Alexandria in 332 B.C.

Cairo is very dusty and crowded. Its a city of some 15 millions. Not a place to stay even for a few days. The second day we went to Alexandria, a 3-hours drive to the North towards the coast of the Mideterranean. Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C., the city is a much needed respite for Cairo inhabitants for fresh air and easier life.

This photo is of Fort Qaitbey built by Mamluk Sultan Qaitbey in 1480. Its a huge structure located at strategic location to defend Alexandria from enemies coming from the sea. The other great thing to see in Alexandria is the Momtazah Palace and Gardens built by one of the last Egyptian Khedive or Turkish King in the 1910's for a summer retreat from hot Cairo. Khedive started when Egypt was under the Ottoman Empire under the command of Muhammad Ali in 1800's. He declared himself ruler of Egypt, taking the title Khedive.