of tailoring since Prophet Idris.
Princess Fawzia — Princess Fawzia, daughter of King Fuad I and granddaughter of Khedive Ismail, born in Alexandria in 1921, became Queen of Iran and later married Ismail Shirin.
The story of the word "Dandurma" — This article explores the origin of the Turkish word dondurma, meaning frozen, and its spread in Arab culture as a traditional ice cream.
Bir Masoud — Bir Masoud in Alexandria, the Wishing Well, located near Miami Beach, has conflicting narratives about its name and attracts visitors seeking wishes.
The story behind the word "felucca". — Explore the origin of the word felucca, a traditional wooden sailboat, a symbol of maritime heritage in Alexandria and Egypt.
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa — The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in Alexandria are large Roman/Greek tombs, known as the Catacombs of the Dead, with inscriptions combining Pharaonic, Greek, and
Artist Ahmed Abdel Wahab — Artist Ahmed Abdel Wahab was influenced by Alexandria, and his sculptural and ceramic works reflect folk heritage and ancient Egyptian art.
The story of the word Afandi — Discover the origin of the word Afandi, from ancient Greek to its use as an honorary title in Egypt, Iraq, and the Levant during Ottoman rule.
Rushdi Building — The Rushdi Building, known as “Amarat Al-Afarit,” is a famous Alexandria property built in 1961, surrounded by rumors and legends of being haunted.
Queen Nazli Abdel Rahim — Queen Nazli Abdel Rahim Sabri, King Fuad I's second wife, had five children and played a significant role in King Farouk's ascension to the throne.
Aragoz — Explore the origins of Aragoz, an ancient Egyptian folk art conveying values, stimulating imagination, used for satire, and listed by UNESCO.
gas lamp — Explore the kerosene lamp, a symbol of the pre-electricity era, used for lighting homes and streets before electricity's advent.
Prophet Daniel Street — Prophet Daniel Street in Alexandria blends books, history, cultures, and myths, from Alexander's lost tomb to a meeting point for three Abrahamic religions.
Omar Sharif — Omar Sharif, an Egyptian actor born in Alexandria, began his career in Egypt and achieved international fame with films like "Lawrence of Arabia," earning prest
The story of the word "plumber" — Explore the ancient profession of the tinsmith, from the word's possible origins to its various types, tools, and ongoing role in daily life.
Media personality Osama Kamal — Osama Kamal, an Alexandrian media personality and simultaneous translator born in 1961, graduated from Al-Azhar University, interpreted for presidents, and host
The origin of the word "shakmjiya" — Shakmjiya, a Turkish word adopted into Arabic during the Ottoman era, refers to a secure place for valuables, later a decorated wooden box.
Dr. Ibrahim El-Feki — Dr. Ibrahim El-Feki, human development and neuro-linguistic programming expert, born in Alexandria in 1950, authored many books.
The Actor Ahmed Ramzy — Ahmed Ramzy, an Egyptian actor born in Alexandria in 1930, was known as "the naughty boy" and became a youth symbol in golden age cinema.
Ahmed Zulfikar Pasha — Ahmed Zulfikar Pasha, a prominent Egyptian diplomat born in Alexandria in 1862, held various judicial, diplomatic, and ministerial positions, including Minister
Al-Nasr Girls' College — El Nasr Girls’ College, one of Alexandria's oldest and most prestigious schools, opened in 1935 and is a landmark in the city's educational history.
Bisha — Explore the bisha, a piece of Egyptian heritage and an integral part of traditional folk attire for Egyptian women, symbolizing cultural identity and social val
Cleopatra — Cleopatra, the last queen of the Ptolemaic dynasty, ruled Egypt from 51 BC until 30 BC, renowned for her intellect and beauty.
The story of the word "teatro" — Explore the origin of the word tiatro, borrowed from Italian, and its artistic and aesthetic connotations in Arab and Western culture.
Abu al-Darda' — Journey back to the Prophet's era to explore the life of Abu al-Darda', a noble companion embodying knowledge, devotion, and wisdom.
The story of the word Saraya — This article explores the Persian origin of the word "sarraya," meaning "palace," and its association with power and governance in Ottoman Egypt and the Levant.
The Shrine of Abu al-Darda — The shrine of Abu Darda in Alexandria holds popular stories and legends connecting past and present, including saving the city from destruction and altering the
Ahmed Suleiman Yaqout — Ahmed Suleiman Yaqout, a linguist and university professor, former dean of the Faculty of Arts at the Arab University of Beirut, born in Alexandria in 1936 and
Greek customs — Alexandria's Greek community celebrated New Year by breaking glass and pottery to ward off evil and bring good luck, a tradition that evolved over time.
The story of the word tarboosh — Explore the story of the tarboosh, a symbol of Egyptian identity and culture, from its Persian origins to its evolution as a protocol uniform.
Shrine of Sidi Mufreh — The shrine of Sidi Mufarrih in Alexandria, known for alleviating worries and bringing comfort, is a spiritual refuge visited by many seeking blessings and peace
Egyptian musician Gamal Salama — Gamal Salama, an Egyptian composer born in 1945, grew up in an artistic family, studied music, composed for over 220 works, and passed away in 2021.
The story of the word Baccalaureate — The baccalaureate is an educational certificate of Latin origin, meaning university degree or certificate of knowledge, evolving into a key to university entry.
Abu Abdullah al-Shatibi — Abu Abdullah Al-Shatibi, a scholar from Al-Andalus, settled in Alexandria's ribat, known for his piety, writings, and students, buried in Al-Shatibi area.
Chess — Chess, originating from the Persian word 'chatrang' meaning 'four parts,' spread from Persia to Arabs and then to Europe.
Abu Bakr Rateb Pasha — Abu Bakr Ratib Pasha, born in Alexandria in 1802, held high positions including Governor of Alexandria and President of the Council of Representatives, known fo
The story of the word taxi — Explore the origins of the word 'taxi' from French 'taxe,' German 'Taximeter,' and English 'taxi cab,' tracing its evolution from fare to vehicle type.
Myths of the snails — Explore the myths of seashells in Alexandria, from symbols of protection and energy to sailors' tools and a thriving trade reflecting sea heritage.
Fig head — Ras El Tin district in Alexandria embodies a unique meeting between past heritage and present vibrancy, witnessing pivotal historical transformations in Egypt.
Prince Ismail Sherine — Prince Ismail Sherine, the last Minister of War in the monarchical era, was a member of the Muhammad Ali dynasty and King Farouk's brother-in-law.
The story of the word "Tarwas" — The terso was the cheapest cinema section for workers and low-income individuals, a source of entertainment and popular interaction, and featured in art.
Ptolemy I — Ptolemy I, founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty and first ruler of Egypt, established the Library of Alexandria and developed agriculture and industry.
Sheikh Ibrahim Pasha Mosque — Sheikh Ibrahim Pasha Mosque in Alexandria, founded in 1240 AH (1824 AD) in Bab El-Akhdar, is a vital religious and scientific center with a unique minaret.
The barber — Al-Muzayyin, derived from "Zayn," refers to the barber who styles and beautifies men's hair, a profession evolving from ancient civilizations to modern times.
The story of the Ramadan cannon — Explore the history of the Ramadan Iftar cannon, a tradition blending heritage and spirituality, from its Egyptian origins under Sultan Khosh Qadam or Khedive I
Pompey's Pillar — Pompey's Pillar, a unique Alexandrian landmark, was erected in honor of Roman Emperor Diocletian after suppressing a revolt and distributing grain.
Hussein Rushdi — Hussein Roushdy, born in 1863 to a Turkish family, was educated in Cairo, Switzerland, and the Sorbonne, holding judicial and ministerial positions, and served
Pianola — The pianola, or "Box of Life," was a decorated wooden musical instrument that roamed Alexandria's old alleys, bringing joy with its melodies and stories.
Mustafa Abadi — Mostafa El-Abbadi, an Egyptian archaeologist and historian born in Alexandria in 1928, was renowned for his role in reviving the Library of Alexandria and his m
Ibrahim Abdel Shafi — Ibrahim Abdel-Shafi, an Egyptian singer and composer from Alexandria, nicknamed "The Nightingale of Alexandria," began his career in 1954, leaving a deep artist