In the northeastern region of Cairo, Egypt, is a neighborhood called El Matareya. It is among the most populous and historic areas of the city. Numerous historic sites and archeological landmarks can be found in the district.
One of the most prominent sites in El Matareya is the remnants of Heliopolis, one of the oldest ancient Egyptian cities. The district was once renowned for its unrivaled beauty and grandeur. However, in recent years, El Matareya has become a hotbed of dissent and protests, particularly following the removal of Muslim Brotherhood president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.
Historical Significance
Ancient El Matareya
One of the oldest cities in ancient Egypt, Heliopolis, has its ruins in El Matareya, a neighborhood in Cairo, Egypt’s Eastern Area. The district has a rich history, dating back to the Pharaonic period. During this era, El Matareya was known as “Iunu,” which means “pillar” in ancient Egyptian. The district was named after the obelisk of pharaoh Ramses II that once stood there.
Pharaonic Era Landmarks
The necropolis of Heliopolis, located in El Matareya, contains tombs of pharaohs and other important figures from the Pharaonic era. One of the most notable tombs belongs to Pharaoh Seti II, who ruled during the 19th Dynasty of ancient Egypt. The tomb is decorated with intricate hieroglyphics and reliefs that depict scenes from the pharaoh’s life.
In addition to the cemetery, El Matareya is also home to the pyramids of Giza, which were built 2500 years before the Pharaonic era. These pyramids are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and attract millions of visitors from around the globe every year.
Overall, El Matareya holds significant historical importance in Egypt, as it contains landmarks and artifacts that date back to ancient times. It is a must-visit location for anyone interested in learning about ancient Egyptian history because of its rich history and cultural significance.
Religious Heritage
Christianity in El Matareya
El Matareya holds a significant place in the history of Christianity. The district is home to Holy Family Church, which is believed to be one of the places where Jesus, Mary, and Joseph took refuge during their journey to Egypt. The church contains six murals that depict the Holy Family’s journey, starting from the first Bethlehem massacre until they arrive in Upper Egypt.
The Coptic Christians of El Matareya deeply revere the Virgin Mary. The district is also home to the famous “Tree of the Virgin Mary,” believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their stay there. The tree is located in the courtyard of the Church of the Holy Family and is considered a sacred site by many Christians.
The Holy Family’s Journey
El Matareya is an important stop on the Holy Family’s journey through Egypt. According to tradition, the Holy Family arrived in El Matareya after crossing the Nile from Musturud. They rested under the shade of the “Tree of the Virgin Mary” and drank from a nearby well, now known as the “Well of the Holy Family.”
The tree and the well are well-known pilgrimage sites, and many people come to El Matareya to pay their respects to the Holy Family. The tree is said to have been blessed by the presence of the Virgin Mary, and it is thought that it exudes a sweet fragrance reminiscent of Bethlehem’s balsam.
In conclusion, El Matareya holds a special place in the hearts of Christians worldwide. The district’s religious legacy bears witness to the people’s unwavering faith, and the Holy Family’s journey through Egypt teaches the value of kindness and compassion for others.
Cultural and Artistic Influence
El Matareya in Literature and Art
Many writers and artists have drawn inspiration from El Matareya in Cairo over the years. The remnants of one of the oldest ancient Egyptian cities, Heliopolis, are located in the district. The beauty and grandeur of the city have been captured in various works of art and literature.
One of the earliest references to El Matareya can be found in the works of Pierre Belon du Mans, a French naturalist and traveler who visited Egypt in the 16th century. He wrote about the district’s gardens and orchards, famous for their fruits and flowers.
In modern times, El Matareya has been the subject of several literary works. The district features prominently in the novel “Karmet Ibn Hani” by the Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz. The novel tells the story of a young man who grows up in El Matareya and struggles to find his place in society. The district’s streets and landmarks are vividly described in the novel, giving readers a glimpse of life in El Matareya during the early 20th century.
El Matareya has also been depicted in various works of art. Many Egyptian artists have been inspired by the district’s rich history and cultural heritage. Paintings and sculptures of the district’s landmarks, such as the Holy Family Church and the Basilica of Saint Therese, can be found in galleries and museums throughout Egypt.
El Matareya, Cairo, has had a significant cultural and artistic influence throughout history. The district’s beauty and grandeur have been captured in various works of art and literature, making it an important part of Egypt’s cultural heritage.
Contemporary El Matareya
El Matareya is a district in the Eastern Area of Cairo, Egypt, that has undergone significant urban and industrial development in recent years. The district is home to several oil companies and food industries, contributing to the local economy.
Urban and Industrial Development
El Matareya has seen rapid urbanization in recent years, with new residential and commercial buildings being constructed to accommodate the growing population. The district has also become a hub for various industries, including oil and food, contributing to the local economy.
The Local Economy and Tourism
The local economy of El Matareya is largely based on the various industries present in the district. The local population has employment opportunities thanks to the oil and food industries, which also support the region’s economic expansion.
Tourism is not a significant contributor to the local economy of El Matareya. One of the oldest ancient Egyptian cities, Heliopolis, is located in the district, and its ruins can be found there. Tourists interested in exploring ancient Egyptian history can visit Heliopolis and learn about the area’s rich history.
During Ramadan, the district becomes lively, with thousands packing the narrow alleys for the annual mega-Iftar. The event is a significant cultural celebration in El Matareya, bringing together people from different backgrounds to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan.
El Matareya has recently undergone significant urban and industrial development, with new buildings and industries contributing to the local economy. While tourism is not a significant contributor to the local economy, the district’s rich history and cultural celebrations during Ramadan make it an interesting destination for those interested in exploring ancient Egyptian history and culture.
Geographical and Demographic Overview
El Matareya is a district in the Eastern Area of Cairo, Egypt. The district is unrelated to the Dakahlia Governorate’s coastal town, El Matareya. Ain Shams borders it to the east and Heliopolis to the west. The district is situated in the northern part of Cairo, which is closer to the Nile Delta region than to upper Egypt.
The population of El Matareya is estimated to be around 1.5 million people, making it one of the most densely populated areas in Cairo. The majority of the population are Muslims, with a minority of Coptic Christians. The district is known for its low-income neighborhoods, which have been the site of ongoing protests and social unrest since the removal of the Muslim Brotherhood president, Mohamed Morsi, in 2013.
Several historical sites can be found in El Matareya, one of which is the ancient city of Heliopolis, which is thought to have been established in the third millennium BCE. The Holy Family is said to have visited Heliopolis during their journey through Egypt, and it is believed that Mary and Joseph rested under a sycamore tree that still stands in the district today.
Regarding infrastructure, El Matareya is well-connected to other parts of Cairo via public transportation, including buses and the Cairo Metro. The district also has several hospitals, schools, and government offices. However, like many parts of Cairo, El Matareya faces challenges related to traffic congestion, pollution, and inadequate public services.
Overall, El Matareya is a diverse and dynamic district that reflects the complex history and culture of Cairo and Egypt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated hotels in El Matareya?
El Matareya is known for its affordable and comfortable hotels. Some of the top-rated hotels in the district include the Tolip El Galaa Hotel Cairo, the Novotel Cairo El Borg Hotel, and the Le Meridien Cairo Airport Hotel.
Can you provide a brief history of El Matareya in Cairo?
El Matareya is a district located in the northeastern part of Cairo, Egypt. El Matareya, one of the oldest and most populous districts of the city, is well-known for its historical significance and cultural heritage. It contains the ruins of one of the oldest ancient Egyptian cities, Heliopolis.
What are some popular restaurants in El Matareya?
El Matareya has several popular restaurants serving authentic Egyptian cuisine. Some of the most popular restaurants in the district include Al Refai Koshary, El Tabei El Domyati, and Abu Shakra.
What is the population of the El Matareya district?
As of 2021, the population of the El Matareya district is estimated to be around 1.5 million people. The district is one of the most densely populated areas in Cairo.
What is the significance of the tree of the Virgin Mary in El Matareya?
The Tree of the Virgin Mary, also known as Mary’s Tree, is located in the El Matareya district of Cairo. According to tradition, the Holy Family rested under the tree during their journey to Egypt. The tree is considered a sacred site and is visited by many pilgrims.
What was the old name of Cairo before it became known as Cairo?
The old name of Cairo was Al-Qahira, which means “the victorious” in Arabic. The city was founded in the 10th century by the Fatimid dynasty and was originally known as Al-Mansuriya. It was later renamed Al-Qahira after the Fatimid conquest of Egypt.
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