Banha

Banha (also spelled Benha ; Egyptian Arabic: بنها  pronounced [ˈbænhæ], Coptic: Ⲡⲁⲛⲁϩⲟ) is the capital of the Qalyubia Governorate in north-eastern Egypt. Located between the capital of Cairo and Alexandria, Banha is an important transport hub in the Nile Delta, as rail lines from Cairo to various cities in the Nile Delta pass through Banha.

Etymology

Egyptians call it Banhā el-'asal, which means "Sweet like honey"; the nomenclature originally comes from when the Prophet Muhammed sent his message to Muqawqis, ruler of Egypt, to convert to Islam, he replied by sending him gifts; two were slave girls Maria and her sister Sirīn, who were from Upper Egypt, and jar of honey. After the Prophet tasted it, he asked "Where is it from ?" They replied "from Benha" he said "God bless Benha and its sons".

Geography and economy

It is located 48 km (30 mins) north of Cairo. located on the east bank of the Damietta Branch of the Nile River in the rich farmland of the southern part of the river's delta. Well-irrigated by canals leading off the Delta Barrage, a dam 30 km (20 min) upstream, the surrounding farmland produces wheat and long-staple cotton. Since ancient times, Banha has been known for the production of attar of roses, an ingredient in perfume. Today it is the center of Egypt's electronics industry. Banha is a major junction in the rail network that radiates north from Cairo and it has the 6th biggest train station in Egypt.