Greater Cairo, Egypt’s largest metropolitan area, which consists of Cairo, Giza, and Qalubiya, covers almost 20 percent of Egypt’s entire population at 21 million inhabitants. It comes as no surprise, then, that those who imagine Egypt, often imagine its urban jungle of a capital immediately. Egypt’s Cairo-centric identity even extends to most Egyptians, who often call the capital Masr (Egypt) – as if there exists the Egypt that is Cairo, and an entirely different Egypt outside Cairo. Many who visit Egypt for the first time usually arrive through the gates of Cairo International Airport. A more experienced adventurer may also trek the cities of Alexandria, Luxor, or Aswan; others may favor the turquoise waters of South Sinai or the Hurghada. Yet Egypt’s charm extends beyond the country’s metropolis. There exist 24 governorates beyond Greater Cairo, with a plethora of them offering different strokes of color and taste to Egypt. PORT SAID European grid-patterned streets, classical French-designed homes interlaced with traditional Egyptian architecture, and an irresistible seaview: Port Said, crowning the Delta 167 kilometers north of Cairo, is one of Egypt’s most unique cities. Considered the crowning jewel of the reign…
