Ismailia: SiltaNews – Ashraf Gaber
Standing proudly atop Mount Mary south of Ismailia, the War Memorial of the Defense of the Suez Canal rises like a gateway through time, telling the story of a thousand heroes and a people’s saga. It stretches across a century of struggle and resilience along the banks of the world’s longest and most strategically vital waterway. The centennial celebration, taking place this Monday, is not merely a formal event backed by the state and attended by distinguished delegations. It is a moment to reclaim national memory and truly honor the sacrifices of Egypt’s sons who defended their land and dignity during the most challenging chapters of modern history.
A Historical Panorama Above Mount Mary
The monument soars to a height of forty meters, embracing two massive winged statues symbolizing wisdom and enlightenment in the angel holding the torch, and fierce strength in the angel whose clenched fist defends the homeland. These statues face two stone pylons representing the two banks of the canal, separated by a symbolic passage that embodies the Suez Canal itself. The site’s choice offers a breathtaking aquatic panorama stretching from the canal all the way to the city of Ismailia, literally embodying the vigilance over the nation’s vital artery from the highest vantage point.
Constructed entirely from grayish-pink granite imported especially from the Maddalena Archipelago on Italy’s Sardinia Island, the statues were sculpted by the renowned French artist Raymond Delamarre, supervised architecturally by the French Michel Roux-Spitz. The construction spanned five years, from 1925 to 1930, with the official inauguration on February 3rd, commemorating the anniversary of the Ottoman forces’ German-supported attack on the canal and parts of Sinai in 1915.
The Memorial and the Holy Family’s Route
The significance of the memorial’s location on Mount Mary is further enriched by its place along the route of the Holy Family during their flight through Egypt. The Holy Family passed through this region seeking refuge, endowing this elevated site with a rare blend of spiritual and historical importance, where sanctity meets the heroism of defending the homeland. This convergence makes the memorial a witnessing point of paths intertwined by sacrifice and faith, attracting visitors and dignitaries worldwide eager to discover the gleam of history and the spirit of holiness emanating from the land of Ismailia.
A Symbol of Heroism and Tribute
Erected to honor the citizens and soldiers, Egyptian, British, French, and Italian, who sacrificed their lives defending the Suez Canal during World War I, the memorial stands as a true testament to the Egyptian fighting spirit and the unity of soldiers regardless of nationality or faith. The Universal Maritime Company of the Suez Canal launched a competition to choose the best artistic and architectural design for this monument, seeking to reflect the grandeur of the event through its distinctive artistic language inspired by the ancient Egyptian pylon shape, reminiscent of Pharaonic temple facades.
This monument remains one of the finest works of Raymond Delamarre and Roux-Spitz, each statue standing seven to eight meters tall, with wings stretching thirteen meters. The design intention was to create a towering beacon visible for several kilometers, a lasting symbol of heroism embedded in the Egyptian collective memory.
Battles Etched Upon the Monument
The battle of February 1915 was only the beginning of the monument’s challenges; throughout a century, its walls have borne wounds, bullet marks and war scars, that tell visitors tales of steadfastness and defiance against invaders across eras. The memorial transcends ‘stone in form,’ becoming a mirror of Ismailia city itself, a part of its living memory, beauty, and a source of inspiration for generations, embodying values of courage, solidarity, and sacrifice.
Centennial Celebration: From War to Peace
Ismailia prepares tomorrow for an extraordinary cultural and historic event marking the 100th anniversary of the monument. The festivities on Mount Mary will be graced by Major General (Pilot) Akram Mohamed Galal, Governor of Ismailia, and Lieutenant General Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority alongside ministers, governors, and diplomatic delegations from the United States, UAE, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Venezuela, Pakistan, China, and others. This confirms the global importance of the Suez Canal and recognizes the sacrifices of the Egyptian people.
Sponsored by relevant ministries, the event will unite all in honoring martyrs, reclaiming a crucial page in history, and moving from a time of war and bloodshed toward values of peace and international cooperation. The canal has always been a meeting point for the world and a source of pride for Egyptians.
Art and Design: Architectural Genius and Symbolism
The artistic and architectural design of the monument is credited to the French sculptor Raymond Delamarre and architect Michel Roux-Spitz. Together, they crafted a unique architectural vision that captures feelings of courage and sacrifice, borrowing the form of the ancient Egyptian pylon in its façade to imbue it with the grandeur of Egypt’s illustrious past.
The carefully selected stones, pink granite from Sardinia, were sculpted to reflect the heroic spirit of the soldiers. The combination of the material’s solidity and the symbolism’s majesty renders the memorial an architectural and artistic masterpiece unmatched except by the magnitude of the event it commemorates.
Memory of the City
Artistic studies affirm that reviving life around the monument means restoring part of Ismailia’s beauty and memory. The memorial remains a living witness to an important chapter in the history of Egypt and the world, inspiring future generations. On its centennial, the story continues, as the monument endures as a vibrant mark of the past and a beacon lighting the future.
Standing elevated on Mount Mary, the monument remains indomitable and unforgettable, a testament to one of Egypt’s brightest historical pages, proclaiming that its people never wavered in defense, linking history and future from war to peace, from sacrifice to building and cooperation. Above the eternal banks of the canal, Ismailia, the Suez Canal, and the story of this memorial continue to inspire nationally and globally for generations to come.
