Zagazig, Capital city in Sharqia Governorate, Egypt
Zagazig is a large city in Sharqia Governorate that sits along the Muweis Canal and spreads across several districts. The city contains commercial areas, residential neighborhoods, and Zagazig University, whose campus stands out with modern buildings and research facilities.
The city started in 1830 as a workers' settlement built near Bubastis, an ancient city that once served as Egypt's capital. This connection to an important ancient place shaped the area from its beginning.
The Sharkeya National Museum displays artifacts that tell the region's long story through objects from the past. Visitors can see how this area mattered to ancient Egyptians through what is preserved there.
The city is accessible and offers various accommodations and markets for visitors. For those interested in exploring the ancient ruins of Bubastis, keep in mind they lie outside the main city center and require planning ahead.
Underground chambers near Bubastis hold burials of sacred cats left by ancient Egyptians, showing how the region connected to Bastet, an ancient goddess. This unusual practice reveals how important animals were to ancient religious beliefs.
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