History

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The village, which later evolved into what is now the city of Hurghada, was settled in 1905. It acquired its name from a plant which has grown naturally since ancient times. By then it was only a fishing village.

 

Oil was discovered in the area in 1913, but actual production and export only began in 1921 under British oil magnates. During the reign of King Farouk a recreational center was built in the city, but after President Nasser's nationalization of Egypt's industries it was turned over to the armed forces.

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During the War of Attrition between Israel and Egypt, Shadwan island east of the city in the Red Sea, was fortified and held by Egyptian troops and used as a radar post. On 22 January 1970, it was the site of Operation Rhodes, a heliborne assault by Israeli troops which occupied the island for 36 hours.

 

During the October War of 1973, Hurghada harbor was target for four Israeli operations (he). Israeli forces also attempted to occupy Shadwan Island, but the Egyptian armed forces confronted them, and were able to defeat them and expel them from the island.

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some older pictures from Hurghada when there was a train between harbor and petroleum area discovered mid 20 century

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