ALEXANDRIA — 1920 · Serial Murder
The Raya and Sakina Murders
In 1919-1920 a number of women vanished without trace in the poor El-Labban district of Alexandria, Egypt. The investigation began in November 1920 when a man renovating a house discovered human remains beneath the floor. The remains of 17 women were eventually found, mostly in houses rented by two sisters, Raya and Sakina. Most victims were women wearing gold jewellery and were killed for robbery. The sisters, their husbands and two accomplices were tried in May 1921 and executed in December 1921. Raya and Sakina became the first women executed in modern Egyptian history, and the case inspired countless films and plays.
- Date
- 1920
- Place
- El-Labban, Alexandria, Alexandria, EG
- Category
- Serial Murder
- Case Status
- Solved
- Coordinates
- 31.1980, 29.8950 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 1919Women began disappearing in Alexandria's El-Labban district.
- November 1920Human remains were found during house renovations.
- November 1920The sisters and accomplices were arrested; remains of 17 victims were found.
- May 1921The gang was tried in Alexandria and sentenced to death.
- 21 December 1921Raya and Sakina were executed at Al-Hadra Prison.
Sources
- Egyptian Streets — Rayya and Sakina: the true story egyptianstreets.com ↗
- Georgetown University Qatar — Rayya and Sakina ismaha.qatar.georgetown.edu ↗
- Wikipedia — Raya and Sakina en.wikipedia.org ↗
- Egyptian Streets
- Georgetown University (Ismaha)
- Wikipedia
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.