History and Archaeology of Cairo (al-Qāhirah)

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Cairo

By the Editors of the Madain Project

The historic city of Cairo (القاهرة‎) is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world. Cairo is associated with ancient Egypt, as the Giza pyramid complex and the ancient city of Memphis are located in its geographical area. Located near the Nile Delta, Cairo was founded in 969 CE during the Fatimid dynasty. Cairo is also home to the world's second-oldest institution of higher learning, al-Azhar University.

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History and Archaeology of Ancient Cairo

Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan

The Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan is a historic Islamic complex located in Cairo, Egypt. Constructed during the Mamluk era, it is a significant architectural and religious landmark in the city. The complex was built during the reign of Sultan al-Nasir Hasan bin Muhammad bin Qalawun, a ruler of the Mamluk Sultanate, in the fourteenth century CE. Construction began in 1356 CE and was completed in 1363 CE. Read more

Cairo Citadel

The Cairo Citadel, also known as the Citadel of Saladin, is a medieval Islamic fortification located on a high vantage point in Cairo, Egypt. The Cairo Citadel or Fortress of Cairo was commissioned by Salah ad-Din (Saladin), the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty, in the twelfth century CE. Construction began in 1176 CE and continued for several years. It includes mosques, palaces, and various military structures. Read more

Desert of Mamluks

The necropolis forming the "City of the Dead" has evolved over numerous centuries, encompassing the burial grounds of Cairo's ordinary citizens alongside the ornate mausoleums of its historical leaders and elite individuals. Originating with the early city of Fustat, established in 642 CE, this necropolis arguably reached its peak in terms of prestige and monumentality during the Mamluk era spanning the 13th to 15th centuries. Read more

Featured Article The Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo was the first purpose-built museum in the Middle East and North Africa. The museum is unique in its presentation of the whole history of Egyptian civilization, especially of antiquities of the Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods. On the ground floor are a number of large and heavy objects, including colossal figures situated inside the middle atrium. At the peak of its collection, the museum stored more than 100,000 items. Treasures include reliefs, sarcophagi, papyri, funerary art and the contents of various tombs, jewelry, ornaments of all kinds, and other objects. Explore

Coptic Museum

The Coptic Museum, located in the Coptic Quarter of Old Cairo near the Babylon Fortress and the Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church), was founded in 1908 by Marcus Simaika Pasha. Dedicated to preserving and displaying the artistic and historical heritage of Egypt's Coptic Christian community, the museum boasts a diverse collection of artifacts spanning the early Christian era to the Islamic period. Its exhibits encompass textiles, manuscripts, pottery, metalwork, and other culturally and religiously significant objects. Read more

al-Azhar

Established in 970 CE, it has grown to encompass various educational and religious institutions. At its core is al-Azhar Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Cairo and a symbol of Islamic tradition. The mosque serves as a center for Friday prayers and religious gatherings. The al-Azhar University, founded in the 10th century, is one of the oldest universities globally, focusing on Islamic studies. The complex includes additional educational institutions, libraries, and administrative buildings. al-Azhar plays a crucial role in disseminating Islamic knowledge and promoting advanced Islamic learning and research. Read more

Dome of Imam Shafi

Situated within the Northern Cemetery (Qarafa) of Cairo, this dome serves as the burial place of Imam Shafi, one of the four major Sunni Islamic jurists and scholars. Imam Shafi, or Imam Al-Shafi'i, played a pivotal role in the development of Islamic jurisprudence. The dome is a revered pilgrimage site for followers of the Shafi'i school of thought, and it holds cultural and religious importance in the Islamic tradition. The structure reflects traditional Islamic architectural elements and stands as a testament to the historical legacy of influential scholars within the Islamic intellectual tradition. Read more

Featured Article Giza Pyramid Complex

Pyramids of Giza, Ahrāmāt al-Jīzah, Giza also spelled Gizeh, three 4th-dynasty (circa 2575–2465 BCE) pyramids erected on a rocky plateau on the west bank of the Nile River near al-Jīzah (Giza) in northern Egypt. Khufu’s pyramid is perhaps the most colossal single building ever erected on the planet. Its sides rise at an angle of 51°52′ and are accurately oriented to the four cardinal points of the compass. Collectively, in ancient times they were included among the Seven Wonders of the World. The designations of the pyramids—Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure—correspond to the kings for whom they were built. The northernmost and oldest pyramid of the group was built for Khufu (Greek: Cheops), the second king of the 4th dynasty. The middle pyramid was built for Khafre (Greek: Chephren), the fourth of the eight kings of the 4th dynasty. The southernmost and last pyramid to be built was that of Menkaure (Greek: Mykerinus), the fifth king of the 4th dynasty. Explore

Mosque of Ahmad ibn Tulun

Commissioned by Ahmad ibn Tulun, the founder of the Tulunid dynasty, the mosque was constructed between 876 and 879 AD. It is considered one of the oldest mosques in Cairo and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The mosque is renowned for its unique design, featuring a large open courtyard surrounded by arcades, a spiral minaret, and a central dome. The architectural style reflects influences from various Islamic traditions, including Abbasid and Central Asian elements. Read more