# Helwan

> city in Cairo Governorate

**Wikidata**: [Q771345](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q771345)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helwan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/helwan

## Summary
Helwan is a large city and shiyakha located in the Cairo Governorate of Egypt, situated along the Nile River. As of January 2023, it has a population of 619,293 and covers an area of 65 square kilometers. The city serves as an administrative center and is notably referenced in historical sources such as the Great Soviet Encyclopedia and the Encyclopædia Britannica.

## Key Facts
*   **Location:** Helwan is located in the South Area of the Cairo Governorate, Egypt, next to the Nile River.
*   **Coordinates:** The city's central coordinates are latitude 29.8493 and longitude 31.3327.
*   **Area:** The city spans a total area of 65 square kilometers.
*   **Elevation:** It stands at an elevation of 28 meters above sea level.
*   **Population:** The recorded population was 619,293 as of January 11, 2023.
*   **Native Name:** The official and native name is حلوان (Helwan).
*   **Administrative Status:** It is classified as a city, a big city, and a shiyakha.
*   **Time Zone:** The city observes UTC+02:00.
*   **Traffic:** Railway traffic in Helwan operates on the left side.
*   **Identifiers:** UN/LOCODE EGQHW; Geonames ID 355795.

## FAQs
**What administrative and political divisions is Helwan associated with?**
Helwan is a part of the Cairo Governorate and serves as the capital of the administrative region designated Q475035. It is twinned with Maadi, Cairo, Al Mokattam, and Jerusalem.

**What are the geographical boundaries and borders of Helwan?**
The city is situated next to the Nile and shares borders with El Tebin, Massarah, and 15th of May City. Its geographical extremes range from 29.9168°N to 29.7906°N in latitude and 31.2923°E to 31.3523°E in longitude.

**What notable landmarks and institutions are located within Helwan?**
The city contains several significant sites including Capital University (Egypt), Alwalda Pasha Palace, the Grand Hotel, Helwan Club, and the Japanese Garden. It also includes the localities of Kafr El Olow and Ain Helwan.

## Why It Matters
Helwan is a significant urban center within the Cairo metropolitan area, functioning as a major population hub with over 600,000 residents. Its strategic location on the Nile and its status as a capital of a local administrative unit highlight its importance in regional governance and infrastructure. The city's inclusion in major international encyclopedias and its extensive network of sitelinks across 42 Wikipedia languages demonstrate its broad historical and cultural relevance. Furthermore, its twinning with major cities like Jerusalem and Cairo signifies its role in international and inter-city relations.

## Notable For
*   **Administrative Role:** Serves as the capital of the administrative area Q475035.
*   **Demographics:** A "big city" with a substantial population of over 600,000.
*   **International Recognition:** Documented in the Great Soviet Encyclopedia and the Encyclopædia Britannica.
*   **Global Digital Presence:** Featured in 42 different language editions of Wikipedia.
*   **Infrastructure:** Unique distinction of having railway traffic operate on the left side.

## Body

### Geography and Topography
Helwan is located in the South Area of the Cairo Governorate. The city's geographical center is defined by the coordinates 29.8493° N, 31.3327° E. It covers a total land area of 65 square kilometers and is situated at an elevation of 28 meters above sea level.

The city is bounded by specific coordinates marking its extremities:
*   **Northernmost Point:** 29.91686° N, 31.28200° E
*   **Southernmost Point:** 29.79061° N, 31.32972° E
*   **Easternmost Point:** 29.85971° N, 31.35238° E
*   **Westernmost Point:** 29.86090° N, 31.29230° E

Helwan shares borders with El Tebin, Massarah, and 15th of May City. A defining geographical feature is its location along the Nile River.

### Demographics and Administration
As of January 11, 2023, Helwan had a population of 619,293. The city is administratively classified as a "city," "big city," and "shiyakha." It functions as the capital of the region identified as Q475035.

The city maintains twinned administrative relationships with four other bodies:
*   Maadi
*   Cairo
*   Al Mokattam
*   Jerusalem

### Points of Interest and Infrastructure
Helwan hosts a variety of educational, recreational, and historic sites. The city contains Capital University (Egypt). Notable landmarks include:
*   Alwalda Pasha Palace
*   Grand Hotel
*   Teatro Casino Helwan
*   Japanese Garden
*   Capritage Park
*   Al Qasr Garden
*   Helwan Club

The city also encompasses the localities of Kafr El Olow and Ain Helwan. In terms of transport infrastructure, railway traffic within Helwan operates on the left side.

### Academic and Library Classifications
Helwan is widely indexed in international library and academic systems. It has been described by the Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1926–1947) and is listed in the Encyclopædia Britannica Online as "Ḥulwān" (place/Hulwan). Other notable identifiers include:
*   **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n85386344
*   **GND ID:** 4409012-2
*   **VIAF ID:** 137284588
*   **Bibliothèque nationale de France ID:** 166088961
*   **National Library of Israel J9U ID:** 987007564860005171
*   **Encyclopedia of China (Third Edition) ID:** 487314

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](http://www.webcitation.org/69rYG28I2)
4. GeoNames
5. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/eg.htm)
6. [Source](http://www.geonames.org/355795)