What is the Arabic name for El Qantara, and what does it mean?

The Arabic name for El Qantara is القنطرة (al qantara), which translates literally to "the bridge." This name likely refers to a historical bridge or crossing point in the area.

In which Egyptian governorate is El Qantara located?

El Qantara is situated within the Ismailia Governorate, which is one of the governorates that make up Egypt. Governorates are the primary administrative divisions of the country.

What is the geographical significance of El Qantara concerning the Suez Canal?

El Qantara holds geographical significance as it is located on both sides of the Suez Canal. This unique positioning means the city straddles this vital artificial waterway.

How does El Qantara connect the continents of Africa and Asia?

El Qantara serves as a connection point between Africa and Asia because the Suez Canal Bridge spans the canal, linking the two continents. This makes the city a transcontinental location.

What is the approximate distance of El Qantara from Cairo and Port Said?

El Qantara is located approximately 160 kilometers (about 99 miles) northeast of Cairo, the capital of Egypt, and about 50 kilometers (around 31 miles) south of the major port city of Port Said.

What is the total area of El Qantara, and what is its population density?

El Qantara covers a total area of 6.34 square kilometers (2.45 square miles). The population density is quite high, with approximately 7,900 people per square kilometer (or 20,000 people per square mile).

What is the total population of El Qantara as of 2023?

As of 2023, the total population of El Qantara was recorded as 49,906 residents.

What are the standard and summer time zones for El Qantara?

El Qantara observes Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC+2. During daylight saving time (DST), the time zone shifts to Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), which is UTC+3.

What is the name of the bridge that connects the two parts of El Qantara across the Suez Canal?

The high-level fixed road bridge connecting the two sections of El Qantara across the Suez Canal is named the Mubarak Peace Bridge. This bridge is a key piece of infrastructure for the city.

What does the image caption describe regarding El Qantara?

The accompanying image caption identifies the Suez Canal Bridge as being located in El Qantara, Egypt. This highlights a prominent landmark within the city.

What ancient city was located near the site of El Qantara?

El Qantara was built adjacent to the historical site of an ancient city known as Sele. This suggests a long history of human settlement in the region.

What were the Ancient Greek and Coptic names for the ancient city of Sele near El Qantara?

The ancient city of Sele, located near El Qantara, was known by the Ancient Greek name Σελη (Sēlē). In the Coptic language, it was referred to by several variations, including ⲉⲱⲣⲱ, ⲉⲣⲣⲱ, and ⲉⲣⲣⲱ.

What was the Ancient Egyptian name for the city of Sele, and how is it commonly transliterated?

The Ancient Egyptian name for the city of Sele was ṯdrw. This name is commonly transliterated as Tcharou.

What was El Qantara's role during World War I in terms of military headquarters?

During World War I, El Qantara served as a significant military base, hosting the Headquarters for No. 3 Section of Canal Defences and the Eastern Force. These headquarters were operational during the later phases of the Suez Canal Campaign and the 1916 Sinai Campaign.

How did El Qantara function as a logistical center for Allied operations in the Sinai during World War I?

El Qantara functioned as a critical logistical hub during World War I, housing a large distribution warehouse and a hospital center. This facility provided essential support and supplies to all British, Australian, and New Zealand military operations in the Sinai region from 1916 until the troops were demobilized in 1919.

What infrastructure projects were undertaken from Kantara eastward during World War I?

Starting in January 1916, significant infrastructure projects were initiated from Kantara eastward. These included the construction of a new railway line extending to Romani, and further into the Sinai towards El Arish and Rafa, which was the border with the Ottoman Empire. Concurrently, a water pipeline was laid along this same route.

Who was in command of the water pipeline construction along the railway route during WWI?

The construction of the water pipeline, which ran alongside the new railway route during World War I, was carried out by the Royal Engineers. The project was overseen by Brigadier General Everard Blair.

Where is the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery and Memorial located in relation to El Qantara?

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery and Memorial is situated just outside the town of El Qantara. It serves as a memorial to soldiers who died in the region.

When was the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery and Memorial in El Qantara begun and used?

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery and Memorial in El Qantara was established in February 1916 and continued to be used for burials until late 1920.

How was the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery and Memorial expanded after World War I?

Following the end of World War I, the cemetery was expanded, effectively doubling its size. This expansion was undertaken to consolidate the remains of soldiers who had been buried in temporary or makeshift cemeteries and on various desert battlefields.

Which specific battles or locations are mentioned in relation to the soldiers buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery?

The soldiers whose remains were transferred to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in El Qantara came from various battle sites and makeshift cemeteries, notably including those from Qatia, Rumani, Magdhaba, El Arish, and Rafa.

Who formally designed the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery and Memorial?

The formal design of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery and Memorial was undertaken by Sir Robert Lorimer in 1919. Sir Robert Lorimer was a notable architect known for his work on war memorials.

How many Commonwealth burials from World War I and World War II are in the cemetery?

The cemetery contains a total of 1,562 Commonwealth burials from World War I and an additional 110 burials from World War II. These graves represent soldiers who served and died in the region.

What is noted about war graves of other nationalities in the cemetery?

In addition to the Commonwealth war graves, the cemetery also holds 341 war graves belonging to soldiers of other nationalities. This indicates the multinational nature of the conflict in the area.

What does the Kantara Memorial specifically commemorate regarding New Zealand servicemen?

The Kantara Memorial is dedicated to 16 New Zealand servicemen from World War I whose fates are presumed to be death in action. Their service is specifically remembered in connection with the battles fought at Rafa and Rumani.

How did the Kantara Indian Cemetery Memorial come into being?

The Kantara Indian Cemetery Memorial was created in 1961 by affixing panels bearing the names of 283 World War I Indian servicemen. These soldiers were originally buried in the Kantara Indian Cemetery, which later became inaccessible.

Which Polish hospital was constructed near the war cemetery in El Qantara?

No. 8 Polish General Hospital was built adjacent to the war cemetery in El Qantara. This indicates the presence of Polish medical support in the area during the conflict.

What happened to El Qantara during the 1967 Six Day War?

El Qantara was captured by Israel during the 1967 Six Day War. This event marked a period of Israeli occupation for the town.

When did Egypt recapture El Qantara during the Yom Kippur War?

Egypt recaptured El Qantara at the commencement of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. This action was part of a larger military operation known as "The Crossing."

What military action led to Egypt's recapture of El Qantara in 1973?

Egypt recaptured El Qantara at the commencement of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. This action was part of a larger military operation known as "The Crossing."

When did Egypt regain formal control over El Qantara?

Egypt officially regained formal control over El Qantara in 1974. This followed the ceasefire negotiations after the Yom Kippur War.

What related topics are listed in the "See also" section of the article?

The "See also" section of the article lists related topics, including the "List of cities and towns in Egypt" and another place named "Qantara Sharq." These links provide further context on Egyptian geography and related locations.

What are the specific geographic coordinates for El Qantara, Egypt?

The geographic coordinates for El Qantara, Egypt, are 30°51′20″N latitude and 32°18′45″E longitude. These coordinates pinpoint its exact location on the globe.

What is the significance of the Suez Canal Bridge in connecting continents?

The Suez Canal Bridge, also known as the Mubarak Peace Bridge, is significant because it physically connects the continents of Africa and Asia. This makes El Qantara a unique transcontinental town.

What was the purpose of constructing a railway and water pipeline eastward from Kantara during WWI?

The railway and water pipeline constructed eastward from Kantara during World War I served to facilitate military operations and logistics. They extended through the Sinai to El Arish and Rafa, the border with the Ottoman Empire, enabling troop movement and supply lines.

What is the significance of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery and Memorial's location relative to battlefields like Qatia and Rafa?

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery and Memorial was expanded to consolidate the remains of soldiers from various makeshift cemeteries and desert battlefields. These included significant sites of conflict such as Qatia, Rumani, Magdhaba, El Arish, and Rafa, centralizing the commemoration of the fallen.

What specific contribution did Sir Robert Lorimer make to the El Qantara war cemetery?

Sir Robert Lorimer, a notable architect, formally designed the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery and Memorial in El Qantara in 1919. His design established the layout and aesthetic of this significant memorial site.

What does the Kantara Memorial specifically commemorate regarding the New Zealand servicemen?

The Kantara Memorial is dedicated to 16 New Zealand servicemen from World War I whose fates are presumed to be death in action. Their service is specifically remembered in connection with the battles fought at Rafa and Rumani.

What were the specific dates of operation for General Hospital No. 1 in El Qantara during World War II?

General Hospital No. 1 was stationed in El Qantara during World War II from July 1941 until December 1945. This hospital played a crucial role in medical support during the war.

What military action led to Egypt's recapture of El Qantara in 1973?

Egypt recaptured El Qantara at the commencement of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. This action was part of a larger military operation known as "The Crossing."

What is the meaning of the Arabic word "al qantara" as it relates to the city's name?

The Arabic word "al qantara," which forms the basis of the city's name, literally translates to "the bridge." This name likely reflects a significant bridge or crossing point historically associated with the location.

What is the significance of El Qantara being located on both sides of the Suez Canal?

Being situated on both sides of the Suez Canal makes El Qantara a unique geographical location. It effectively straddles the boundary between Africa and Asia, classifying it as a border town.

What infrastructure was built along the route from Kantara to El Arish and Rafa during WWI?

During World War I, a new railway line was constructed from Kantara to Romani and then continued eastward through the Sinai Peninsula, reaching El Arish and Rafa on the border with the Ottoman Empire. A water pipeline was also built alongside this railway route to support military efforts.

What does the reference to "Qatia, Rumani, Magdhaba, El Arish and Rafa" signify in the context of the war cemetery?

The mention of Qatia, Rumani, Magdhaba, El Arish, and Rafa refers to locations where significant battles occurred during World War I. The war cemetery in El Qantara was expanded to include the remains of soldiers who died in these areas and were initially buried in temporary graves.

What was the role of the Suez Canal Campaign and the Sinai Campaign of 1916 in relation to El Qantara's military presence?

El Qantara served as a key command center during the later stages of both the Defence of the Suez Canal Campaign and the Sinai Campaign of 1916. It housed the Headquarters for No. 3 Section of Canal Defences and the Eastern Force.

What specific areas in the Sinai were supplied by El Qantara's distribution warehouse and hospital center during WWI?

El Qantara's massive distribution warehouse and hospital center provided support and supplies for all British, Australian, and New Zealand operations conducted in the Sinai region throughout World War I, from 1916 until the final demobilization in 1919.

What was the name of the operation during which Egypt recaptured El Qantara in 1973?

The recapture of El Qantara by Egypt during the 1973 Yom Kippur War took place during an operation known as "The Crossing." This marked a significant moment in the conflict for the town.

What is the significance of El Qantara being a border town?

El Qantara is considered a border town because the Suez Canal Bridge, which connects the two parts of the city, also serves as a physical link between the continents of Africa and Asia.

What is the source for the 2023 population statistics for El Qantara?

The population statistics for El Qantara in 2023 are sourced from www.citypopulation.de, a website that compiles population statistics, maps, and other demographic information for cities worldwide.

What historical context is provided for the ancient city of Sele near El Qantara?

The ancient city of Sele, located near El Qantara, has historical references in Ancient Greek, Coptic, and Ancient Egyptian languages, indicating a long history of settlement and cultural significance in the region.

El Qantara Egypt Wiki: El Qantara: The Suez Canal's Strategic Nexus

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Overview

A City of Two Continents

El Qantara, officially El-Qantara el-Gharbiyya, is a significant northeastern Egyptian city situated on both banks of the vital Suez Canal.^[2] Its name, derived from the Arabic word for "the bridge," aptly describes its unique geographical position.

Bridging Africa and Asia

Strategically located 160 kilometers (99 miles) northeast of Cairo and 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Port Said, El Qantara serves as a crucial connection point. The city is physically divided by the Suez Canal, with its western part in Egypt's Ismailia Governorate. The Suez Canal Bridge, a high-level fixed road bridge, spans the canal, linking the African and Asian sides of the city, thereby establishing El Qantara as a notable border town.

Geographical Context

Key Location Data

El Qantara's precise positioning and administrative details are fundamental to understanding its role:

Country: Egypt
Governorate: Ismailia
Coordinates: 30°51′20″N 32°18′45″E
Time Zone: UTC+2 (EET), UTC+3 (EEST) during daylight saving

Area and Population

The city encompasses a defined area, supporting a substantial population:

Total Area: 6.34 km² (2.45 sq mi)
Population (2023 est.): 49,906
Population Density: Approximately 7,900/km² (20,000/sq mi)

The Suez Canal Connection

The Iconic Bridge

The Suez Canal Bridge is a defining feature of El Qantara. This impressive structure is not merely a transportation link but a symbol of the city's unique position, facilitating the movement of people and goods across the canal and connecting the African continent with Asia.

Strategic Waterway

El Qantara's existence and importance are intrinsically tied to the Suez Canal, one of the world's most critical maritime routes. Its location facilitates regional logistics and serves as a gateway between major continents, influencing its historical and economic development.

Historical Significance

Ancient Roots and Modern Development

El Qantara's history traces back to the ancient city of Sele, known in Ancient Greek as Selē and in Coptic as Sēle. The modern town developed adjacent to this historical site, evolving into a key location along the Suez Canal.

World War I and II Hub

During World War I, El Qantara (then referred to as Kantara) served as a critical hub for Allied forces. It hosted Headquarters No. 3 Section, Canal Defences, and Headquarters Eastern Force. A substantial distribution warehouse and hospital center operated here from 1916 to 1919, supplying operations across the Sinai. A railway and water pipeline were constructed eastward from Kantara during this period.

The town's strategic importance during WWI led to significant infrastructure development:

Railway Construction: A new railway was built from Kantara to Romani and further east to El Arish and Rafah.
Water Pipeline: The Royal Engineers constructed a vital water pipeline along the same route.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery: Established in February 1916, this cemetery contains 1,562 Commonwealth burials from WWI and 110 from WWII, along with 341 war graves of other nationalities. It serves as a memorial to soldiers who fought in the Sinai Campaign.

Wartime Hospitals

El Qantara's role as a medical center continued into World War II. General Hospital No. 1 was stationed there from July 1941 to December 1945, with additional General Hospitals (Nos. 41 and 92) operating at various times. No. 8 Polish General Hospital was also constructed adjacent to the war cemetery.

Role in Modern Conflicts

Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War

El Qantara played a significant role during the Arab-Israeli conflicts. In the 1967 Six-Day War, the town was captured by Israel. Egypt recaptured it at the commencement of the 1973 Yom Kippur War during "The Crossing." Formal Egyptian control was re-established in 1974 following the ceasefire negotiations.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the El Qantara, Egypt Wikipedia page

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El Qantara: The Suez Canal's Strategic Nexus

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🏛️ A City of Two Continents

🌍 Bridging Africa and Asia

Geographical Context 📍

🗺️ Key Location Data

📏 Area and Population

The Suez Canal Connection 🚢

🌉 The Iconic Bridge

↔️ Strategic Waterway

Historical Significance ⏳

📜 Ancient Roots and Modern Development

⚔️ World War I and II Hub

🏥 Wartime Hospitals

Role in Modern Conflicts ⚔️

🛡️ Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War

Further Exploration 🔗

➡️ Related Topics

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A City of Two Continents

Bridging Africa and Asia

Geographical Context

Key Location Data

Area and Population

The Suez Canal Connection

The Iconic Bridge

Strategic Waterway

Historical Significance

Ancient Roots and Modern Development

World War I and II Hub

Wartime Hospitals

Role in Modern Conflicts

Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War

Further Exploration

Related Topics

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice