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Islamic Cairo is very different from 'downtown Cairo' however this area of the city has most of the famous Islamic monuments. The Fatmid caliphs, founders of Cairo, raised many of these monuments. Before modern Cairo this was "Fustat" or Old Cairo.
Places to see in Islamic Cairo.
Midan Hussein and al-Hussein Mosque. This mosque is not accessible to those who are not Muslim. It is one of the most sacred Islamic sites in the country and in the whole of the Middle East. This is the place where the head of Ibn al-Hussein, Muhammed the Prophet's grandson is supposedly buried. This building was built in 1870 and replaces the 12th century mosque that was previously in situe.
Al-Azhar Park . Al -Azhar Part overlooks the Cairo Citadel and Darb al-Ahmar. Originally built on a dump site today it is a green park from where you can enjoy incredible views of Cairo.
Bayt at Suhaymi "19 Haret el-Darb el Asfar" Situated in the area behind the souk of Khan el Khalili. It was originally an Ottoman merchant's house (16th - 17th Century) but visited infrequently by tourists. A very beautiful place.
Mohammed Ali Mosque. This was built inside the Citadel by Mohammed Ali - a famous Egyptian regent, between 1830 and 1848.
The Citadel. The Cairo Citadel is a famous Cairo landmark built by the Muslim caliph who defeated the Crusaders between 1176 and 1183. It was then the centre of Egyptian government until Khedive Ismail moved to the new Abdeen palace in 1860.
Al Rifai Mosque. This mosque was built in 1911 and holds the tombs of many Egyptian aristocrat families as well as the remains of the last Shah of Iran who lived in Cairo after he was removed from power.
Sultan Hassan Mosque. This mosque was originally raised by the Mamluk Sultan Hassan and was finished in 1363.It is situated below the Citadel and is one of the largest mosques in Egypt and the Arab world.
Ibn Tulun Mosque. Built in 877 this mosque is quite different from the other mosques as its interior is open. The minaret is also the oldest in Egypt and is accessible for a little tip. |
