Tahta Travel Guide
Tahta is located in the Sohag Governorate of Egypt along the west bank of the Nile. It is well known for being the birthplace of the famous Egyptian writer Refaa El Tahtawy and influential religious leader Sheikh Said El Naqshabandy. The city is between Asyut and Akhmim and includes many small villages and towns. The primary sources of economy in Tahta are trade and agriculture, and the municipality is also well known in Egypt for its furniture industry.
About Sohag Governorate
Sohag Governorate lies in southern Egypt and covers part of the Nile Valley. Sohag managed to remain the capital of the Sohag Governorate since 1960, before which Girga was the capital city. The Governorate also used to be called Girga Governorate. Some more cities that are a part of the Sohag Governorate include Akhmim, Dar el-Salam, El-Mansha, El-Balyana, El-Maragha, El-Usayrat, Girga, Juhayna, Sakulta, Sohag, and Tima.
Two Famous Monasteries Near Tahta
The Red Monastery and the White Monastery are two famous monasteries near Tahta in Sohag Governorate. These two monastic churches are among Egypt's richest surviving Coptic archaeological sites. Parts of these two monasteries date back to the earliest era of Christians. The two churches display a fantastic combination of Roman civic, Pharaonic, and Christian architectural styles.
The White Monastery, which is the larger one, is made from white limestone and was once used by communities of nuns and monks during the mid-5th century. The Red Monastery, on the other hand, is much smaller and made of red brick. Both monasteries exhibit exceptional paintings and sculptures which belong to the time from the fifth to the fourteenth centuries. The two monasteries were constructed in what was once an arid desert land. Currently, the two monasteries are at risk of rising water levels due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam and the need to cultivate newer fertile lands that use water.
More About Tahta
Tahta isn't a popular tourist destination, but due to its proximity to popular cities, reaching it is relatively easy and quick. The total population of Tahta is 90,591. Some villages in the Tahta jurisdiction are Bani Harb and Nezlt Elkady, alongside Banja, El-Sawalem, Sahttoura, and Al-Koum al-Asfar. Famous people who were born at Tahta include Rifa'ael Tahtawi and Naguib Sawiris.
Reaching Tahta
Tahta is close to many international airports, the closest being the Sohag International Airport, 79 km away. Asyut Airport is another airport with regular domestic and international flights, only 95 km from Tahta City.
Tourist Attractions in Tahta
Tahta does have few tourist attractions, but two places that tourists from all over visit include Sidi Gharib and Maqam as Sittat al-Ashraf. Maqam as Sittat al-Ashraf is a religious building in Tahta, and people come to it to seek the blessings of the Almighty. On the other hand, Sidi Gharib is another place of religious interest made as a tomb and is located just at a distance of 1 km from Tahta.
Bani Ammar in Tahta
Bani Ammar is a village near Tahta where the main job of the inhabitants is agriculture. It was founded in 1809 and is also the origin of an influential detailed scientific description of modern Egypt, which was penned by the French Scientists during the expedition of Napoleon in Egypt from 1798 to 1801. 10th April is the national day at Bani Ammar, an essential date in the history of this city that's been celebrated since 1799. On this day, the local people faced the French troupes who invaded under Napoleon. Bani Ammars are believed to have emigrated from the Arabian Island and are close relatives of Juhainas.
