Ras El Tin Palace

Perched above Alexandria’s Western Harbour in the Ras el-Tin district, Ras el-Tin Palace stands on the ancient site of Pharos Island. Commissioned in 1834 by Muhammad Ali Pasha, founder of Egypt’s ruling dynasty, the palace was designed by foreign architects and completed in 1845, with further expansion until its inauguration in 1848 under Ibrahim Pasha.

Originally modeled on a Roman fort and enhanced with classical architecture, the palace served as a vice-regal residence and later became a royal summer retreat and government headquarters. It hosted pivotal moments, including negotiations during the 1840 Oriental Crisis and occupation by British forces during the 1882 Anglo-Egyptian War.

During the Second World War, the palace served as HMS Nile, a Royal Navy shore-base. The base was active from 1939 to 1946. It served as the administrative headquarters for naval personnel stationed in Alexandria and surrounding areas like Aboukir, Dekhelia, Tobruk, and Mersa Matruh.

In 1952, amid Egypt’s revolution, King Farouk took refuge there and signed his abdication before leaving the country. The palace was nationalized and repurposed as a presidential residence and venue for state events.

Though its gardens are open to the public, the palace itself remains inaccessible. A naval base is located adjacent to the site.

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Source

• Text: TracesofWar
• Photos: Rüdiger Stehn