20/03/2023
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History of Hurghada
In Hurghada one won’t find the remains of the old Egyptian civilization, neither pyramids nor antique temples attract historical interested tourists into this city at the Red Sea.
In the years 1900 to 1920 Hurghada was a lay-by for Arab Fishers, who came from Saudi Arabia. In 1908 Hurghada consisted of only 6 simple huts, which were built with camel wool and camel hair. At that time the dried fish was sold to the Egyptians, who came with camel caravans from Upper Egypt.
The place started to become interesting in 1931, after the discovery of oil in this area. During this time the structure of the oil-processing industry were also in need of other trades, like transport enterprises, settled building industry, Fishers and Dealers.
Today's name of Hurghada is called Al-Ghardaka in Arabic. It has a short and inconspicuous prehistory. Until the 1920's the Arabs came from Saudi Arabia and fished near from the Egyptian coast. There was a place as a meeting point before the time for the home back sailing was reached. This rendezvous was close to a large desert tree, which was already visible from a long distance. This tree was called Gharkad. Therefore, this place was called Al-Gharkad by the Arabian Fishers and later became Al-Ghardaka. In the same place, where once this tree stood, to which Hurghada owes its name, established later a holiday residence was established for the last Egyptian king, king Farouk (until 1952) later on. Today the buildings are used as a water sport club for military members. Its location is in front of the current tourism information office.
