Islamic Cairo, Cairo

Islamic Cairo, Cairo

Islamic Cairo refers to the historical area in Cairo that was founded in 969 by the Fatimid caliphs as Al Qahira, comprising palaces and government institutions enclosed by ramparts.

Islamic Cairo refers to the historical area in Cairo that was founded in 969 by the Fatimid caliphs as Al Qahira, comprising palaces and government institutions enclosed by ramparts. The medieval city walls were rebuilt in stone in the 11th century, with the gates of Bab al-Futuh and Bab al-Nasr to the north and Bab Zuwayla to the south. Historic Cairo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being the nucleus of the Islamic world in the Middle Ages. Explore the charming old area with its mosques, madrasas, hammams and fountains. Highlights include the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Al-Azhar University, Al-Hussein Mosque, Muhammad Ali’s Sabil, Salah El Din Al Ayouby Citadel, Al-Aqmar Mosque, and Khan el-Khalili.