Montaza, Alexandria

Montaza, Alexandria

Montaza is the name of both a district and a park in Alexandria, Egypt. The district includes the park, but the two are legally distinct.

The district of al-Montaza is a local government district of Alexandria Governorate on the north-eastern end of the city along the coast. Besides the neighborhood-sized park of al-Montazah which gives it its name, Montaza District includes the neighborhoods of Syouf, al-Falaky, al-Mandarah, Sidi Bishr, Maamoura, Khurshid, Abu Qir and parts of al-Assafra. With a population of approximately 1.2 million, Montaza District is the largest district of the governorate by population.The Montaza District central administration building is in Sidi Bishr, at the intersection of Masgid Sidi Bishr and Malak Hefni Streets, near the Sidi Bishr station for Alexandria's intra-city rail system. The building was damaged by fire during the Revolution of 2011; the building had contained a police station, which, like police stations across Egypt, was a particular target for protesters.

Montaza park

The neighborhood of al-Montaza is at the far northeast end of Montaza District, along the coast. Built under the monarchy, it is a favored tourist spot on account of its sizable gardens and palaces left by its royal heritage; the Egyptian government charges a nominal fee (15 LE as of 2010). The Montaza Palace, which gives the park its name, was constructed during the reign of the Khedive Abbas II, the royal family's habit of summering in the palace eventually drew wealthy Egyptians and foreigners to the same location (although foreigners in general tended to congregate at the opposite end of the city, in al-Agami). It is considered to be quite exclusive to be in possession of a cabin in the Montaza. It can not be bought and is usually passed down from generation to generation. There are several different "suburbs" within the Montaza, the most exclusive being Aida.

Al-Montaza also plays host to a noted clock tower and two old hotels (the Helnan Palestine and Salamlek Palace). The Sheraton Montazah is actually across the street from the park, in the neighborhood of Mandara.

An approach to the word "Montaza"

"Montaza" does mean "park", but like most words in Arabic there is an essence that is missing by literal English translation. It can only be understood with a greater awareness of the root: "nuzha". This means variably - to be far, untouched, unblemished, and free. Thus "montaza" takes meanings such as promenade, walk, stroll; recreation ground; park. These are according to Hans Wehr. But having visited this place, it is a little oasis seemingly far removed, untouched, unblemished and free from the bustle of daily life in Alexandria and so much more so when compared to Cairo.