Like the United States' defense center, which derives its name directly from its geometric design, Egypt’s new defense center, The Octagon, is constructed based upon an eight-sided architectural concept.
Egypt has formally opened its new State Strategic Command Headquarters, known as "The Octagon," a massive command and control structure in the country's New Administrative Capital that is intended to play a critical role in coordinating national security and crisis response.
The building's moniker, while similar to its US equivalent, is actually inspired by the country's architectural history and contemporary engineering, according to Egyptian officials.
The number eight is meant to evoke motifs found in ancient Egyptian and Islamic architecture that imply balance, accuracy, and order.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, inaugurated the facility on Saturday, July 4.
