Gezira Island 3.44

Gezira Island is in the Nile River, in central Cairo, Egypt. The southern portion of the island contains the Gezira District, and the northern third contains the Zamalek District.Gezira Island is west of downtown Cairo and Tahrir Square, connected across the Nile by three bridges each on the east and west sides, including the Qasr El Nil Bridge and 6th October Bridge. Under 19th century ruler Khedive Ismail the island was first called "Jardin des Plantes" (French for "Garden of Plants"), because of its great collection of exotic plants shipped from all over the world.Island landmarks Cairo Tower (1960), the tallest concrete construction in Egypt, built near the Gezira Sporting Club. Egyptian Opera House (1988), built near the Cairo Tower, and one of the better performing arts venues in the Middle East.El Sawy culturewheel Centre (2003), (ساقية الصاوى) located beneath 15 May Bridge in Zamalek, one of the most important cultural venues in Egypt. Gezira Sporting Club (1882), the oldest club in Egypt.