Gezira Island

Egypt, Egypt

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Gezira Island (also called Zamalek Island) is an island in the Nile River located in central Cairo, Egypt, with the southern portion containing the Gezira district and the northern third containing the prestigious Zamalek district. The island is west of downtown Cairo and connected to the mainland by four bridges on each side—including the historic Qasr El Nil Bridge, 15 May Bridge, Al-Gala'a Bridge, and 6th October Bridge—making it easily accessible from the city center. Under 19th-century ruler Khedive Ismail, the island was first called "Jardin des Plantes" (French for "Garden of Plants") because it featured a great collection of exotic plants shipped from all over the world. Today, Gezira Island is home to Cairo's most important cultural and recreational landmarks, including the 1960 Cairo Tower (the tallest concrete structure in Egypt), the 1988 Egyptian Opera House, the El Sawy Culture Wheel Centre (one of Egypt's most important cultural venues beneath the 15 May Bridge), the 1882 Gezira Sporting Club (Egypt's oldest club), and the main branch of Al Ahly SC sports club founded in 1907. The island is celebrated as Cairo's most sophisticated and charming neighborhood, featuring tree-lined streets, embassies, art galleries, cafés, restaurants, and international schools like the Lycée Français du Caire and Pakistan International School, creating a serene oasis in the heart of bustling Cairo.