Tourism is one of Egypt’s main sources of national income, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. Yet, despite Damietta’s immense potential, this sector has remained largely underdeveloped in the governorate. Damietta is endowed with an extraordinary geographic location, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Al-Manzala Lake to the east, and the Nile running through its heart. These natural advantages, combined with its mild climate and strategic accessibility, position Damietta as a natural destination for various forms of tourism. However, state efforts to develop Damietta’s tourism infrastructure and promote it as a destination have been insufficient, leaving much of its potential untapped.
Damietta could be a frontrunner in several types of tourism:
Marketing tourism: Damietta has built a strong reputation for its high-quality products such as furniture, pastries, and dairy goods, attracting local and international buyers. Despite this, a lack of sufficient marketing infrastructure and investment in logistics prevents the region from fully capitalising on its exports and promoting its products as globally competitive.
Religious tourism: The governorate is home to numerous ancient mosques and churches, many of which have historical significance. Yet, these sites are underpromoted and, in some cases, suffer from neglect. Proper restoration and promotion efforts could turn these religious sites into key attractions.
Recreational tourism: Damietta’s Mediterranean coastline, especially in Ras El-Barr, has the potential to become a premier summer retreat. However, modern facilities and well-maintained infrastructure are lacking, limiting its appeal as a recreational destination.
Cultural and historical tourism: Damietta’s rich history is largely overshadowed by other cities in Egypt, but the region is home to numerous historical ruins and monuments that have not been adequately preserved or promoted. Developing these sites could place Damietta firmly on the map for cultural tourism.
Amro Ibn Al-As Mosque
Amro Ibn Al-As Mosque, the first mosque built in Africa, is a testament to Egypt’s Islamic heritage and Damietta’s historical importance. Once an architectural marvel, its alabaster columns and marble elements made it one of the most beautiful mosques in Egypt. However, the mosque has been allowed to deteriorate due to years of neglect. The gradual loss of its distinctive features is a stark reminder of how much potential has been squandered by the lack of preservation efforts. Historical records recount how the mosque was transformed into a church by Jean de Brienne in 1219 and later by Louis IX of France in 1249. Despite its rich and unique history, the mosque remains neglected, and restoration efforts have been minimal.
Abou Al-Ma’ti Mosque
The Abou Al-Ma’ti Mosque, another iconic religious structure in Damietta, has similarly been overlooked in terms of preservation and development. Built by Fateh Al-Asmar Al-Takrori, this mosque is both a religious and cultural landmark. Every year, it hosts an important religious festival in the Islamic month of Sha’ban, attracting large numbers of devotees. Yet, despite its cultural significance, the mosque has not received the attention it deserves from authorities. While some local efforts have gone into reconstructing parts of the mosque, broader government support is lacking, preventing the mosque from reaching its full potential as a religious tourist attraction.
Gamal Al-Din Shiha’s Shrine
Gamal Al-Din Shiha’s Shrine, located near the Abou Al-Ma’ti Mosque, is another historical site that remains undervalued. The shrine, which houses ancient weapons believed to date back to the Crusades, is of great historical importance. Local folklore suggests that these weapons belonged to Gamal Al-Din Shiha himself, who fought the Crusaders during Louis IX’s invasion. Despite its historical richness, the shrine is poorly maintained, and tourists rarely visit it due to a lack of promotion. Greater efforts to preserve and market this site could unlock significant cultural tourism potential.
Al-Matbouli’s Mosque and School
Built by Sultan Al-Ashraf Kaitbai in 1470, Al-Matbouli’s Mosque and its attached school were once centres of religious learning in Damietta. The school, known for its instruction in Arabic and religious sciences, was a beacon of education in its time. Despite the mosque’s historical and architectural significance, it was only partially rebuilt in 1978, and further restoration efforts have been scant. Today, the mosque is far from the prominent religious and cultural site it once was, largely due to a lack of investment in preservation and promotion. This mosque could serve as a prime example of the region’s rich Islamic heritage if given the proper attention.
Al-Bahr Mosque
Al-Bahr Mosque is perhaps the most well-known mosque in Damietta today, admired for its stunning Andalusian-inspired architecture. It was initially built during the Ottoman period in 1009 AH, but has since undergone renovations, the most recent of which occurred in 1967. While Al-Bahr Mosque holds a prominent place in Damietta’s religious and cultural life, it has not received the state-level attention that could elevate its status as a tourist destination. The mosque’s intricate engravings, five domes, and two towering minarets make it a potential draw for visitors interested in Islamic architecture, but without significant investment, its role remains largely localised.
Al-Mo’ini Mosque
Al-Mo’ini Mosque, constructed in 1310 AD, represents another untapped historical treasure. Its unique architecture, featuring an inlaid wooden minbar and an original wooden plaque detailing its construction date, is a reminder of Damietta’s rich Islamic history. The mosque’s two minarets, long since gone, and its foundation built on arches to protect it from groundwater add to its architectural intrigue. Yet, as with many of Damietta’s historical sites, Al-Mo’ini Mosque has not received the restoration or promotion required to attract tourists. Investing in its preservation could help turn this historical gem into a cultural attraction.
Churches in Damietta
Damietta is home to several ancient churches, including a Byzantine-style church from the Roman period located in Al-Nasara Quarter. While these religious sites are historically significant, they suffer from a lack of promotion and preservation. The Church of the Virgin Mary on Al-Tahrir Street, which was recently renovated, could serve as an example of what proper investment can achieve. However, without a broader focus on restoring and promoting these churches, they remain largely forgotten by the tourist industry. Damietta’s religious diversity, exemplified by its churches and synagogues, presents a unique opportunity for religious tourism that is currently being missed.
Orabi’s Fortress
Orabi’s Fortress in Ezbet Al-Borg is a significant historical site, built in the 18th century as part of Egypt’s coastal defence system. This once-formidable fortification was part of a broader military network designed to protect Egypt from naval invasions. Today, however, the fortress stands in ruins, with only a few walls and scattered remains. Despite its historical importance, Orabi’s Fortress has not been developed into a tourist site, and much of its story is lost to time. Restoring the fortress and promoting it as a historical landmark could breathe new life into this neglected site and attract both domestic and international tourists.
Summer Tourism
New Damietta and Ras El-Barr, located on the Mediterranean coast, offer significant opportunities for summer tourism. However, development in these areas has been slow and underfunded. New Damietta, with its sprawling green spaces and palm tree forests, has the potential to accommodate up to 270,000 people by 2020, yet its development as a tourist destination remains incomplete. The town’s five-kilometre coastline has been designated for touristic purposes, but modern infrastructure and facilities are lacking.
Ras El-Barr, with its unique position where the Nile meets the Mediterranean, offers a moderate climate and beautiful views throughout the year. It is a popular summer resort, yet it has not been fully developed to attract higher volumes of tourists. Although the resort features over 2,000 chalets, luxury accommodations, villas, and hotels, as well as various recreational facilities, further investment is needed to enhance its infrastructure and expand its appeal. The potential for Ras El-Barr to become a key destination for both domestic and international tourists is evident, but it remains largely underexploited due to insufficient development.
Al-Fanar Area
Al-Fanar, located near Ezbet Al-Borg, is an area with significant potential for tourism development. The site of a 19th-century lighthouse, the area has been identified as suitable for the construction of a comprehensive tourist village. Its proximity to Ras El-Barr and the clean, unspoiled beaches make it an ideal location for tourism. However, despite these advantages, little progress has been made in developing the area. With proper investment and planning, Al-Fanar could become a major tourist attraction, helping to boost the region’s economy and improve its international profile.
To conclude, Damietta is home to a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural treasures that remain undervalued and underdeveloped. With better preservation, infrastructure, and promotional efforts, Damietta could establish itself as a top destination for tourism in Egypt. However, without sufficient attention from the state and local authorities, these assets will continue to be overlooked. Investing in Damietta’s tourism sector could bring immense economic benefits to the region and enhance its status as a key contributor to Egypt’s national income. The time is ripe for state-led initiatives to unlock Damietta’s untapped potential and place it firmly on the tourism map.