Suez (el-Suweis)
Suez (el-Suweis) is located on the Southern tip
of the Suez Canal, and has been a commercial port since the
7th century. The spice trade and pilgrimages to Mecca made it
prosperous throughout the Middle Ages. It became a naval base
in the 15th century and, in 1869, the opening of the Suez Canal
ensured its development as a modern city. Today, Suez is one
of Egypt's largest ports. It is situated near the scenic Ataga
Hills (Jebel Ataga), about 134 kilometers (83 miles) from Cairo
and 88 kilometers (55 miles) from Ismailia, this city affords
an excellent view of Sinai and the Red Sea. It is also interesting
to watch ships passing through the Canal form Suez's vantage
point.
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