Cairo

القاهرة is one of the world’s most captivating cities, lying at the heart of Egyptian civilisation and brimming with layers of history. Founded in the 10th century by the Fatimids, it grew into a powerful Islamic centre under successive dynasties and later became the beating heart of modern Egypt following the Ottoman and British periods. Despite its relatively recent origins compared to nearby ancient sites, القاهرة’s surroundings are steeped in antiquity, with the Nile serving as both lifeblood and boundary between eras. Pharaohs ruled just downstream in Memphis and Giza, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy that continues to define the city’s global image.

The city’s personality is one of contrasts – chaotic yet deeply cultured, where medieval mosques and bustling souqs coexist with modern high-rises and vibrant cafés. القاهرة’s skyline is dominated by domes and minarets, earning it the nickname ‚The City of a Thousand Minarets’. Its streets pulse with energy: vendors calling out their wares, feluccas gliding along the river, and the scent of spices drifting from traditional eateries. The blend of Islamic, Coptic, and contemporary influences gives القاهرة an unmatchable depth, reflecting Egypt’s diverse past and its unbroken continuity as a civilisation.

Among its highlights, the Egyptian Museum remains an essential starting point. It housed treasures from the entire span of ancient Egyptian history, including relics from the tomb of Tutankhamun now relocated to the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Not far away stands the Citadel of Saladin, a magnificent medieval fortress offering panoramic views across the city. The nearby Mosque of Muhammad Ali, with its graceful Ottoman domes, provides both tranquillity and grandeur. Delving deeper, Islamic القاهرة’s winding alleys reveal architectural masterpieces such as the Sultan Hassan Mosque and the Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the world’s earliest centres of learning.

Beyond its historic core, visitors should venture to الجيزة to marvel at the Great Pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx, which continue to evoke awe thousands of years after their construction. A stroll through Khan el-Khalili bazaar immerses travellers in centuries-old trading traditions, while the Coptic Quarter showcases the city’s Christian heritage, including the Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum. For a glimpse of modern القاهرة, the Nile corniche and Zamalek Island provide a calmer, cosmopolitan contrast where cafés, galleries, and rooftop terraces capture the city’s vibrant present.

Cairo
القاهرة
Egypt