Old Cairo & The Citadel

This is an amazing tour of aspects of the history of Egypt as it emerged from the influence and governance of pharaohs to the emergence of Judaism, Christianity and Islam within Egypt.  Old Cairo is a historic area in Cairo, which includes the site of a Roman-era fortress, the Christian settlement of Coptic Cairo, and the Muslim-era settlements pre-dating the founding of Cairo proper in 969 AD. It is part of what is referred to as Historic Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In 1979, UNESCO designated Old Cairo, as a World Heritage Site, calling it “one of the world’s oldest Islamic cities, with famous mosques, madrasas, hammams and fountains”.   The name “Islamic” Cairo refers not to a demographic reference but to the city’s history and heritage since its establishment in the early period of Islam around the 7^th century AD.   This enclave has one of the largest and densest concentrations of historic architecture in the Islamic world.

Islamic Cairo and the Citadel

The Citadel of Cairo is a medieval Islamic-era fortification built by Salah ad-Din. It was the seat of government in Egypt for nearly 700 years from the 13th century. Its location commands a strategic position overlooking the city. It was constructed from 1176–1183 and was among the most impressive military fortifications of its time.  This is a tour experience steeped in the history of Egypt. A fascinating insight into the development of Egypt today.

The Citadel is sometimes referred to as the “Citadel of Muhammad Ali”. It contains the mosque of Muhammad Ali, (built between 1828 and 1848) and is situated on the highest point of the Citadel.   The mosque was built by Muhammed Ali in memory of Tusun Pasha’s, who died in 1816. However, it also represents Muhammad Ali’s efforts to erase symbols of the Mamluk legacy that he sought to replace.

Muhammad Ali Pasha was buried in a tomb carved from Carrara marble in the courtyard of the mosque. In the 20th century the Citadel was used as a military garrison by the British occupation and then by the Egyptian Army until being opened to the public in 1983. In 1976, it was proclaimed by UNESCO as a part of the World Heritage Site

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali  is the most visible mosques and landmark in Cairo.   And the distinguishing feature of this mosque is that it combined various functions not only as a place of worship, but offices, tombs and other functions.

• The mosque was built in an entirely Ottoman and European-influenced style, further setting it apart from other monuments. It is sometimes called the Alabaster Mosque due to the alabaster covering for its walls. The main material is limestone likely sourced from the Great Pyramids of Giza
• The mosque represents Muhammad Ali’s efforts to erase symbols of the previous rulers that he sought to replace and as a tribute to his son who died in 1816.

 Architectural Grandeur

The mosque is, to this day, a place of worship for over 10,000 people. It’s also an architectural masterpiece. It is a place of prayer and reflection and a peaceful refuge away from the frenetic pace of modern-day Cairo. With amazing ceilings and stained glass, the mosque has looked over the ever-changing skyline of Cairo for over 150 years.

Amazing Interiors

• The mosque was built with a central dome surrounded by four small and four semi-circular domes. The use of this style were a defiant declaration of Egyptian independence.

Muhammad Ali’s Tomb

• Muhammad Ali, whom many consider the father of modern Egypt is buried in a tomb in the courtyard of the mosque. This is a fitting tribute to a man who contributed significantly to the country.

This is a tour experience steeped in the history of Egypt. A fascinating insight into the development of Egypt today.