Cairo – The city of Ismailia, 90 minutes east of Cairo, Egypt, and on the banks of Suez Canal, is in celebration. The city is commemorating the 140th anniversary of the inauguration of Suez Canal, in November 1869, in the presence of Empress Eugénie, of France. The opening of the longest canal in the world has, since then, revolutionised maritime connections between Europe and the East.
Ismailia, which is located between the cities of de Port Said and Suez, is known as the Garden of Egypt. Characterised by its broad avenues, peaceful streets, green gardens and singing birds, it is a refuge for many of the residents of Cairo, who escape the traffic and pollution of the city on weekends.
Apart from being on the banks of Suez, Ismailia is also located just north of Al-Temsah lake, which in Portuguese means “the crocodile”, and which almost connects into the canal. In truth, during the construction of Suez Canal, the city was called Al-Temsah. During the period it was the centre for works on Suez and was also the site of residence of Ferdinand de Lesseps, who was responsible for the construction of Suez Canal. Ismailia has hosted the Suez Canal Administration since those days.
Despite the tourist city visited by many Egyptians, Ismailia is little visited by foreigners. “The beaches of the city attract mainly the residents of Cairo who live in the new cities of Al-Churuk or New Cairo, as they are little over 50 minutes or one hour away from Ismailia,” according to the city’s Public Relations, Mohamed Abdel Qader.
Several tourist sites may be found on the banks of Al Temsah lake, offering visitors water activities like skiing or wind surf. “The fact that we are so close to Cairo always encourages the inhabitants to spend some time by the lake, even if just one day. And little is required for that. Many even come just for a picnic with their families,” said Abdel Qader.
Fishing is another leisure activity in Ismailia, appropriate for relaxing together with friends and relatives. Water activities, the lake or the Canal itself do not, however, represent the only attractions of Ismailia. The discovery of several neighbourhoods or squares while walking of the city guarantee constant surprises to visitors.
Ismailia, in many aspects, brings European cities to mind. Many of the houses were built in British style for the English and French employees working at Suez Canal Company up to nationalisation by president Gamal Abdel Nasser, in 1956.
But the central part of the city, with its narrow streets, also has great charm. There, several restaurants with typical local foods may be found, where visitors may sample wonderful meals. In Ismailia there is also a museum where objects found during the construction works are exhibited.
But to truly know Ismailia, nothing better than contact with the residents. Through them it is possible to learn more about the history, traditions and customs of the city. Each inhabitant of Ismailia is a great source of information about the city, so closely connected to the works of construction of Suez Canal, from its inauguration to date.
*Translated by Mark Ament