Fawakhir Talkha: The Story of Egypt’s Abandoned Pottery Capital

The city of Talkha has been known for its pottery industry for decades, especially in the area known today as Al-Fakhura Street, or “Fawakhair Talkha.” This industry is one of the oldest Egyptian industries, dating back to prehistoric times, if not the oldest. During the reign of King Farouk, it moved from the city of Samannoud in the Gharbia governorate to Talkha, brought there by one of the potters who spread the craft in the city, until it became famous and its trade flourished among the people of the governorate and some neighboring governorates, before it was threatened with extinction in recent years.