Islamic Cairo its Mosques, Monuments, history and Sightseeings

The meaning of Cairo

The name of cairo ( al-Qahira )meaning "the Victorious" , it was Egypt's fourth Islamic capital after al-Fustat, al-Askar and al-Qataii. Al-Qahira is today called Cairo among English speakers. The fortified princely city built by the Fatimids leader Gawhar Al Sekelli in 969 A.D. and completed in 971 A.D. It was divided in four quarters by the Fatimid army, and encompassing communities of Greeks, ethnic Europeans, Armenians, Berbers, Sudanese and Turks. The core of the city Bayn al-Qasrayn ("Between the Two Palaces") was a square separating the Eastern and Western palace that was halfway along its main street (Now Sharia al-Muiz , which stretched from Bab al-Futuh North to Bab Zuwayla South.

Al Azhar mosque

It was the most important bulding in Cairo for Fatimids to serve there thoughts , cause the Fatimids were shi'a and the most of Egyptian were suni , it was founded in 970 AD. It is one of Cairo's oldest mosques, it is too the world's oldest university and certainly worth a look.

Islamic museum

the Islamic Museum, which will provide us with some additional knowledge and resources prior to entering Islamic Cairo. in the same area the Mosque-Madrassa of al-Ghouri and then his Mausoleum ( circa 1505 AD), which are both worth a visit. This complex is a beautiful reminder of the Mamluk era of Egypt, when slaves were kings, but it was al-Ghouri who turned the rule over to the Ottomans with his defeat in Syria. Of note is that there are Sufi performances held in the mausoleum. This whirling dance is a must see in the authors opinion. The Wikala of al-Ghouri (the best preserved wikala in Cairo) is just east of the complex, which serves as a theater and concert hall, along with artist's galleries. Skirting the Khan and continuing on al-Azhar street, past the Mosque of Abu Dahab (circa 1774 AD), which currently houses students of the al-Azhar Mosque University.

Bab Al Futuh

Bab al-Futuh 1087 AD.(Gate of Conquests) is the Northern gateway of the Fatimid fortification that once enclosed within its walls an original center of Cairo. It was extensively depicted topic by 18th and 19th century travelers' accounts and Orientalist painters and chroncilers such as David Roberts, Denon' s Description de l' Egypt, Lane Poole's sketches and many others. Characterized by flanking towers with rounded fronts Bab al-Futuh is the sole Cairene and Islamic monument that was used as the central emblem/motif of the famous medieval Key to Cairo, now housed in the Islamic Museum. Nowadays, the theme of Cairo Governorate's flag is Bab al-Futuh. The gate was built in 1087 by the Armenian General Badr al-Gamali to replace an earlier gate some 200 meters to its south.

Of particular interest are the lozenge decorated geometrical motifs that are carved on the facade of the military fortification around the gateway arch as well as the ram heads on the supporting corbels. Passing through the tunnel vaulted passage and the enormous bronze doors adds a historical and oriental flavor to this walk. The upper floor of Bab al-Futuh and the fort's chambers are accessible through the base of the minaret of the adjacent al-Hakim Mosque; baksheesh may be requested of

Khan El Khalili bazaar

This area is too famous as a tourists trap cause all manner of souvenirs may be purchased there, from statues to 'personalized' cartouches to papyrus art. But the Khan (meaning market) predates tourism to the area and was established in the 14th century. this area is too famous as a tourists trap cause all manner of souvenirs may be purchased there, from statues to 'personalized' cartouches to papyrus art. But the Khan (meaning market) predates tourism to the area and was established in the 14th century. The gold and copper merchants at the northern end of the Khan is the area known as Bein al-Qasreen (between the Palaces) and at one time there were two great palaces here. Today, its minarets, domes and towering buildings leave visitors impressed with the Islamic tradition of the area.

Madrassa and Mosoleum of Qala'un

The Madrassa and Mausoleum of Qala'un is the earliest building in the area (circa 1279 AD) and probably the most interesting to visit. A madrassa was a hospital, and there is still a clinic here, which, remarkably means that this madrassa has been providing medical care for some 700 years.

Hossein mosque

This was the center of medieval Cairo and today remains an important area for some Islamic religious festivals, including Ramadan. To the north of this is a relatively new (1870) Mosque of Sayyidna al-Hussein . Though new in terms of Egypt, it is a very sacred site to Muslims and those not of that faith should not enter.

Mosque of Ibn Tulun

A very early Abbasid structure dating to 876 AD, only around 200 years after the Islamic conquest of Egypt. Behind the Mosque is the Gayer-Anderson Museum , where the houses which form the museum are at least as interesting as the exhibits within. There are other Mosque we can visited near Ibn Tulun is the Mosque of Sayyida Zeinab which is contemporary with the El-Hussein but rebuilt in 1549, 1761 and 1884.We have not touched upon all the monuments in Islamic Cairo, Exploring other sites like El Mo'az street or El Ghoryia area can be a fun thing in Egypt.