Overview
You’re in the heart of old Cairo (founded in 969 AD by the Fatimid dynasty), with a thousand years of history at your feet, so wander the meandering alleyways and discover magnificent mosques; fine old houses, and odd palaces.
History
Abu Tamim Ma’ad al-Mu’izz Li-Dinillah (932 – 975), as known as Al Moezz, was the fourth Fatimid Caliph and 14th Ismaili imam who reigned from 953 to 975. It was during his caliphate that the center of power of the Fatimid dynasty was moved from Northern Africa to the newly conquered Egypt. Fatimids founded the city of Al-Qāhiratu, “The Victorious” (Cairo) in 969 as the new capital of the Fātimid caliphate in Egypt.
Visit
– El Hakem Mosque (1000 years ago)
– Bayt Al-Suhaymi (1648 AD)
– The Complex of Sultan Al-Mansur Qalawun (1285 AD)
– Hammam Inal (1456 AD)
– The mosque, Khanqah & Mausoleum of Al Sultan Al Zahir Barquq (1386 AD)
– The School and Mausoleum of Al Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun (1298 AD)
You can also find El Aqmar Mosque (1125 AD), or visit Wekala, Hamam, Khan, Le Riad boutique hotel, palaces, mosques, the Khankah and more.
A must see: Al Rabaa Cultural Center, to see where the locals get married.
Essentials
Where to have a coffee: Café El Lord
Where to Eat: You can venture to Al Hussien area and which is filled with restaurants and cafés or try Taj Al Sultan on the other side of Khan El Khalili, a new venture in an old bank which offers very good Indian and Egyptian dishes. You can also dine with Cairo’s movers and shakers at Citadel View, where a huge terrace gives great views of the city; the food is traditional and tasty.
How to dress
Conservative attire is required for women.
Best time to visit
Take a stroll through the neighborhood at night, to enjoy the spectacle of monuments being lit up.
Activities
Every Sunday: Folklore bands play around the area, from 7pm onwards.
Workshops: Monthly schedules are available, you can contact:
Bayt Al-Suhaymi: Al Gamaleya, Al Darb Al Asfar Alley, Tel: 02 2591 3391
Wekalet Al Ghori: Sheikh Mohamed Abdo St., Al Azhar
Qubbet Al Ghori: 111 Al Azhar St., Tel: 02 2506 0227
Kids:
Best for children 4-12 years.
Location
123 Al Moez Ledin Allah El Fatemy St. El Gamaleya, El Azhar, Cairo.
How to get to El Moez Street
You can take the Metro, a walk from Azhar mosque or a taxi to El Azhar area.
Must visit
Al Sioufiyya
Al Khiyamiyya
The Mosque of Salih Tala'i
Ahmed Maher
El-Darb El-Gadid
Bab Zeweila
Mosque of Almuayyad Sheikh
Wekalat Nafisa Albayda
Haret Al-Zahabi
Haret Al-Roum
Haret Al-Aqqadeya
Mosque of Alfakahany
Al-Kahkiyeen
Funerary Complex of Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri (a glimpse)
Al-Azhar Mosque
The Mosque of Muhammed Bek Abu El-Dahab
Al-Hussein Mosque
Khan Jarkas el-Khalili
Haret Al Sanadyqyah (Boxmakers)
Alhamzawi Al-Saghir
Sultan al-Ashraf Barsbay Complex
Jawhar Al-Qaid (Commander of the Army)
Bayn al-Qasrayn (Palace Walk of Naguib Mahfouz)
Mosque and Sabil-Kuttab of Shaykh 'Ali al- Mutahhar
Al Maqases
Sekket Al-Badistan
Al Westani
Al Bab Al Thaleth
Haret Al Saleheya
Madrasa and Mausoleum of al-Malik al-Salih Najm al-Din Ayyub
Al-Zahir Beibars
The Qalawun complex
Bait El Kadi (House of the Judge)
Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qala'un Madrasa and Mausoleum
Sabil-Kuttab Mohamed Ali
Sultan al-Zahir Barquq Funerary Complex
Egyptian Textile Museum (just make a brief mention of)
Darb Kormoz
Al Khoronfesh
Al Qasabi
Sabil-Kuttab of Abdel-Rahman Katkhuda (Ottoman)
The Mosque of al-Aqmar
Haret Al Sananeeri
Haret Al-Darb al-Asfar
Bayt Al-Suhaymi in Al-Darb al-Asfar
Mosque-Sabil of Suleiman Agha el-Silahdar
Haret Bergewan
Amir Al Gyosh Al Goani
Al Dabeeba
Darb Al Waraka
Bayn Al-Sayareg
Haret Al-Morakeshi
Al-Hakim Bi-Amr-Allah Mosque
Sour Misr Al Qadima
Bab Al Fotouh (Gate of Conquests)
Albanhawy
Bab Al Nasr (Gate of Victory)
Gamaliyya
Wekalat Qaitbey
Haret Alotoof
El-Jashankir Mosque
Kasr Alshok
Al Mashhad Al Husseini
Nice Blog Post !
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