Rhoda Island, River island and residential quarter in Cairo, Egypt
Rhoda is an elongated island in the Nile stretching roughly 2 kilometers through central Cairo, connected to both banks by several bridges. The island is divided into four sections that function mainly as a residential area and cultural site.
A Nilometer built in 861 CE under Abbasid caliph al-Mutawakkil stands at the southern tip and was used to measure annual Nile water levels. This structure is among the oldest surviving installations of its kind in the region.
The palace complex on the island displays collections of Islamic art and houses gardens with trees sourced from different regions of the world.
Two main bridges, Kubri Abbas and University Bridge, provide crossing points and connect the island's sections to Cairo's central areas. Access is by foot or public transport, and early mornings or late afternoons offer the most pleasant conditions for exploring.
During the medieval period, the island served as a strategic base for river fleets whose cannon fire was exchanged with forces at the Citadel during conflicts. This role made it a key military site in Cairo's history.
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