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Cairo is Egypt’s capital city, and with over 16 million inhabitants, it ranks as one of the largest cities in Africa. This city of contradictions will enthrall you with its ageless charm. The ancient and the modern co-exist in surprising harmony, and the hospitality and friendliness of its people will set you at ease. Historic Cairo includes the wonders of the pharoahs, as well as a religious heritage embodied in the numerous jewish, coptic and islamic monuments that abound.
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 Khan el Khalili |
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 Cairooffers numerous shopping opportunities, but if you’re looking for traditional handicrafts in a unique atmosphere then the fascinating Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is the place to go. Originally founded as a watering stop for caravans in the 14th century, the bazaar has now grown to vast proportions. Possibly the largest bazaar in the Middle East, this labrynth of narrow streets houses workshops and stalls (some of them hundreds of years old) selling all manner of things from woodwork, glassware and leather goods to perfumes, fabrics and Pharaonic curios.
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Al-Azhar Mosque |
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The Al-Azhar Mosque was built in 972. It was designed by the Fatimid general Jawhar El-Sequili built on the orders of Caliph Muezz Li-Din Allah. It was named "Al-Azhar" after Fatama al-Zahraa, daughter of the Prophet Mohamed. Being the first Fatimid monument in Egypt, the Azhar was a meeting place for Moslem Shi'a students.
It was under Yaqoub Ibn Cals that the mosque became a teaching institute. This is the oldest university in the world The first lecture was delivered in 975 AD.
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El Hakim Mosque |
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On El Moez Lidin Allah Street in Old Cairo are a series of beautiful old mosques. Al Hakim's mosque is the most prominent mosque on the street and is the second largest Fatimid mosque in Cairo. The mosque was started in 990 by the Caliph El-Aziz and was completed in 1013 by his son Al-Hakim who was the founder of the Egyptian Druze sect. The mosque has been encased in marble and only the wooden tie-beams and stucco carvings remain of the original decorations. The minarets are original and are the oldest surviving minarets in Cairo. An interior staircase leads to the city's ramparts dating from the 12th century.
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Bait as-Suhaymi |
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Bait as-Suhaymi is one of Cairo's finest traditional Islamic houses constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries. Although is some disarray, the house is an outstanding example of traditional Islamic building and retains an atmosphere of moneyed mercantile sophistication. It is located at 19 Sharia Darb Al-Asfar in the heart of the Mousky. |
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Bait Gamalud'din |
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Bait Gamalud'din is located at 6 Sharia Khushqadam and is a fine restoration of the 16th century merchant's villa with exquisite example of mushribiyya and stained glass work. Open daily from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.
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