Abu Qir (Abou Kir) is a village on the Mediterranean Sea coast, 23 kilometers northeast of Alexandria city, and is under the jurisdiction of the Alexandria governorate. Its original name was Anba Qir, after the doctor who died there in 312 AD. He fought against paganism and worked to spread Christianity during that time. In Abu Qir there is a citadel that dates back to the Muhammad Ali Pasha era.  It is of the same style as Qaitbay Citadel in the west of Alexandria, beside the famous old lighthouse.  Abu Qir Citadel is located in the port of Bahari at Abu Qir and is now part of Egypt’s military defense.  In the middle of this citadel is a tower for reconnaissance that looks over the port from the east. It was one of the most important citadels during the reign of Muhammad Ali Pasha. Due to its use by the military, its archeological value has been neglected. Abu Qir is considered to have an important place in history since it witnessed the destruction, on its beaches, of Napoleon Bonaparte's fleet by the British forces in March 1801.