Khedive Ismail

Egypt witnessed an age of progress during the reign of Khedive Ismail. He founded the cities of Ismailia and Port Said and developed much of what is modern-day known as Khedivial Cairo. His development projects included the establishment of cultural institutions, such as the Bulaq   Museum, Opera House, and Giza Zoo. The Suez Canal was inaugurated during his reign, in 1869, and its ceremony was attended by many notable members of European royal families.