Islamic Cairo

Overview

Islamic Cairo is the historic core of the medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the densest concentration of Islamic architectural monuments in the world. Hundreds of mosques, madrasas, mausolea, and caravanserais line its narrow streets.

Highlights

• Mind-Boggling Density: Over 600 listed monuments packed into a few square kilometres — more than any other Islamic city.
• Living City: Unlike museum districts, this is a vibrant, inhabited neighbourhood where artisans, shopkeepers, and residents live among medieval monuments.
• Al-Muizz Street: The celebrated historic artery connecting Bab al-Futuh to Bab Zuweila.

History

Founded in 969 AD when the Fatimid general Jawhar established al-Qahira (Cairo) as the new capital of the Fatimid Caliphrate, the area has been continuously inhabited and built upon for over a millennium by successive Fatimid, Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman rulers.

Visitor Tips

• Walking Tour: Allow at least a half-day to scratch the surface. Hire a local guide for context.
• Respect: This is a residential Muslim neighbourhood — dress modestly and ask permission before photographing locals.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.