UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Islamic Cairo
Egypt

Islamic Cairo

Historic Islamic city with rich architecture

Location

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Historical Context

About

Islamic Cairo, also known as Medieval Cairo, represents a significant historical expanse within modern Cairo, Egypt, embodying the city's Islamic heritage from the 7th century CE onwards. Founded following the Muslim conquest of Egypt, the area includes the original city of Fustat and later developments, notably the establishment of al-Qahira by the Fatimids in 969 CE. It is renowned for its dense concentration of historic Islamic architecture, including numerous mosques, madrasas, and the distinct Citadel. The city evolved through various periods, with significant contributions during the Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman eras, marked by the construction of fortified walls, religious complexes, and bustling marketplaces. Today, Islamic Cairo remains a vital cultural and archaeological site, reflecting the rich tapestry of its historical significance.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations

FileAl-Azhar_inside_2006.jpg
FileAyyubid_Wall_Al-Azhar_Park_Cairo_01-2006.jpg
FileBab_al-Nasr_DSCF9983_retouched.jpg
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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Foundation of Fustat

641 CE

Foundation of al-Qahira (Cairo)

969 CE

Ayyubid Expansion

1176 CE

Mamluk Architectural Flourish

1250 CE - 1517 CE

Ottoman Control

1517 CE

Muhammad Ali's Modernization

1805 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

Defensive WallsGatesCitadel
category

Public and Civic Structures

MarketplacesSchools
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

TombsMausoleumsCemeteries
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

MosquesShrines
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

CitiesPalaces
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Plan Your Visit

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Reference

Details

Country

Egypt

Coordinates

30.05° N, 31.26° E