Established in 1915, the Order of the Nile (Kiladat El Nil, قلادة النيل) stood as a prominent honor of the Kingdom of Egypt until the monarchy’s dissolution in 1953. Subsequently, it was reinstated as the highest state honor of the Republic of Egypt.
Established in 1915 by Sultan Hussein Kamel of Egypt, the Order was intended for individuals who had provided valuable service to the nation. Positioned below the Order of Ismail, it was frequently bestowed upon British officers and officials serving in Egypt, alongside esteemed Egyptian citizens.
The order consisted of five classes:
Grand Cordon: The badge was worn from a sash over the right shoulder, with a star displayed on the left chest.
Grand Officer: The badge was worn around the neck, accompanied by a smaller star on the left chest.
Commander: The badge was worn around the neck.
Officer: The badge was worn on the left chest, suspended from a ribbon adorned with a rosette.
Knight: The badge was worn on the left chest, suspended from a plain ribbon.
Following Egypt’s transition to a republic in 1953, the Order of the Nile underwent reconstitution to assume the role of Egypt’s premier state distinction. Presently, it comprises:
- Collar: Reserved for the President of the Republic, and possibly conferred upon other Heads of State.
- Grand Cordon: Conferred in recognition of exceptional contributions to the nation. In this category, the order’s insignia is worn from a sash, with the order’s star displayed on the left chest.
The Order of the Nile Design
The Order of the Nile comprises a collar crafted from pure gold, adorned with three square gold units embellished with Pharaonic symbols.
Each unit symbolizes distinct concepts: the first unit embodies the idea of safeguarding the state from adversities, the second unit represents the prosperity and joy brought forth by the Nile, while the third unit signifies wealth and resilience. These units are intricately linked by a circular gold flower ornamented with turquoise and ruby gemstones.
Suspended from the collar is a hexagonal pendant adorned with Pharaonic-style floral motifs, accented with turquoise and ruby gems. At the center of the pendant, a prominent symbol depicting the Nile unites the representations of the North (portrayed by the Papyrus) and the South (embodied by the Lotus).
