The Core of Cairo is Islamic Cairo.
Islamic Cairo and Old Cairo date back to the Ottoman Empire. When the Fatimids conquered Egypt in 969 AD, they moved their administrative center here. The new city was renamed Al-Qahira as a result of this.
The Islamic Cairo district
Although no longer the city’s commercial center, it is nonetheless a significant historical site. Many beautiful mosques and other historic monuments exist even though the city walls of old Qahira have been destroyed for some time now. The Islamic Cairo quarter is alive and thriving, unlike many of Cairo’s other historic areas. During the siege of Cairo in the 12th century, inhabitants fled to Al-Qahira, and palaces and government structures were already in place throughout the metropolis. Islamic Cairo retains a high population density despite its crumbling architecture and dwindling facilities. Exactly.
Islamic Cairo is difficult to get there.
Most of the territory is occupied by the ancient Fatimid city, the lands south of Saladin’s Citadel, and the Ibn Tulun Mosque. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of tiny and big sites clogging up these highways. This is made worse by Islamic Cairo’s expanding commercial and residential sectors. To view as much of this historic neighborhood as possible, casual tourists should concentrate on a few significant sites. There are a few key locations to get the best views of this old neighborhood.
Cairo’s Religious Attractions
In Islamic Cairo, Al-Muizz Al-Deen is the most popular tourist destination. Before containing mausoleums and palaces, this 11th-century route functioned as the city’s major highway for centuries. It has been decided to repair the road between Bab el-Fotouh and Al-Azhar. This is one of the most beautiful spots in Cairo. This structure stands out from the crowd and is one of Cairo’s finest examples of modernist architecture.
Visiting Cairo’s oldest souk, Khan Al-Khalili, is an excellent way to end the day. It was renovated in 2011 from the Ghouriya Complex to Bab Zuweila Road’s southern portion. Khan al-Khalili is home to Al-Azhar Mosque.
Why did Al Azhar Mosque build? How old is it?
The Al-Azhar Mosque, despite Cairo’s many historic mosques, is essential to the development of Islam. In 970 A.D., the Fatimids commissioned its construction as a mosque for religious and educational purposes. This is your best bet if you want to learn about Islamic theology and philosophy.
International students flock to Al-Azhar Mosque and its educational institute. The history of Islam and the many interpretations of the Koran pique the attention of these students.
Al-Azhar University in Egypt is committed to promoting tolerance and diversity. Since its founding by the Fatimid dynasty, Al-Azhar has been home to scholars from both Sunni and Shi’ite sects who work, teach, and debate there.
Its role in controlling and modifying Islamic ideology is well-known across the globe.
Islamic landmarks in Cairo?
If you’re looking for some of Cairo’s best Islamic architecture, you may want to go south. The Citadel of Cairo was built by Saladin (Salah Al-Deen) in the 12th century.
Exhibits on Egyptian police and military history are housed at the Citadel, which also affords spectacular views of the city. Also noteworthy are the mosques of Al-Nasir Muhammad and Mohammed Ali.
Inside the Citadel, you can find the Sultan Hassan Mosque. This mosque was built in the 14th century by the same-named Sultan, and this madrassa was designed to seem like a big mosque as a religious school.
The Citadel of Sultan Hassan is within easy walking distance of the Ibn Tulun Mosque. As of AD 872, the oldest and largest mosque in Cairo is the Grand Mosque.
The structure’s Samarran design and Egyptian rulers of Iraqi descent make it a historical landmark, and the Gayer-Anderson Museum is a part of it.
The Sultan Hassan Mosque and the Ibn Tulun Citadel may be seen on the same day because of their close vicinity.
A brand-new green space in Cairo, Azhar Park, has been opened. In the 1990s, Egypt’s government reclaimed a landfill and turned it into a public park. All 74 acres of the city’s parks may be found at Azhar Park.
Visitors may enjoy both city and garden views from a peaceful vantage point. There is a cafe and a restaurant on-site.
As the sun sets, Cairo’s hundreds of minarets ring out their daily call to prayer.
How old is Islamic Cairo?
In 969, the Fatimids wrested power in Egypt from its former Sunni rulers, establishing a new Islamic caliphate with Egypt as its base. They founded a new walled city called Al Qahira, now known as Cairo.
The Fatimids, who ruled until 1171, established numerous mosques and schools, and Egypt flourished culturally and economically under their rule.
Subsequently, dynasties such as the Ayyubids and the Mamluk Sultanate invaded Egypt. Under the Mamluks, Egypt was a dominant power that wielded much political and cultural influence throughout the Arab world,
leaving an essential mark on Old Cairo and its architecture.
