Al-Arish is a city located in the North Sinai Governorate of Egypt. The city is situated on the Mediterranean coast and is the capital of the North Sinai Governorate. Al-Arish has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The city has been influenced by its location on the trade routes between Egypt and the Levant, and has been a strategic point for many military campaigns throughout history.
The city of Al-Arish has a population of around 164,830 inhabitants according to the latest census in 2017. The majority of the population are Bedouins who live in the surrounding desert area. The city has experienced significant growth in recent years due to an influx of refugees from neighboring countries such as Syria and Libya.
The history of Al-Arish can be traced back to the ancient city of Rhinocolura, which was a key port on the trade routes between Egypt and the Levant. The city was captured by the Persians in the 6th century BCE and later by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE. The city was then ruled by the Ptolemaic dynasty until it was conquered by the Romans in the 1st century BCE.
During the Islamic period, Al-Arish became an important center for the Bedouin tribes of the Sinai Peninsula. The city was an important stopover on the pilgrimage route to Mecca, and it was also a center for trade between Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula. In the 7th century, the city was captured by the Arab armies of the Rashidun Caliphate.
During the Ottoman period, Al-Arish was an important center for the Ottoman military. The city was used as a base for military campaigns against the Bedouin tribes of the Sinai Peninsula. The Ottomans built a number of fortresses in the city to protect it from attack. Al-Arish was also an important center for trade between Egypt and the Levant during this period.
In the 19th century, Al-Arish was occupied by the British during their campaign to control Egypt. The city was then incorporated into the British Mandate of Palestine, and it remained under British control until 1948 when Israel was established.
In modern times, Al-Arish has been affected by the political instability in the Sinai Peninsula. The city has been the site of numerous attacks by Islamist militants, and the Egyptian government has responded with military campaigns to restore stability to the region. The city has also been affected by the flow of refugees from neighboring countries, which has put a strain on the city's resources.
Al-Arish has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The city has been influenced by its location on the trade routes between Egypt and the Levant, and it has been a strategic point for many military campaigns throughout history. The city has a population of around 164,830 inhabitants, the majority of whom are Bedouins who live in the surrounding desert area. Al-Arish has been affected by the political instability in the Sinai Peninsula and the flow of refugees from neighboring countries, which has put a strain on the city's resources.