Complete Travel Guide to El Mataria, Egypt

El Mataria El Matareya is a district in the Eastern Area of Cairo, Egypt. The district is unrelated to the coastal town in the Dakahlia Governorate, that is also named El Matareya. The district holds the ruins of the ancient Egyptian city of Heliopolis, one of the oldest cities of ancient Egypt. Positioned at coordinates 30.1295°N, 31.2889°E, El Mataria occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of El Mataria place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 27.0 meters above sea level, El Mataria benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of El Mataria creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 650511 residents, El Mataria maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of El Mataria represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in El Mataria reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Egypt, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Cairo province, El Mataria contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Egypt's regional character. The role of El Mataria in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to El Mataria discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Egypt while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of El Mataria

History Main article: Heliopolis (Ancient Egypt) El Matareya, with the nearby Ain Shams district, had a notable history during Egypt's Pharaonic period as a part of ancient Heliopolis The district has archaeological sites of the period, some only recently discovered, beneath its current structures.

In ancient Roman times Heliopolis belonged to the Augustamnica province Roman influence in El Mataria established foundational infrastructure and administrative systems that continued to shape the region for centuries Legend tells of the Christian Holy Family sheltering under a tree in Heliopolis, presently known as 'the tree of the Virgin Mary', now with the Chapel of the Virgin in El Matareya.

The French naturalist Pierre Belon du Mans mentions visiting El Matareya in his 1547 journey to Egypt El Matareya once had the villas of prominent people The famous Egyptian poet Ahmed Shawqi lived in a villa he named ‘Karmet Ibn Hani’ or Ibn Hani's Vineyard (كرمة ابن هانى) here, near the palace of the Khedive Abbas II at Saray El-Qobba, until his exile from Egypt at World War I.

#Historic elements The Masalla Obelisk, in El Matareya The El Masalla area of the district contains the ancient Masalla Obelisk, or Misalla (Arabic: المسلة, trans obelisk), one of the Pharaonic era obelisks that still remain in Egypt It is the only surviving element of Heliopolis standing in its original position, and of the great Temple of Ra—Atum constructed by Pharaoh Senusret I (1971—1926 BCE) of the Twelfth Dynasty.

[_citation needed_] The 68 ft (20 73 m) tall red granite obelisk weighs 120 tons—240,000 pounds (110,000 kg) A pink granite megalithic colossus statue, with features resembling those of the Pharaoh Ramesses II, was found in El Matareya in 2006, weighing five tons—11,023 pounds (5,000 kg).

It was at the ruins of a sun temple dating back to the reign of Ramses II (reigned 1279—1213 BCE), at the site of later Souk El-Khamis The underground tombs of High Priests of Re of the Sixth Dynasty (2345—2181 BCE) were found in the southeast corner of the Re-Atum Temple archaeological site in El Matareya.

The Necropolis of Heliopolis, 3 miles (4 8 km) east of the Masalla obelisk in El Matareya, dates from the Middle Kingdom (c 2055—1550 BCE) and New Kingdom (c A domed tomb made for a priest during the Twenty-sixth Dynasty (c 685—525 BCE), was discovered under a construction site in 2004.

Many funereal small figure statues were found inside (over 400), and hieroglyphic writing was on the tomb's walls from the seventh century BCE In March 2017, the Egyptian-German team of archaeologists unearthed an eight- meter 3,000-year-old statue that included a head and a torso thought to depict Pharaoh Ramses II.

According to Khaled El-Enany, the Egyptian Antiquities Minister, the statue was more likely thought to be King Psammetich I Excavators also revealed an 80 cm-long part of a limestone statue of Pharaoh Seti II while excavating the site #Pilgrimage site Holy Tree of Metereah, c.

1840, from _The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia_ A sycamore tree within the s.

The historical trajectory of El Mataria demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in El Mataria reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in El Mataria remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

The topographic characteristics of El Mataria result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the El Mataria region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the El Mataria area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in El Mataria has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in El Mataria demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of El Mataria create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

The climatic regime of El Mataria reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in El Mataria create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in El Mataria determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in El Mataria create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in El Mataria demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to El Mataria include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

The cultural landscape of El Mataria represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in El Mataria reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in El Mataria continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in El Mataria provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in El Mataria demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in El Mataria provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

The economic structure of El Mataria reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in El Mataria often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in El Mataria serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in El Mataria demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in El Mataria has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in El Mataria focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transportation infrastructure serving El Mataria reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Egypt. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring El Mataria.

Regional connectivity from El Mataria provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education * Desert Research Center, established by Laszlo Almasy * Faculty of Engineering, Helwan University * National Urology Institute of Egypt * El Matareya Teaching Hospital

Educational institutions in El Mataria serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Planning Your Visit to El Mataria

Successful visits to El Mataria require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in El Mataria often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting El Mataria include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting El Mataria extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.