Mansoura, Egypt

Mansoura is a significant city located in Egypt. It sits in the Nile Delta region. The city is positioned on the eastern bank of the Damietta branch of the Nile river. It serves as the capital of the Dakahlia Governorate. As of 2024, the city has an estimated population of 600,000 people. Mansoura is located about 120 km northeast of Cairo. Across the river from the city lies the town of Talkha. The climate in this region is classified as a hot desert climate.

The name Mansoura comes from the Arabic word for "victorious." This name honors a major military event from the year 1250. During the Seventh Crusade, Egyptian forces defeated the Capetians. This conflict included the Battle of Fariskur. In that battle, between 15,000 and 30,000 men fell. King Louis IX of France was captured during this fighting. He was held in the house of Ibrahim Ibn Lokman. This man was the secretary to the sultan. The sultan provided food and care for the captured king and his brother.

History is preserved in several ways within the city. The house of Ibrahim Ibn Lokman is now the Mansoura National Museum. It is open to the public for visitors. The museum holds many items that once belonged to the French king. This includes his personal toilet from the thirteenth century. Visitors can also see suits of mail and swords used by the crusaders. The museum displays large paintings of the Battle of Mansoura and many historical maps. The city was originally established in 1219 by al-Kamil of the Ayyubid dynasty. He built it upon a Phreatic branch of the Nile. This site included older villages such as Al-Bishtamir and Kafr al-Badamas.

Modern history also marks the skies above Mansoura. On October 14, 1973, a massive air battle occurred. This happened during the Yom Kippur War. The Egyptian Air Force intercepted Israeli Air Force fighters. These fighters were attacking Egyptian air bases. About 160 jet fighters fought over Mansoura for 53 minutes. Most of these planes belonged to Israel. The Egyptian army claimed that 17 Israeli planes were downed. Egypt also noted the loss of six planes, though only three fell to Israeli fire. Because of this event, the Egyptian government changed Air Force Day to October 14.

The culture of Mansoura is shaped by many different groups. The people speak a northern Egyptian Arabic dialect. This dialect is influenced by the surrounding rural villages. In the past, Mansoura had a flourishing Greek community. There was also a small Italian population. Many people from the Greek community were forced to leave during the Nasser era. However, many old shops still keep their original Greek names. The city is also known for its unique architecture. The Shinnawi Palace was built by an Italian architect in 1928.

Another important site is the mosque of El-Saleh Ayoub El-Kebir. It sits on Al-Sagha Street, which separates the old city from the modern area.

Education and science are very important in Mansoura. The University of Mansoura was founded in 1962. It began as a branch of Cairo University.

The university is home to the Urology and Nephrology center. This center was founded by Professor Mohammed Ghonem. It is considered the best kidney center in the Middle East and Africa. The city also supports many athletes. There are several sports clubs, such as the Gezert Elward Sport Club. This club sits directly on the Nile. It offers tennis, swimming, gymnastics, and squash. The university also has an Olympic Village. This area covers 15 acres for students and faculty.

Mansoura has produced many notable people in various fields. These include famous actors like Adel Emam and Faten Hamama. The city has also seen success in science and religion. For example, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar from 1982 to 1996 was from Mansoura. The city is also linked to the Coptic Orthodox Church. Pope Tawadros II is the Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of all Africa. Even in the world of social media, people from Mansoura are known. The YouTuber and educator Ahmed El-Ghandour is one such person. These diverse figures show the many ways Mansoura connects to the wider world.