Draft:Emblem of Alexandria Governorate

Emblem of the Alexandria Governorate featuring Isis Pharia and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.

The emblem of the Alexandria Governorate prominently features the figure of Isis Pharia, also known as "Isis of the Sea," standing next to the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos). This design reflects the ancient connections between the goddess Isis and maritime navigation, as well as Alexandria’s rich cultural history during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.

Historical background

In antiquity, Alexandria was one of the most important seaports in the Mediterranean, and Isis was one of its key deities. Isis was revered as Isis Pelagia, the protector of sailors and the goddess of the sea. Her epithet "Pharia" connects her directly with the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Lighthouse, located on the island of Pharos, served not only as a beacon for ships but also as a symbol of protection and guidance, much like the role of Isis for sailors navigating dangerous seas.

Coinage and depictions

Roman-era coin depicting Isis Pharia (holding a ship's sail) and the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Graeco-Roman Museum).

Coins from the Roman period minted in Alexandria frequently depict Isis Pharia holding a billowing sail, with the lighthouse standing in the background. These coins, such as the Hadrian Drachm, vividly illustrate the connection between Isis and the Pharos, with the goddess shown wielding her symbolic sistrum and the lighthouse symbolizing safety in the background. These representations reflect her role as a guardian of maritime navigation.

The figure of Isis Pharia was not only associated with Alexandria’s maritime commerce but also with the city's prominence in global trade routes. The goddess’s protective attributes were seen as essential for safe passage through Alexandria's harbors. The Navigium Isidis, an annual festival in ancient Alexandria, marked the beginning of the sailing season and was dedicated to Isis, further cementing her status as the protector of maritime journeys.

Archeological discoveries

Archaeological evidence also attests to the connection between Isis and the Pharos. Excavations between 1994 and 1998 in Alexandria’s harbor uncovered the remnants of what is believed to be the Temple of Isis Pharia, including a large red-granite statue of Isis and fragments of the Pharos Lighthouse. Although no definitive evidence confirms the presence of a formal Isis Pharia temple on Pharos Island, scholars suggest that the temple was closely associated with the lighthouse.

Symbolism in the emblem

In the modern emblem of the Alexandria Governorate, the image of Isis Pharia beside the Lighthouse of Alexandria encapsulates both the city’s historical significance and its maritime heritage. The emblem serves as a reminder of Alexandria’s ancient role as a center of culture, commerce, and seafaring, with Isis symbolizing protection and guidance, much as she did for sailors in antiquity.

Older Versions

The older version shown below was used during the Kingdom of Egypt and possibly during the Republic of Egypt (1953–1958), exact dates are not known, and it is not known whether the switch to current version happened during the United Arab Republic or later. The main difference to the current version is the inclusion of the crescent with three stars, the symbol of the monarchy under the Muhammad Ali dynasty, above the lighthouse.

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  Emblem during the Kingdom of Egypt and possibly during the Republic of Egypt (1953–1958)