Rod El Farag (Arabic: روض الفرج, Egyptian Arabic pronunciation: [ɾoːd elˈfɑrˤɑg]; also spelled Road El Farag, Road Elfarag or Road Alfarag) is currently an administrative region forming about one third of Shobra in Cairo, Egypt. Rod El Farag neighbours the River Nile to the west, Boulaq to the south, Shobra (administrative region) to the east and Elsahel to the north. Rough guides notes that like neighbouring districts, Rod El Farag is generally overcrowded (170,000 residents per square kilometre).[1]
Historically, Rod El Farag has been a residential area for centuries and was known in the early twentieth century for its night clubs. For many years, Rod El Farag was home to Cairo's biggest fruit and vegetable market and the world famous El-Nozah candy shop, started in 1940. This candy shop was famous for its home-made ice cream,[2] though it relocated to an area on outskirts of Greater Cairo.
The Rod El Farag market used to be the largest in all of Egypt, drawing regional farmers and traders to settle in the area.[3] The area where the market used to stand now hosts Rod El Farag Cultural Palace.[4]
This district also contains good infrastructure, including the French school "Notre Dame des Apotres." Located on the corniche is the Arkadia Mall, which contains stores such as Mobcco and the Trianon confectionery and cafe.
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