Districts_detials

 

Masr Al-Gadidah District "Heliopolis"

Gateway to Cairo for visitors from all over the world, Masr Al-Gadidah is one of Cairo's upscale neighborhoods where Cairo Airport is located. Dear reader, let's know the story of this quiet aristocratic suburb.

Establishing Heliopolis in its current location was not a coincidence as Baron Empain, the founder of this suburb, was a big fan of the Greek philosophers. So, he worked on reviving and immortalizing the City of Innu where Aristotle, Socrates and, Plato lived at its temples. He also wanted a location with some climate advantages. So, he chose this site and called it Heliopolis, meaning the eye of the sun. Heliopolis is also the pharaonic name of the ancient city of Innu.

In 1905, the Egyptian government sold 5952 acres of desert land to Baron Empain, the owner of the Belgian Bank of Brussels, who established Wahet Heliopolis Company to build Masr Al-Gadidah suburb.

Baron Empain made Heliopolis a blend of oriental architecture and European architecture to suit its resident. He divided the suburb into different areas. Each had its architectural features according to the quality of life in it. Starting from palaces and villas on Oruba and Almaza streets to the industrial zones, then passing by public gardens, amusement parks, horse racetracks, and elite schools.

After Baron Empain established Masr Al-Gadidah suburb, it lacked all facilities and means of transportation. So, he thought of building a tramway system to link the new suburb to Cairo. In 1910, the area had its first tram line, and it remained one of the area's distinctive landmarks until the government removed it.   

Masr Al-Gadidah Landmarks

Masr Al-Gadidah area houses many famous landmarks like Baron Empain Palace, the Presidential Palace, the Oruba Palace, and El-Ghaba Public Park, the Merryland Park, the Military Academy, Cairo International Airport, the Jewish Synagogue in El-Korba, the Basilica Church, Masr Al-Gadidah Court, and Masr Al-Gadidah Library.

Masr Al-Gadidah Squares

Masr Al-Gadidah has many famous square and streets like Safir Square, Triumph Square, El-Hegaz Square, Salah El-Din Square, and El-Ismailia Square. 

Many public and well-known figures lived in Heliopolis such as the late President Hosni Mubarak, the former Minister of Interior Ahmed Roshdy, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Abu El-Gheit, and also many famous artists like Mary Monib, Leila Elwi and Leila Murad.    

Masr Al-Gadidah District on Google Maps

Last Update: 2024