Cairo – A Mix of Islamic and Roman Architecture

Along the east bank of the river Nile stretches out the Egyptian capital Cairo. Not only one of the oldest cities of the world, but it is also the largest city of the African continent and keeps expanding year by year.

Cairo still depicts the preponderance of Islamic culture and architecture spanning the Tulunid, Ayyubid, Mamluk, Fatimid and Ottoman periods followed by the modern sovereigns of Roman kingdom. Some architectural gems dating from the early nineteenth century can also be found in this area-

The Amr Ibn El-Aas Mosque

This first and oldest mosque on the land of Egypt, Amr Ib El-Aas Mosque was erected in 642 AD. Amr Ib El-Aas was the leader of the Muslim armies and he found the city of Fustat on entering Egypt. Currently the mosque occupies a large space,and a three doorways entrance in its north façade. There is also a sanctuary at the south of the mosque.

Babylon Fortress

Old Cairo, as the name suggests, is the oldest part of Cairo and therefore has a few interesting churches and museums with the ruins of Roman fortifications. Babylon Fortress is a part of this and is also known as Qasr el Shamee.

El-Fustat

In AD 642, this city of tents little to the north of Cairo became home to the Muslim army commander Amr Ibn-el-As who had besieged the fortified town of Babylon. Thus, ruins of Islamic mosques are easy to find here.

Al Muallaqa or Hanging Church

Call it the Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church or the Hanging Church or Al Muallaqa, it is one of the oldest churches in Egypt dating back to 3rd century A.D. It is locate dright above the gatehouse of Babylon fortress and hence the name.

Mosque of Sultan Qaytbay

With many stalactites and honeycomb embellishments especially on the facade of the mosque and on the minaret under the balconies, this mosque is a must visit during your trip to Cairo.

Tomb of Sulayam Pasha al-Faransavi

Built in 1528, this mosque is an effort of the military and that is why it shows a small rectangular building with a simple prayer hall and a courtyard. It is a fine example of early sixteenth century Ottoman architecture without any ornate details.

While in Cairo, also visit the Coptic Museum, Grand Hall in the convent of Saint George, The Pharaonic village which is the museum of ancient and modern egyptian art and the Cairo Tower tp check out this ultimate blend of Islamic and Roman Architecture.

The centre of modern day Cairo lies in between of three major points- Tahrir, Ataba Squares and the Ramesses Station. Today the city is europeanised since the mid of nineteenth century. The broad streets meet at right angles and demmonstrates rococo apartment buildings with stucco mouldings.