Written by Nour Al-Huda Foaud
CAIRO, Nov. 4 (SEE)- Along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, north of the Suez Canal, a 159-year Port Said city lies with an approximate population of 603,787, based on the official census made in 2010.
Air-conditioned buses and privately-owned microbuses usually are the main means of transportation of people living in Cairo who want to visit the city.
Only 190 minutes is needed to reach the "brave city"; Port Said's nickname spread after its people showed brave resistance against the British occupation in 1882.
Many of its buildings adopted the European architectural style; such as high ceilings apartments and wooden balconies. As many of canal cities, Taxis have a unified fare across the city; 8 EGP.
Historical landmarks
The Suez Canal building is the oldest in the city of Port Said, established during the era of Khepe Ismail in 1859 as a palace on the bank of the Canal.
Ismail used to receive guests at the palace especially during the celebration of the establishment of the Canal before it was turned into headquarters of the British Navy. Later on, the palace was turned into headquarters of the Egyptian Navy Forces.
Currently, the palace deems to be the Administrative Office of the Canal where the passing ferries can be monitored.
Near the Suez Canal Administrative Office, there are free-of-charge passengers' and vehicles' ferries between Port Said and Port Foaud, lying on the other bank of the Canal, but it is affiliated to Port Said governorate.
In 1876, St. Eugene Church was established in Port Said for the Catholic Copts before it was rebuilt in 1890 by an Italian Architect.
The Tawfiki Mosque is the oldest in the city. It was built in 1860, as the first mosque in the city. In 1982, Khepe Tawfik issued orders to officials to rebuild the mosque which was designed to avoid the sea waves.
During the era of Khepe Abbas Helmi II, in 1904, the second mosque in the city was built; Al-Abbasy mosque which witnessed a long history of resistance against the British occupation. 100 years later, the mosque was registered as a historical site.
Other historical landmarks are found in the brave city of Port Said; most notably the lighthouse of Port Said, Ferdinand de Lesseps monument, statue of late President Gamal Abdel Nasser, the martyrs' memorial monument, the military museum, the Commonwealth graves and the Suez Canal Museum.
Suez Canal
On the seashore of Port Said, you can smell iodine and enjoy watching people fishing every morning. Dozens of fishermen are used to throwing nets to catch different types of sea creatures and crustaceans such as Kalbklwiz and Umm al-Khallu.
Walking along the beach is enjoyable as you can see huge quantities of different types of seashells. Moreover, a new walkway along the beach was established and dozens of restaurants and cafes were opened.
Translated by Nawal Sayed
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