Cairo

Cairo (Arabic: القاهرة; transliterated: al-Qāhirah) is the capital city of Egypt (and previously the United Arab Republic) and has a metropolitan area population of approximately 15.2 million people. Cairo is the thirteenth most populous metropolitan area in the world. Cairo is located at 30°2' North, 31°13' East (30.03333, 31.21667). http://earth-info.nga.mil/gns/html/cntry_files.html

Related Topics:
Arabic - Transliterated - Capital - City - Egypt - United Arab Republic - Metropolitan area - Thirteenth most populous metropolitan area

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While al-Qāhirah is the official name of the city, in local speech it is typically called simply by the name of the country, Mişr (Arabic, مصر) pronounced Maşr in the local dialect.

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The name Al-Qahirah litterally means "The Subduer," though it is often translated as "The Victorious." The origin of the name is said to come from the appearance of the planet Mars during the foundation of the city. The planet Mars, associated with destruction was called "Al Najm Al Qahir" in Arabic, from which the name of the city was derived. However the legacy of the name evolved into the title "Qahirat Al Adaa" meaning "subduer of the enemies". This title was given to the city as many armies were destroyed in attempts to invade Cairo or defeated elsewhere by troops sent from Cairo. (Mongols, Crusaders & Ottomans are examples)

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