History of the city of Hurghada

Hurghada: from a fishing village to a popular resort

How it all started

Hurghada is noticeably different from most ancient Egyptian cities — its history is relatively short. Officially, the city was founded in 1905 as a modest settlement near the Red Sea: several huts where fishermen stayed.

The name of the city comes from the shrub "garkad" (saltpeter), which grew abundantly here at the beginning of the 20th century. For a long time, this place remained almost invisible — it was not even marked on world maps.

What helped the city grow

The transformation of a small village into a significant regional center was due to a successful combination of natural resources and geographical location.:

Oil. In 1913, oil deposits were discovered in the vicinity. This attracted foreign specialists and workers, and required the construction of roads, housing, and other infrastructure.
Sea and fishing. The convenient location by the sea and the rich underwater world contributed to the development of fishing. Later, the mild climate became the basis for tourism.
Administrative status. Over time, the settlement acquired important strategic importance and became the center of the Red Sea province.

Life before the tourist boom

Until the 1980s, Hurghada's economy was based on two pillars — fishing and oil production. The city lived in isolation, far from the large settlements in the Nile Valley.

The culture was formed at the intersection of the traditions of local fishermen and Bedouins who roamed the Arabian Desert. Back then, there were no luxury hotels here — life flowed smoothly, obeying the rhythm of the sea and the schedules of work on oil rigs.

Key dates in the history of the city

1905 — the official foundation of Hurghada as a base for British geologists and oilmen.
1913 — the beginning of commercial oil production, which turned the fishing village into an industrial hub.
The 1980s were the start of the state program for the development of tourism on the Red Sea coast.
2008 — the opening of the Hurghada Marina, a modern waterfront and yacht parking.
2015 — the launch of the new terminal of the international airport, which increased the flow of tourists.
2017 — completion of the construction of the El Mina Mosque, which has become the architectural hallmark of the city.
2020 — the opening of the Hurghada Museum with authentic ancient Egyptian artifacts.

How the city has changed: the main stages

The Oil Age (early 20th century). The discovery of oil gave a start to the development of infrastructure — roads, communications, permanent settlements appeared.
The turn to tourism (1980s). The decision to refocus the economy on recreation and entertainment was a turning point. The first international hotel chain (Sheraton) marked the beginning of mass tourism.
Transport modernization. The expansion of the airport has made it possible to accept direct flights from Europe and the CIS, making Hurghada an affordable family resort.
Zoning of the city. The division into the old Dahar district (the administrative and residential center) and the tourist Sakkala helped preserve the local flavor and create a convenient area for tourists.
Al Mamsha Promenade. The creation of a five-kilometer pedestrian zone united the hotels and formed a nightlife center.
The Hurghada Marina project (2008). The marina brought a European style and attracted more affluent guests.
Cultural development (2020). The opening of the museum has expanded the tourist potential — now the city is associated not only with beaches, but also with ancient Egyptian history.

How the city works today

Hurghada stretches along the Red Sea for more than 30 kilometers. Unlike ancient cities, there are no layers of different eras here — the development proceeded linearly, following the demand for tourist services.

The city is divided into three main zones:

Al Dahar (Down Town) is a historical core with a chaotic layout, narrow streets and dense buildings.
Sakkala is a neighborhood that emerged during the first tourist boom. Residential areas, shopping malls, and mid-range hotels are mixed here.
New Hurghada and the Promenade is a modern resort area with wide avenues (for example, El Mamsha) and gated hotel complexes.

Architectural styles

Hurghada's architecture reflects its functional purpose and history:

Vernacular architecture (since the middle of the 20th century) — simple concrete and brick buildings in Dahara, often unfinished (with fittings on the roofs). The priority is sun protection and ventilation.
Resort postmodernism and orientalism (since the 1980s) — stylization of ancient Egyptian temples, Nubian villages or palaces from the "Thousand and One Nights" in hotel buildings.
Neo‑Islamic style (21st century) — modern interpretations of Arabic canons with carved decorations, arches and domes (for example, the El Mina Mosque).
Mediterranean style (2000s) — pastel colors, arched windows, tiles and terraces in the Hurghada Marina area, creating the atmosphere of a European resort.

Iconic places

The El Mina Mosque is an example of modern Islamic architecture with two minarets and many domes decorated with arabesques.
The Coptic Church of St. Shenouda is a monumental building with massive light walls and distinctive crosses.
The Hurghada Marina embankment is a pedestrian zone designed as a single architectural ensemble.

People who have left their mark in the history of Hurghada

Hamed Gohar (1907-1992) — oceanographer and biologist, founder of the Marine Biological Station (now the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries). He is called the "father of the Red Sea."
Youssef Afifi (1927-2014) — Governor‑General of the Red Sea Province. In the 1980s, he refocused the region's economy on tourism, attracting the first major investors.
Sami Sawiris (born 1957) is an entrepreneur, the creator of the El Gouna resort. His projects have set new standards for service and architecture on the coast.
King Farouk I (1920-1965) was the last Egyptian monarch who loved to relax on the Red Sea. His "Royal Residence" still exists in Hurghada.
Anthony the Great (c. 251-356) was a Christian saint who founded hermit monasticism. He spent the last years of his life in a cave near Hurghada.
Paul of Thebes (c. 227-341) was the first Christian hermit monk who lived in the Eastern Desert for over 90 years. St. Paul's Monastery is an important landmark near Hurghada.

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