MOKATTAM Meaning and
Definition
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Mokattam is a term referring to a specific geographical feature that can have a few different interpretations. The word originates from the Arabic language and is commonly used in Egypt and other Arabic-speaking countries. It is primarily associated with a range of hills located on the eastern outskirts of Cairo, Egypt.
In a broader sense, Mokattam can also refer to the district that encompasses these hills and the surrounding areas. The term has historical significance, as Mokattam has been home to various settlements and communities throughout the ages.
The Mokattam Hills themselves are composed of limestone and rise above the Nile Valley, offering spectacular views of the cityscape. They are known for their iconic white appearance, as the limestone rocks reflect sunlight and give an illusion of a bright, gleaming landscape.
The word "mokattam" can also be translated to mean "broken" or "fragmented" in Arabic, which is likely a reference to the rugged and irregular nature of the hills.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, the Mokattam Hills have social and economic importance. The area is inhabited by a mixture of different communities, including the Zabbaleen people, who are Cairo's garbage collectors. They have developed a unique and efficient waste management system, making use of the hills' caves and crevices to store and sort the city's rubbish.
Overall, Mokattam refers to a distinct geographical and cultural entity in Egypt, encompassing a range of hills, as well as the associated district and communities inhabiting the area.
Etymology of MOKATTAM
The word "Mokattam" is derived from the Arabic word "muqattam" (المقطم), which means "broken" or "fragmented". This term is commonly used to describe the hills and cliffs found in a specific area in Cairo, Egypt, known as the Mokattam Hills.
The Mokattam Hills derived their name from the fragmented nature of the rocks and terrain in the region. The word "mokattam" may also be traced back to the Coptic language, an ancient Egyptian language that predates Arabic, where it meant "cut off" or "separated".
