Top places to visit in islamic Cairo

Top places to visit in islamic Cairo

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Cairo has been called the country of a thousand minarets, and this can give you an anticipation of the history of islamic cairo. In Old Cairo, You can smell the scent of history in every corner. It is a city of spiritual feelings back to 1055 years old ago.

Islamic Cairo, situated in the alive heart of Egypt’s capital, is a captivating world filled with cultural, architectural, and spiritual wonders. This district, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites visitors to explore the profound history and artistic excellence of the Islamic world. For those who want to experience the spirit of Egypt's Islamic heritage, Islamic Cairo is a must-visit location because of its winding lanes, centuries-old mosques, vibrant bazaars, and imposing madrasas.

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Top Attractions in Islamic Cairo

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In this guide , You will Find out the must-see attractions in Islamic Cairo, where rich heritage meets stunning architectural beauty:

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Citadel of Salah al-Din

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Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi Citadel is one of the most  distinctive places located in islamic cairo, also known as the Mountain Citadel,The castle is located in the Citadel neighborhood, as it was built on one of the separate hills of Mount Mokattam on the outskirts of Cairo.

A remarkable fortress dating back to the 12th century, the citadel provides breathtaking panoramic views of Cairo. This location is home to a variety of notable landmarks, such as:

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali, often referred to as the "Alabaster Mosque," showcases stunning Ottoman architecture and boasts a magnificent int

Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi Citadel is considered one of the most luxurious military castles built in the Middle Ages, and it also enjoys a first-class strategic location.

The castle is located in a high place, which led to complete supervision over Cairo, to the point that its garrison was able to carry out two military operations at the same time.

Saladin also built a wall around Cairo in order to defend it against any external aggression. This wall is considered one of the important military installations that completed the role of the citadel in the Middle Ages.

That wall was discovered years ago, since after Saladin took over the rule of Egypt, he took care of many urban matters related to the area located outside Fatimid Cairo between Bab Zuwayla and the Ahmed Ibn Tulun Mosque.

Salah al-Din divided that region into several lines, including the Darb al-Ahmar line, which is still known by this name to this day. 

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Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan

Madrasa and Mosque of Sultan Hasan Tours - Top Class Egypt Travel

The Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan stands as a remarkable symbol in Islamic Cairo, renowned for its grand architecture and rich historical importance. Constructed between 1356 and 1363 under the rule of Sultan Hassan, this remarkable edifice stands as the epitome of Mamluk architecture in Egypt.

The mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture because of its enormous size and fine workmanship. The design includes a spacious central courtyard encircled by four iwans (vaulted halls), each symbolizing one of the Sunni Islamic schools of thought: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali. The iwans feature exceptional stone and woodwork, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of the Mamluk era.

The mosque's towering appearance is enhanced by its minaret, which is among the tallest in Cairo. The entrance portal is notably outstanding, featuring intricate geometric patterns and inscriptions. The pulpit and mihrab (prayer niche) within display a combination of wood inlay, mosaic, and marble work, showcasing the creative accomplishments of the time.

The purpose of the mosque-madrasa was to house facilities for students and scholars of Islamic law while also acting as a place of worship and education. The vision and endowments of Sultan Hassan set the mosque as an example of Mamluk authority and loyalty.

Unfortunately, Sultan Hassan did not survive to witness the completion of the mosque, as he was assassinated prior to the project's finalization. The intended mausoleum within the mosque remains unoccupied, contributing an intriguing dimension to its historical narrative.

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Khan Al Khalili

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Khan Al Khalili stands as one of Cairo’s most renowned and historic marketplaces, placed in the core of the city’s Islamic district. This lively souq, originating in the 14th century, was founded during the Mamluk era and has grown into a dynamic center for trade, craftsmanship, and cultural interaction. The narrow alleyways, full of vibrant shops and stalls, lets tourists explore Cairo’s rich heritage and handcrafted traditions.

Khan Al-Khalili is located in the Al-Hussein neighborhood, specifically in the street opposite Al-Muizz Lidin Allah Al-Fatimi Street, near the Imam Al-Hussein Mosque.

This market was also built over the tombs of the Fatimid caliphs. Then all the tombs were moved by order of Prince Jarkas Al-Khalili, and then they began building a large market in this place. Working hours in the market start at 8 am and continue until 12 pm.

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Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque

Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque Visit- Top Class Egypt Travel

The Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque is truly special, being the very first mosque constructed in Africa, and it carries a rich history and deep spiritual importance. In the charming district of Old Cairo, this iconic structure was built in 641 AD by Amr Ibn Al-As, the commander who led the Muslim conquest of Egypt. In the past, the mosque has represented the expansion of Islam in the area and was the focal point of Fustat, Egypt's first Islamic city.

The mosque holds a rich historical significance that goes beyond just its architecture. It has seen major events in Egypt's Islamic history and has been a center for education, embracing religious scholars and students from all over the Muslim world. The mosque has undergone numerous renovations, such as the installation of a minaret and a mihrab (prayer niche), yet it still has an air of timeless elegance that takes modern visitors back to the first era of Islamic Cairo.

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Al-Rifa'i Mosque

The Al-Rifa'i Mosque, located in the center of Islamic Cairo, shows an outstanding combination of contemporary Islamic architecture with traditional features. It stands as a witness to Egypt's changing architectural styles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is situated directly across from the famous Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan.

The construction of Al-Rifa'i Mosque commenced in 1869 during the reign of Khedive Ismail and reached completion in 1912 under the rule of Sultan Hussein Kamel. The mosque is constructed on the location of a historical shrine honoring the Islamic saint Sheikh Ali al-Rifa'i, from whom it derives its name. The design was intended to enhance the adjacent Sultan Hassan Mosque while reflecting Egypt's contemporary identity.

The mosque's exterior is distinguished by its tall minarets, intricate carvings, and majestic portals, rendering it magnificent and imposing. In the mosque, there is a spacious prayer hall with ornate chandeliers, gorgeously decorated columns, and soaring ceilings. The walls are adorned with marble and gold accents, which contribute to the ambiance of reverence and elegance.

One of the most noteworthy features of Al-Rifa'i Mosque is its function as a royal mausoleum. The tombs of Egypt's royal family, including King Farouk, the last governing monarch of Egypt, are located within the structure. In addition, the shrine serves as the final resting place of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the final Shah of Iran, who resided in exile in Egypt immediately following the Iranian Revolution.

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Al-Azhar Mosque

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For more than a millennium, the Al-Azhar Mosque has been a beacon of learning and a symbol of Egypt's Islamic heritage, making it one of the most renowned landmarks in Islamic Cairo. It is one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world and was established in 970 CE by the Fatimid Caliph Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah. Additionally, it serves as a site of worship.

Al-Azhar was initially established as the primary mosque of the newly founded Fatimid capital, Cairo. It has since transformed into a center for Islamic education and scholarship. It has been a center for the study of Sunni theology, law, and disciplines for centuries, drawing scholars and students from all over the Islamic world.

The university has had a significant impact on Islamic thought and jurisprudence since its official establishment in 988 CE. Al-Azhar University continues to be a preeminent institution for Islamic studies, integrating traditional learning with contemporary academic disciplines.

The Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the most highly regarded institutions in the Islamic world, holding vast historical, cultural, and religious significance. Its contributions are not limited to its position as a religious institution; they also incorporate global influence, architecture, and education.

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Al-Muizz Street

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Al-Muizz Street, formally referred to as Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street, stands as one of the oldest and most important thoroughfares in Cairo. Situated in the center of Islamic Cairo, this site serves as an open-air museum showcasing Islamic architecture and culture, providing visitors with an insight into Egypt’s medieval history.

The roadway was the primary route through the city during the Fatimid dynasty and was named for the Fatimid Caliph Al-Muizz li-Din Allah, who established Cairo in 969 CE. Throughout the centuries, Al-Muizz Street has evolved into a center for trade, religion, and governance, characterized by its palaces, mosques, madrasas, sabils (water fountains), and markets.

The significance of the street endured across multiple dynasties, such as the Ayyubids, Mamluks, and Ottomans, with each contributing their unique architectural influence. In 1979, the street and its surrounding area received recognition as part of Cairo's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Al-Muizz Street serves as a significant historical corridor, expressing the essence of Cairo’s Islamic heritage. This showcases the architectural, artistic, and social life of a city that has served as a cultural crossroads for more than a thousand years.

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Ibn Tulun Mosque

Ibn Tulun Mosque Visit - Top Class Egypt Travel

One of the biggest and oldest mosques in Egypt is the Ibn Tulun Mosque, which is situated in Islamic Cairo. Ahmad Ibn Tulun, the founder of the Tulunid dynasty, constructed it between 876 and 879 CE. It is still a testament to Egypt's rich past and a striking example of early Islamic architecture.

After ruling Egypt as the Abbasid ruler and establishing a separate dynasty, Ibn Tulun ordered the mosque built. The structure was built to function as the ceremonial hub of Al-Qata’i, the capital city established by him. Although Al-Qata’i was ultimately destroyed, the mosque endured as one of the few surviving structures from this era.

The mosque continues to serve as an active place of worship, featuring a spacious courtyard and shaded porticos that offer a serene environment for prayer and contemplation. The design has significantly influenced later Islamic architecture in Cairo and other regions.

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Islamic Cairo stands as a vibrant testament to the magnificence of Islamic civilization, more than merely a collection of monuments. For architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious travelers alike, this area offers an unforgettable journey rich in history, spirituality, and culture.

 Islamic Cairo Tours will be an excellent destination for those who are interested in the islamic religion and the architecture of mosquese demonstrating the Islamic civilizations among the history of Egypt. 

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