Randa Achmawi*
Cairo – In the North of Egypt, 130 kilometres away from country capital Cairo, the vegetation on the banks of the Nile attracts the attention of passers by. The exuberant flowers and plants of El Mansura, a city that became famous in the Arab country due to its history and also to its gardens. Mansura has already been named Guezirat Al Ward, which means Island of Roses in Arabic. The current name means "the victorious" in Arabic. El Mansura is victorious because it was there that French King Louis IX was caught, in 1250, during the Crusades. In El Mansura tourists may learn about history and also walk around the parks and gardens.
The city is in the Egyptian Delta, a region where the waters of the Nile spread out and drain into the Mediterranean. The city was established in the year 616 of the Muslim era, or 1219 in the Christian era, by Ayyubid Sultan Al Malek Al Kamel. During the Crusades, when the neighbouring Damietta was taken, El Mansura served as a fort. "Due to its strategic location, the city of Mansura served, for a long period, as an advanced military outpost for Cairo," stated Wael Allem, of the tourism office in the city.
It was also known as a stage for fights and for the strong resistance of its population against the presence of the French Crusaders. "During the months of July and August of 1221 A.D. the advance of the Crusaders led by French cardinal Pelagius was stopped at the entrance of the city," explained Wael. "When Abdel Malek Al Kamel ordered that the dam was open to flood the fields cultivated by the Crusaders in the delta of the Nile, they were obliged to abandon their previous conquests in Egypt," he explains.
And it was during the reign of the last Ayyubid Sultan, Turanchah, that the Crusade of French King Louis IX was defeated in El Mansura. "In February 1250, they (the Crusaders) entered the city, but were soon kicked out by the population after long and difficult fighting in the city streets," stated Wael. Finally, during the battle that took place beyond the gates of the city, King Louis IX and the rest of his army were captured by the men of the Ayyubid Sultan. One month later they were released in exchange for the liberation of Damietta.
Later, during the reign of the Mamluks, the city of El Mansura became part of the province of Daqahliya. And in 1527 of the Christian era, the Ottoman governor of Egypt, Soliman Pacha Khadem, transferred the Dar El Hokm, the Arab provincial court, to the city. Therefore, El Mansura became the capital of the province of Daqahliya, a statute that is maintained to date. In 1826, El Mansura had grown so much that it became a regional centre to which over 60 villages are now connected. Throughout the 19th Century, thanks to cotton, the region of the Delta lived a true economic boom, contributing to the attraction of people from all areas to Egypt, and making the population rise considerably.
Today, El Mansura prides itself of having among its historic feats the capture of King Louis IX. The beauty o the gardens complement the historic tourism. The most beautiful garden is the one that goes by the name of legendary Mamluk Sultana Chagaret Al Dorr, who governed Egypt for 80 days in 1250 and negotiated the liberation of Damietta. Chagaret lived in Mansura for part of her life. In the city, broad sidewalks for walks on the banks of the Nile are also found. You can walk on them for hours in an atmosphere of peace and calm.
A trip on the Nile itself is also an option for those interested in options for leisure in the city. This may be on one of the several small Egyptian sailing boats, called Felukas, anchored by the riverbanks. The outings may last half or one hour. Being on a Feluka, on the Nile, in Mansura, is like diving into the memory of its inhabitants and learning a little more of their knowledge. "This is, unfortunately, an experience that few people have, but which, due to its pleasure and well-being, is as worthwhile as any other activity lived in this fascinating country," added a German tourist who was enjoying her first trip to Egypt.
*Translated by Mark Ament