Rosetta is considered the second most important Egyptian city in terms of the density of Islamic monuments after historic Cairo, due to its integrated collection of mosques, houses, baths, public fountains, and defensive and commercial structures, which represent a distinguished model of Islamic architecture in Egypt. Egypt chose Rosetta, located in the Beheira Governorate, to nominate it for inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage List. This city is one of the most important and beautiful cities in Egypt, situated on the banks of the Nile where it meets the Mediterranean Sea. It is also rich in Islamic monuments, ranking second only to Cairo in this regard. Its monuments are distinguished by a unique architectural style compared to other Islamic monuments in the country, whether civil or religious buildings. The city's heritage status was further enhanced by the inclusion of its historic houses on the final list of heritage in the Islamic world by ISESCO in 2026, which confirms its cultural and architectural value and supports the Egyptian state's efforts to preserve, revive, and utilize them for tourism and cultural purposes.
And for this unique status of the historic city of Rosetta,
I, Dina El-Tawila, despite the fact that this brief research on the historic city of Rosetta was written by Rehab El-Abd, but as the owner of this website, request that the government, relevant authorities, and the Ministry of Antiquities kindly give Rosetta the historical importance it deserves. This should not only include it on the UNESCO World Heritage List or even the ISESCO Islamic Heritage List, but also, and most importantly, give full attention to the entire city of Rosetta, not just the archaeological area. It deserves this. We also kindly request that tourism companies include Rosetta in their Islamic tourism offerings—both domestic and international. We cannot overlook the fact that it contains many Islamic monuments that many people, both within and outside the country, would love to see and that would preserve them in the global Islamic memory. With utmost respect.
The Location
It is an ancient port on the mouth of the western branch of the Nile, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea. This branch is known as the Rosetta branch.
Its Names
Rashid
The current Arabic name given to it by the Arabs after the conquest of Egypt, to facilitate the pronunciation of its Coptic name, Rashit.
Are there other names for the city of Rosetta throughout history?
Roshid is nicknamed "The City of a Million Palm Trees."
It also has historical names:
Bolbitine
The name by which it was known during the Ptolemaic and Greek periods. It appears in Strabo's Geography under this name, referring to the "Bolbitine Estuary" (the present-day Rosetta branch).
Rakhit (or Rekhito)
The ancient Egyptian (Pharaonic) name, meaning "common people" or "inhabitants of the Delta."
Trashit
The Coptic name for the city during the Christian era, a direct corruption of the ancient Pharaonic name.
Rosetta
The Latin and Western name of the city, meaning "little rose" or "beautiful"
The General Description of Rosetta
Rosetta is described as an open-air museum of Islamic architecture, bearing witness to the Mamluk and Ottoman eras. Rosetta boasts approximately 11 to 12 historical mosques and zawiyas (Sufi lodges), reflecting its religious and national role in resisting colonial campaigns.
The Historical Significance of Rosetta
Its location at the confluence of the Nile and the Mediterranean Sea has been a major historical source of importance, making it a prominent commercial and military port throughout the ages. Furthermore, Rosetta, located in the Beheira Governorate, is the second largest Egyptian city in terms of Islamic monuments after Cairo.
The city includes approximately 39 prominent Islamic monuments, ranging from:
Unique houses built with traditional Rosetta brickwork
Rashid mosques with rare architectural styles
Fortresses
Windmills
Ancient bathhouses
1- The Heritage Houses and Buildings
The historic houses of Rashid (recently added to the Islamic World Heritage List by ISESCO) are distinguished by their facades adorned with intricate wooden mashrabiya screens and their use of red and black "manjour" bricks.
For more information about heritage houses and buildings, please visit this link
2- The Historical Mosques and Sufi Lodges
Rashid is home to approximately 11 to 12 historical mosques and zawiyas (Sufi lodges), reflecting its religious and national role in resisting colonial campaigns.
For more information about historical mosques and zawiyas, please visit this link
3. The Military and Service Facilities
For information about military and service facilities, please visit this link
4. The Public Restrooms
For information about public restrooms, please visit this link
The State Efforts to Preserve Rosetta's Mounments
Currently, the Rosetta Local Unit and the Antiquities Sector are collaborating to oversee all restoration work aimed at preserving the city's antiquities in all archaeological areas, including Hammam Azzouz, in accordance with the directives of the President of the Republic and in light of Rosetta's historical significance on the world antiquities map and its standing among the world's most historically rich cities.
