Islamic Cairo — UNESCO since 1979
Old Fatimid Cairo, walled since 969 when the Fatimid dynasty founded the city, is the largest preserved medieval Islamic centre in the world. The area holds 600 Islamic monuments — mosques, madrasas, Sufi schools, markets — within a single square kilometre. Registered as complete Islamic history on the UNESCO list since 1979.
Khan el-Khalili — a market since 1382
Khan el-Khalili is the bazaar of the old city, founded in 1382 by Emir Jaharkas al-Khalili during the Mamluk era. For 640 years it has sold the same categories of goods: copper, inlaid wood, carpets, spices, incense. Today also tourist souvenirs (but look off the main streets for the real thing). The famous El-Fishawy coffee house in the middle of the market since 1773 — a must-visit spot.
Al-Muizz Street — the road of Islamic history
Al-Muizz Li-Din Allah Street, 1 km joining Bab al-Futuh to the north and Bab Zuweila to the south. Along the way: the most important Mamluk mosques and madrasas including the Qalawun Mosque, Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque, Sultan Qaitbay Madrasa. Julian Clinton called it "the finest street in the world for history lovers." Closed to cars, lit at night — best in the evening.
Al-Azhar and Al-Hussein
Al-Azhar Mosque (972 CE) is the oldest continuously operating university in the world — 1 050 years of Islamic teaching. Al-Azhar University still operates, 500 000 students from every Islamic country. Non-Muslim tourists may enter — shoulders and knees must be covered, women must cover their hair. Opposite Al-Azhar sits Al-Hussein Mosque — Cairo's most important Shia mosque, closed to non-Muslim tourists.
The Saladin Citadel
The Citadel on the Muqattam hill was built by Saladin in 1176. It contains the Mosque of Muhammad Ali (1848, Ottoman style, white marble) — the most photographed in Cairo. From the Citadel, wonderful views over Islamic Cairo below. Ticket 300 EGP.
Atmosphere and best time
Visit Fatimid Cairo in the evening (after 4 pm) — the sun is less harsh, lights beautiful, less crowded. Wear comfortable shoes — everything is paved with old stone. Friday and Saturday are the busiest market days.