Qift is one of the oldest cities. The King Qiftay built it in the first decay era B.C. Then its importance has increased during the modern era. Qift was a main source and support in Ahmos War against the Hyksos and it was a passage for caravans that passed by. It was famous for its commerce and industry since ancient times. It was also famous for its Arab residents from after the Islamic Conquest.

In Qift, the temple of Min, the idol of fertility to the ancients and Queen Isis were discovered. Qift was considered the gateway to the roads leading to the Red Sea, Al-Quseir city and the old Pilgrimage land-routes.  The most famous battle fought during the French Campaign was Al-Baroud Battle, which took place in Al-Baroud, a village in Qift, which was the reason of stopping the French Campaign’s advance on Upper Egypt. As well as the Battle of Bir Anbar, under the leadership of Ibrahim Pasha who settled in Upper Egypt after the campaign and massacre of the Mamluks.