Old Cairo was originally the nucleus of the modern city of Cairo where the most prominent tourist attractions are now located. Located on the banks of the majestic Nile River, Cairo is the foundation of great human history, but Old Cairo is still home to amazing historical sites to this day. Many of the sites date back to the Greco-Roman era and are considered tourist attractions in Coptic Cairo. The Babylon Citadel was built on this site, which was considered the border between Upper and Lower Egypt at that time.
The bustling, modern cityscape captures the essence of contemporary Egypt. The true aesthetic spirit of the place is found in the charming mazes and narrow spaces.
You can also read about the most prominent ancient tourist places that are located in Egypt:
The Citadel of Saladin
Our first stop takes us to the imposing Citadel of Saladin, a medieval fortress that has stood watch over Cairo for nearly a thousand years. Built by the legendary Sultan Saladin in the 12th century, this architectural marvel boasts stunning panoramic views of the city below and houses several mosques, museums, and palaces within its walls. During military campaigns, Salah El-Din was able to take on leading duties, and that's because of his extraordinary success during wars. He was also able to move on from being a soldier to being the King of both Egypt and Syria through his great abilities and cleverly executed tactics. His power allowed him to overthrow the Fatimids in Egypt and retain authority.
Amr Ibn El-As Mosque
Nestled within the bustling streets of Old Cairo lies a hidden gem of Islamic architecture and history: the Amr Ibn El-As Mosque. As the first mosque built in Egypt and one of the oldest in the Islamic world, it stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and religious significance of this vibrant city. Join me as we journey through the halls of this revered mosque and explore its timeless beauty.
Some interesting facts about Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque are, legend said that while the army was camping outside the city, a dove nested on top of the general’s tent. The army was preparing to move to Alexandria, Egypt’s capital during the Greco-Roman period. After the Muslim army took over Alexandria to take control of all of Egypt, Caliph Umar wanted to establish a new capital closer to Medina.
Commissioned by Sultan Hassan bin Al-Nasir Muhammad in 1356 AD, the mosque and madrasa were designed to be not only places of worship but also centers of learning and intellectual discourse. From its towering minarets to its intricately carved façade, every aspect of the complex reflects the opulence and sophistication of Mamluk architecture.
The mosque is considered one of the Islamic world’s most iconic monuments. Sultan Hassan mosque is a landmark of Islamic ancient Egypt as much as the Giza pyramids of ancient Pharaonic Egypt. The interior part of the mosque is beautifully decorated and has a huge significant central court. The mosque is not only famous for its huge size but is also considered the most iconic among other monumental mosques in Cairo.
Khan Al Khalili Market
No visit to Old Cairo would be complete without a stroll through the busy lanes of Khan El Khalili Market. Dating back to the 14th century, this vibrant market is a sensory feast, bringing the sights, sounds, and smells of Egypt to life. Here, you can buy spices, textiles, jewelry, and trinkets, all while enjoying wandering around the Khan Al Khalili market. It is truly a market full of joy and pleasure. You can buy gifts for your friends that will create long-lasting memories. Khan Al-Khalili is one of the ancient Aryan landmarks in ancient Egypt. Tourists come from various places to buy decorations and jewelry.
Al-Azhar Mosque
Our journey ends at Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the oldest and most respected Islamic institutions in the world. This architectural masterpiece was founded in 970 AD, and is a symbol of Islamic science and knowledge, and includes one of the oldest universities in the world. As the call to prayer echoes in its sacred halls, we are reminded of the enduring spiritual legacy that permeates Old Cairo. Al-Azhar Mosque is considered a sacred place for Muslims, as it contains one of the oldest and most powerful universities in the world. It is truly an architectural masterpiece, but institutions full of knowledge and science that everyone can benefit from.
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