Why the Land Around the Pyramids of Giza Is a Desert While City of Giza Is Green

The stark contrast between the greenery of the city of Giza and the desert surrounding the Pyramids of Giza often surprises visitors to Egypt. This phenomenon is rooted in the ecological and historical context of the region, providing a fascinating insight into the relationship between human development and natural environments.

Historical and Ecological Context

Firstly, it is important to clarify that the Giza Plateau, where the Pyramids stand, is a recognized protected area due to the significance of these ancient structures. This protection has led to the preservation of the natural desert ecosystem that exists there. Contrastingly, the city of Giza is part of the greater Cairo metropolis, where modern urban development has solutions that allow for greenery and landscaping to thrive.

Modern Urbanization and Green Areas

The city of Giza, located near the Pyramids, benefits from modern water storage and distribution systems. These systems irrigate the city's green spaces, creating vibrant parks, and other lush areas. Greenery in urban settings is often an intentional result of planned landscaping and irrigation, ensuring that the city remains a pleasant and habitable environment for its residents.

Ecological Barriers and Desertification

The question of why the land around the Pyramids remains a desert can be attributed to several factors, starting with water and soil availability. The Pyramids are situated on the Giza Plateau, where there is a paucity of soil and water. Annual rainfall is approximately 25 mm (an inch), and natural precipitation is sparse. During my five visits to Egypt, I have seen only one instance of a brief, violent rainstorm followed by a strong wind known as the Khamsin, which further exacerbates the aridity.

Despite the limited water resources, the surrounding desert is managed through strict weed control to prevent damage to the ancient structures. The absence of water and soil makes it challenging for vegetation to take root and grow naturally. This situation is a prime example of how human development and conservation efforts can affect the surrounding environment, especially in arid regions.

The Flow of Water and Urban Development

When cities expand, they often manage water resources carefully. Typically, if a city grows around available water resources, these resources may be restricted in use for other purposes such as agriculture and green zones. In the case of the Giza area, the city does not share its water with the surrounding desert. As a result, the desert remains a dry, inhospitable environment.

Furthermore, the protected status of the Pyramids ensures that natural ecosystems are preserved. While urban development allows for the creation of green spaces within Cairo, the Giza Plateau remains a desert due to the unique combination of factors: lack of soil, consistent aridity, and the need for protection of historical sites.

Understanding the reasons behind this stark contrast between green and desert underscores the complexity of integrating human development with natural environments. The Pyramids continue to stand as a testament to ancient ingenuity and engineering, while the surrounding desert remains a barren yet awe-inspiring landscape.

Key Takeaways:

The Giza Plateau is a protected area due to the presence of the Pyramids, leading to the preservation of the natural desert ecosystem. The city of Giza benefits from modern water storage and distribution systems, allowing for the creation of green spaces. The lack of soil, consistent aridity, and the need for protection of ancient structures contribute to the desert environment around the Pyramids.

In conclusion, the stark contrast between the greenery of the city of Giza and the desert around the Pyramids of Giza is a result of historical preservation, modern urban planning, and the harsh environmental conditions of the region. This balance highlights the intricate relationship between human development and natural ecosystems.