Zagazig, the capital of Egypt's Sharqia Governorate, is located approximately 63 km northeast of Cairo. As of 2025, the city's metropolitan area is projected to have a population of around 386,000. Established in 1974, Zagazig University has become a prominent institution, offering a wide range of programs across various disciplines. Nearby, the ancient city of Bubastis, known as Tell Basta, was historically significant as the center for the worship of the cat goddess Bastet and served as the capital of the 18th nome of Lower Egypt during the Late Period. Zagazig's economy is bolstered by its role as a hub for the corn and cotton trade, reflecting its strategic position in the eastern Nile Delta.