Noble Old Trees

Heliopolis, a suburb once outside Egypt's capital, became part of it as the city grew larger. It is Known as the masterpiece of the Belgian industrialist Baron Empain who headed the Egyptian Heliopolis Company for Housing and Development in 1905, which was known then by the name of The Cairo Electric Railways & Heliopolis Oases. As the years went on, Heliopolis became the epitome of elegant modernization in Egypt, known by its iconic architecture and the special attention to green landscapes  (see The MerryLand Park), which over the years resulted in a big assortment of giant, rare, decorative trees adorning the streets of the suburb. To this day, the dwellers of this part of Cairo proudly call themselves the Heliopolisians.

As the population of Heliopolis exceeded the old suburb’s capacity, the government started a project this year aimed at decreasing traffic congestion in the area, where it set out to build five flyover bridges to be extended all over Heliopolis. Even though the Heliopolisians recognise the traffic problem, the project was simply unwelcome to many of them. More than 550 trees were cut down to make way for the new concrete construction, and fear for the suburb's architectural brand has become a common issue.

In a recent official post on social network, the suburb dwellers were reassured that a number of 50 trees were gently plucked out of their soil by innovative transplanting technologies to be replanted in parks elsewhere.

Trees can live for decades or even hundreds of years. They are a sign of the ages, a part of history that still lives as a witness to the changing of the time and to generations of passersby. Trees are constant companions and a treasury of memories; they’re the guardians of nature and a peaceful legacy for future generations. Like irreplaceable antiques, the older they get, the more valuable they should be. 

Egypt has its fair share of those ancient trees; see Virgin Mary tree in Matarya

and The Burning Bush in Sinai.