Kafr el-Sheikh Governorate
Kafr el-Sheikh is a key province in the north of Egypt that is situated in the Nile Delta region alongside the western bank of the Nile. It borders Dakahlia governorate in the east and Gharbia governorate in the south, while in the north it is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. In the west, the Rosetta branch of the Nile flows alongside this province for 85 km, until it also meets the Mediterranean Sea.
Kafr el-Sheikh governorate's name pays homage to the Sufi saint Sheikh Talha Abi Said el-Telmesany, who came here from Morocco in 600 AD and settled in the region. Literally speaking, the name means ‘the village of the chief’ in the local Egyptian language. Kafr el-Sheikh contains 11 cities, including the capital city of Kafr el-Sheikh. This region had been of immense importance since the ancient period, and the capital city of Lower Egypt of the ancient period was situated in the Kafr el-Sheikh region.
This fertile Delta land enables large-scale cultivation of wheat, rice, cotton, and beets. Fishing is another important occupation and source of income in the Khafr el-Sheikh region. Several industries have flourished here, including the manufacture of dairy products, soaps, and beet sugar. Many rice mills and cotton ginning plants are also running successfully in this governorate due to the huge availability of raw materials for these industries. The industrial zones of Baltim and Metoubes are two major areas that increase the revenue of this governorate and they consistently draw more and more investments into these various sectors.
Tourists are highly interested in visiting this region, due to the presence of el-Borolos Lake, Desook Park, the Mosque of Sayeed Talha Abi Said el-Telmesany, the Mosque of Sayeed Ibrahim el-Desooky, the Virgin Mary Church, historical monuments of Sakha Hills and Faraeen Hills and also the residence of the legendary revolutionary leader Saad Zaghloul. Balteem summer resort is also a favorite vacation spot of many Egyptians, as well as foreigners.
Notable features of specific Karf El-Sheikh cities
Kafr el-Sheikh
This capital city is located in lower Egypt around the Delta region. It is an industrial city with many rice mills, sugar beet factories, and a factory producing food for poultry animals. It is also the birthplace of many distinguished personalities, including the first prime minister of independent Egypt, Saad Zaghloul; the famous Egyptian-American scientist Ahmed Zewail and a number of well-known Egyptian soccer players.
Baltim
This city is primarily known as a tourist resort, with pleasantly moderate weather due to the effects of the winds blowing in from the Mediterranean Sea. There is not a large variation in summer and winter temperatures, accompanied by quite a low amount of rainfall, making it a favorite for Egyptian and foreign tourists. Lake Burullus is another tourist attraction in Baltim City.
Desouk
This city is the location of several key Islamic shrines including the Tomb of Saint Ibrahim El-Desouki, who lived here in the 13th century. Many famous Egyptians were born in Desouk also, such as the famous Coptic painter Evelyn Ashamallah and the renowned Egyptian politician Abdel-Salam Mohammed Nasar.
