Cairo/Islamic Cairo

Islamic Cairo is the name commonly given to the core of medieval Cairo, a part of the city remarkably different from the modern Downtown district and the suburbs to the west.

Understand
Islamic Cairo is not more or less Islamic than the rest of the city, but it's the area of the city which holds the most, the greatest and the most famous Islamic monuments. Many of these raised by the Fatimid caliphs who founded the city of Cairo (preceded by Fustat or Old Cairo). Unlike Islamic quarters in other cities, people, often quite poor, continue to live by historic monuments and mosques. A huge, bustling center of worship, trade, shopping and commuting, it's a must-see for any visitors and deserves at least a couple of days of exploring.

By metro
The station (باب الشاعرية), on Metro line 2, is located just northeast of the district.

By taxi/Uber
In peak hours, getting in and out of the main street Al Azhar can be tricky. In particular at Khan el-Khalili market, as traffic intensifies, Uber drivers can't stop in front of the library in neither directions and, hence, will most probably try to circle around in the hope you cancel the trip and pay the cancellation fee. It is better to move on foot to another area outside of the main Khan el-Khalili complex and search for taxis there.

See


The attractions listed here are listed from north to south, starting at the Bab al-Futuh (Gate of Conquest) at the northern edge of the Fatimid city walls. The route follows al-Mu'izz Street (Sharia al-Muizz), which is dedicated to pedestrian traffic between 8AM and 11PM.



The giant Khan el-Khalili market (see Buy) starts after the Qalawun complex, lining the streets and alleyways up to al-Azhar Street.



The following sights are around Midan Sala ad-Din (Saladin Square), just north of the Citadel. To reach this area, continue down al-Muizz up to Bab Zuweila, then turn left onto Darb al-Ahmar (also known as Sharia at-Tabana).



Citadel


The Citadel was built between 1176 and 1183 by Saladin, the Muslim caliph who defeated the Crusaders. It was the center of Egyptian government until Khedive Ismail moved his palace to the new Abdeen Palace in 1860. The Citadel is famous for its great views over Cairo (as far as the Pyramids of Giza), and is home to three mosques and several museums of indifferent quality. Music events are sometimes performed in evenings, check out local entertainment guides. LE140, LE70 students (Dec 2018).



Do

 * Walks – Apart from shopping and spotting Islamic architecture, popping through the fascinating streets of medieval Cairo is probably the most popular alternative left to do in this part of the city. A recommended walk is to start up by the al-Azhar Mosque. Take in the mosque, visit Bayt al-Suhaymi before making your way to Bab al-Zuwayla. From there, head down Darb al-Ahmar and stop at the Blue Mosque before the Citadel. Leave the castle for another day and head to Sultan Hassan and the Rifaii mosque. If you have more energy left, make Ibn Tulun Mosque your last stop before heading to Sayyidna Zeinab.



Eat
Islamic Cairo is not the best place for quality eating, although some restaurants can be found in the Khan al-Khalili area.



Drink
Islamic Cairo is definitely not the place for alcohol. Rather, settle down for some tea and shisha.



Stay safe
Khan el-Khalili is infamous for its pickpockets. Stay on your guard in crowds, but don't be afraid to venture into the smaller, darker alleys &mdash; they're quite safe, and you'll find the more interesting shops here.

Respect
Modest clothing is definitely the order of the day in this part of town. Women with bare legs and shoulders will be asked by many custodians of mosques to use smocks to cover these bare parts. Shoes should be removed before entering mosques, though some mosques do use slippers that are tied on over the shoes as an alternative.