Banha, city in northeastern Egypt, the capital of the Qalyobiyah Governorate, located 48 km (30 mi) north of the Egyptian capital, Cairo. Banha (also spelled Benha) is located on the east bank of the Damietta Branch of the Nile River in the rich farmland of the southern part of the river's delta. Well irrigated by canals leading off the Delta Barrage, a dam 30 km (20 mi) upstream, the surrounding farmland produces wheat and long-staple cotton. Since ancient times, Banha has been known for the production of attar of roses, an ingredient in perfume. Today it is the center of Egypt's electronics industry. Banha is a major junction in the rail network that radiates north from Cairo.
Just north of Banha is the site of one of several ancient cities called Athribis, the capital of the tenth nome (province) of Lower Egypt in about 1500 BC. The site has never been systematically investigated by archaeologists. Over the years, peasants digging in the area have uncovered a large hoard of silver. About 20 km (12 mi) southwest of Banha is Tall al Yahudiya, the site of Leontopolis, famed for its glazed tiles in ancient times. Population (1992) 136,000.
