Tanta is the capital of the Gharbia Governorate in Egypt, located 94 kilometers north of Cairo and 130 kilometers southeast of Alexandria. It is the fifth largest city in Egypt in terms of population. The city is the center of Egypt’s cotton industry and also serves as a major railway hub in the Nile Delta.

Tanta is a renowned university city in Egypt, housing Tanta University, the Tanta Islamic Law College, and the Ahmadideh College (now known as Tanta Institute of Islamic Studies) affiliated with Al-Azhar University. The city is a prominent Islamic pilgrimage site, hosting grand celebrations every year during the Mawlid al-Nabi to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. The festivities create a joyous atmosphere throughout the city. Towards the end of October each year, Tanta comes alive as it is the cotton harvesting season, attracting people from the Delta and other Arab countries for an eight-day celebration.

The Tanta Museum narrates the history of the city and exhibits artifacts ranging from the time of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs to the present day. Sheikh Ahmed Badawi, known for promoting Sufism, was buried in the city upon his death, and a mausoleum was built for him, later expanded into a mosque that is now considered a “holy place.”

Tanta

Reasons to visit: The fifth largest city in Egypt

Continent: Africa

Country: Egypt

Province/State: Gharbia Governorate

City: Tanta