In the beginning, old Cairo served as the seed for the current city of Cairo, now home to some of the world’s most magnificent sites. The first villages in Old Cairo were established more than 2,000 years ago when the construction of an old canal connecting the Nile and the Red Sea began. Sights in Old Cairo beckon travelers worldwide to embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Egypt’s rich history and heritage. Even though the waters of the Nile have retreated, Old Cairo continues to be home to significant historical structures. Besides the Coptic facilities in Cairo, many sites date back to the Greco-Roman era. We constructed this location to represent the boundary between Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt and a Babylonian fortification on the spot.
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Top 8 Sights in Old Cairo
1- Al-Muizz Al-Din Allah Street
Al-Muizz Al-Din Allah Street is a historic street in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. Al-Muizz street is renowned for its rich history and architectural significance, lined with numerous medieval Islamic monuments and buildings. It was named after Al-Muizz li-Din Allah, the fourth caliph of the Fatimid dynasty, who ruled Egypt during the 10th century. Al-Muizz Al-Din Allah Street is often called “Islamic Cairo” and is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts. It is home to various well-preserved mosques, madrasas (Islamic schools), palaces, and other historical sites. Some notable landmarks along this street include the Al-Azhar Mosque, the Mosque of Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, and the Khan El-Khalili market.
Visitors to Al-Muizz Al-Din Allah Street can explore the unique blend of Islamic architectural styles and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Cairo’s old city. It offers a glimpse into Egypt’s rich history and heritage, making it a must-visit location for those interested in Islamic history and architecture.
2- Mosque of Al Aqmar
The Mosque of Al-Aqmar, also known as the Al-Aqmar Mosque, is a historic mosque in the heart of Islamic Cairo, Egypt. It is renowned for its architectural significance and is considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture from the Fatimid period.
The mosque was built in the 12th century during the reign of the Fatimid caliph Al-Mustansir Billah. It is known for its intricate and decorative façade, adorned with beautiful stucco carvings and inscriptions. The stucco work on the mosque’s exterior is particularly noteworthy, featuring intricate geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy.
One of the unique aspects of the Mosque of Al-Aqmar is its use of inscriptions that convey religious and historical messages. These inscriptions are decorative and impart important information about the mosque’s construction and the rulers of the time.
Visitors to the Mosque of Al-Aqmar can appreciate its historical and architectural significance and the artistry that went into its construction. It stands as a testament to the rich heritage of Islamic architecture in Cairo and is an important cultural and historical landmark in the city.
3- Sultan Mansur Qalawun Mosque
The Sultan Mansur Qalawun Mosque, also known simply as the Qalawun Mosque, is a historic Islamic architectural gem in Cairo, Egypt. It was built during the Mamluk Sultanate in the 13th century and is one of the prominent examples of Mamluk architecture in the city.
Key features of the mosque include its stunning minaret, intricate geometric patterns, and beautifully decorated interiors. The mosque is named after Sultan Qalawun, who commissioned its construction during his rule from 1279 to 1290.
The mosque’s architecture reflects the artistic and cultural influences of the time, blending Islamic, Coptic, and Byzantine design elements. Its minaret, in particular, is a masterpiece of Mamluk craftsmanship, characterized by its ornate detailing and distinctive spiral staircase.
The mosque’s interior boasts an impressive prayer hall with rows of columns and arches adorned with intricate stucco work and Quranic inscriptions. It has a tranquil and contemplative atmosphere that invites visitors to admire its historical and architectural significance.
The Sultan Mansur Qalawun Mosque is a place of worship and a symbol of Cairo’s rich cultural heritage. It stands as a testament to the artistic achievements of the Mamluk era. It continues to be a place of reverence and admiration for both locals and tourists interested in Islamic architecture and history.
4- Wekalet El Ghoury
Wekalet El Ghoury, also known as Wekalet El-Ghouri or Ghouri Palace, is a historic building located in Cairo, Egypt. It is a significant cultural and architectural landmark in the city. The palace was built during the Mamluk era in the 16th century and is known for its stunning Islamic architecture and design.
One of the most distinctive features of Wekalet El Ghoury is its beautifully decorated courtyard, which is often used as a venue for cultural events, music performances, and traditional dance shows. The palace serves as a center for promoting Egyptian culture and heritage and is a popular tourist attraction in Cairo.
Visitors to Wekalet El Ghoury can enjoy the architectural beauty of the building and the cultural experiences it offers, such as Sufi dance performances and music concerts. It’s a unique place to explore Cairo’s rich history and artistic traditions.
5- Salah El-Din Citadel
Salah El-Din was born in Tikrit, Iraq, in 1137 and went on to study the Quran, theology, astronomy, mathematics, and law, among other subjects. The military education he received came from his uncle, Asad-al-Din Shirkoh, who served as the leader of the Zengid dynasty and was a member of the army.
Salah El-Din was able to take leadership responsibilities during military engagements, which was made possible by his remarkable performance throughout wartime battles. With his outstanding abilities and well-implemented strategies, he rose through the ranks from soldier to becoming the king of Egypt and Syria. His might enabled him to depose the Fatimids in Egypt while maintaining control of the country.
The Citadel, which stood at the summit of the rocky hills that overlooked the city, was the focal point of these massive walls. It was here that the city was most protected. It was not until Khedive Ismail moved into the Abdeen Palace in the 1870s that Saladin’s fortress, completed in 1183, was used as Egypt’s official residence for 700 years. After being built as a fortification against the Crusaders, the Salah El-Din Citadel was enlarged by many different kings.
The Citadel served as the city’s focal point and a defensive fortification against the imposing heights of the hills that overshadowed it. For 700 years, the Citadel served as the official residence of the Egyptian government. The political landscape shifted when Khedive Ismail relocated his administration to Abdeen Palace in central Cairo in 1870.
6- Mohammed Ali Mosque
Mohammad Ali is widely regarded as the founding father of modern Egypt. In 1805, he established himself as the Khedive of Egypt and Sudan. After that, Egypt was occupied by the French from 1798 to 1801, after which his successors governed the country until the 1952 revolution led by the free officers. Mohamed Ali constructed one of Cairo’s most impressive monuments, which has survived to the present day.
After his son passed away, he decided to build the Alabaster Mosque in his remembrance. A clear view of the mosque may be had from everywhere in the compound. There are other museums inside the Citadel and the Mohamed Ali Mosque, including the National Military Museum, which has uniforms and weaponry from the period of Muhammad Ali’s reign, a police museum, and other museums associated with Muhammad Ali’s palace.
7- Mosque of Amr Ibn Al Aas
Amr Ibn Al-Aas considered being one of the most significant characters in Egyptian history since he was the one who brought Islam to the country. He established the city of Fustat, located north of the stronghold of Babylon.
The Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque, which stands on the location of the future city of Fustat, is still a noteworthy structure. Since it has been reconstructed several times, none of the mosque’s original buildings have survived. Despite this, the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque is the oldest in Egypt and Africa. Some fascinating facts about the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque include that a dove hatched on the general’s tent when the army was stationed outside of the city, which was one of the intriguing facts about the mosque.
The city was attacked while the army was ready to advance to Alexandria, Egypt’s capital, during the Greco-Roman era. Following the Muslim army’s conquest of Alexandria and subsequent conquest of all of Egypt, Caliph Umar desired to create a new capital closer to Medina.
Amr Ibn Al-Aas instructed his tent to stay in its current location because he saw the dove’s nest as an indication of God’s intent. Later, Amr Ibn Al-Aas ordered that a mosque be constructed on the tent’s location, and the mosque served as the focal point of Egypt’s new Muslim capital, Fustat, for many centuries. The mosque, built in 642 AD and named for General Amr Ibn Al-Aas, was dedicated in his honor. It was the first mosque to be erected in Egypt and the first mosque to be built in Africa.
8- Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa
The mosque is a stunning specimen of Mamluk architecture and deserves to be seen. It was constructed in the fourteenth century. The massive scale of the mosque was striking at the time, and its architecture and beauty continue to create a lasting effect on all who visit it today.
Sultan Hassan, for whom the Sultan Hassan Mosque in Old Cairo was named, commissioned the mosque’s construction via Prince Muhammad Ibn Babylik Al-Muhassani. The mosque was constructed of stones and bricks and took four years to finish. The area where the mosque was erected was known as Souk al Khayl, meaning “horse market.”
The mosque is regarded as one of the most important architectural structures in the Islamic world. A landmark of old Islamic Cairo, the Sultan Hassan Mosque is comparable to the Pyramids of Giza in ancient Pharaonic Egypt in its significance and significance as a landmark of Egypt. The inside of the mosque is exquisitely ornamented, and it has a large and impressive courtyard area. The mosque is well-known for its sheer size and is often regarded as the most renowned of the city’s other colossal mosques.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Old Cairo is a treasure trove of historical and cultural sights that offer a fascinating journey through time. Its rich heritage, showcased through its ancient mosques, churches, museums, and vibrant marketplaces, gives visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the city’s storied past. Exploring Old Cairo’s narrow alleyways and bustling streets is like stepping back in time, where the echoes of centuries-old civilizations resonate with each step.
Whether it’s admiring the breathtaking architecture of the Sultan Hassan Mosque, discovering the intricate beauty of Coptic Christian heritage, or getting lost in the labyrinthine lanes of Khan el-Khalili, Old Cairo is where the past comes alive. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of this remarkable city and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Egypt’s rich history and vibrant culture.
