Ismailia: The Gem of the Suez Canal

• Helloمرحبا
  [Marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [Wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [Na'am]
• Noلا
  [La]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [Min fadlak]
• Thank youشكرا
  [Shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [A'adhra]
• How are you?ازيك؟
  [Ezayak?]
• Fine. And you?تمام. وانت؟
  [Tamam. Wint?]
• Do you speak English?تتكلم انجليزي؟
  [Tetkalem Ingilizi?]
• I don't understandانا مش فاهم
  [Ana mesh fahem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseاريد ان ارى القائمة، من فضلك
  [Areed an ara alqa'ima, min fadlak]
• I don't eat meatانا لا اكل لحم
  [Ana la akl lahme]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [Fe sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseاريد ان ادفع، من فضلك
  [Areed an adfa', min fadlak]

• Help!النجدة!
  [Alnajda!]
• Go away!ارحل!
  [Erhal!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [Itsal balsurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [Itsal batabib!]
• I'm lostانا ضايع
  [Ana daya']
• I'm illانا مريض
  [Ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...اريد ان اشتري...
  [Areed an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingانا فقط اتطلع
  [Ana faqat attala]
• How much is it?بكام؟
  [Bikam?]
• That's too expensiveده غالي اوي
  [Da ghali awe]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟
  [Hal yumkinuk takhfez alsa'r?]

• What time is it?ساعة كام؟
  [Saa'a kam?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [Alwahida]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [Al'ashara wannesf]
• Morningصباح
  [Sabah]
• Afternoonظهر
  [Dhuhr]
• Eveningمساء
  [Masaa]
• Yesterdayامس
  [Ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [Alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [Ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [Wahed]
• 2اثنين
  [Ithnayn]
• 3ثلاثة
  [Thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [Arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [Khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [Sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [Sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [Thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [Tis'a]
• 10عشرة
  [Ashara]

• Where's a/the...?اين...
  [Ayna...]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [Ma hu al'unwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك ان تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [Hal yumkinuk an tareeni (ala alkharita)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة القادمة؟
  [Mata ya'ti alhafilat alqadima?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (الى ...)
  [Tathkira (ila ...)]

Ismailia, named after Khedive Ismail Pasha, was founded in 1863 during the construction of the Suez Canal. The city was established as a base for the French engineers and workers tasked with the monumental effort of connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. The city’s European architectural style and well-planned layout are a testament to its origins as a hub for international collaboration.

The grand opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 was a pivotal moment for Ismailia. Dignitaries from all over the world, including Empress Eugenie of France, attended the lavish inauguration ceremony. This event marked the city’s emergence as a significant international center. The canal dramatically altered global trade routes and cemented Ismailia's place in history.

During World War I, Ismailia’s strategic position along the Suez Canal made it a crucial site for military operations. The city served as a base for Allied forces, and its waters were patrolled to protect against Ottoman and German threats. The war brought an influx of soldiers and resources, further developing the city’s infrastructure.

The Suez Crisis of 1956 was a dramatic chapter in Ismailia’s history. After Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal, a tripartite invasion by Britain, France, and Israel ensued. Ismailia was at the heart of the conflict, experiencing significant military action. The crisis highlighted the ongoing geopolitical importance of the canal and the city.

Ismailia is a vibrant cultural melting pot, influenced by its diverse history. The city hosts an annual film festival that attracts international attention, showcasing its role as a cultural hub. The blend of Egyptian, European, and other cultural influences can be seen in the city’s architecture, cuisine, and festivals.

In recent decades, Ismailia has continued to grow and modernize. The expansion of the Suez Canal in 2015, known as the New Suez Canal project, brought renewed economic opportunities and development to the area. Today, Ismailia remains a pivotal city in Egypt’s economy, known for its beautiful canalside promenades, gardens, and historical sites.

Ismailia is located along the Suez Canal in northeastern Egypt. The nearest international airports are Cairo International Airport, approximately 120 kilometers away, and Borg El Arab Airport in Alexandria, which is about 230 kilometers away. From Cairo, you can take a bus or a train to Ismailia, with the journey typically taking around 2 hours by road or rail. Trains are a popular choice for their comfort and scenic views of the Nile Delta.

Ismailia has a network of public buses and minibuses that connect different parts of the city and nearby areas. Taxis are also readily available and relatively inexpensive. For a more authentic experience, consider taking a felucca ride on Lake Timsah. Renting a car can be an option, but be aware that traffic can be hectic. Bicycles are a convenient mode of transport for exploring the city center.

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available throughout Ismailia, but ensure you have some cash on hand before venturing into more remote areas.

Ismailia is generally a safe city for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Be cautious in the El-Sheikh Zayed neighborhood as it has been reported to have a higher incidence of petty crimes targeting tourists. Always use registered taxis or rideshare services.

In case of emergency, dial 122 for police assistance, 123 for medical emergencies, and 180 for fire services. Ismailia has several hospitals and medical facilities, including Ismailia General Hospital, which offers emergency services. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and Islamic traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake, and use 'Salam' as a form of greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ismailia like a local, visit the local markets such as Souq El-Gomaa to buy fresh produce and traditional Egyptian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Ismailia Museum, which houses artifacts from the Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman eras. For a relaxing day, spend time at Fayed Beach on the shores of Lake Timsah.