Activities in Islamic Egypt

Egypt houses and citadels information, tours, prices and online booking

Egypt houses and citadels featured by many sites to visit in Egypt. Built in the 1480s, the small citadel of Qaitbay overlooks Alexandria’s Eastern Harbor and contains ruins from the all famous Pharos or Lighthouse of Alexandria , a former wonder of the world. Legend has it that the prominent landmark stood an incredible 135 meters high. Imagine that donkeys had to go up and down the double spiral staircase carrying day and night loads of timber to fuel the lighthouse’s lantern! Experience the palatial life of 14th century Mamluk princes in one of the only remaining domestic residences from the period. Beshtak Palace, located on Al Mu’izz li-Din Allah Street, was built by Prince (Amir) Beshtak Al-Nasiri.

In fact, it was between 1334 and 1339 where the Eastern Fatimid palace used to stand. You will find two stories of this palace down a small alleyway and through an arch in old Islamic Cairo. While it’s a historic building, Beyt Al-Harrawi is also all about music. So much so that it also goes by the moniker Beyt Al-Oud (house of the lute). In fact, the director of the house is one of the Arab world’s foremost Oud players, Naseer Shamma, known for his innovations when it comes to the instrument. The space has been dedicated to music and visitors can enjoy concerts in its open-air courtyard. Sitting in the courtyard, you will also be able to admire the hand-carved mashrabiya windows, which are designed for privacy, especially of the women of the house.

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Coming off the courtyard is the lavish mandarah, or sitting room, with its carved wooden ceilings and a mosaic inlaid octagonal fountain. The middle section of the mandarah is slightly raised allowing the master of the house to sit in an elevated position of honour above his guests. Gazing at the typically plain and maybe – to some – even dull façade of Beyt El-Suhaimi, you cannot imagine the architectural treasures you will witness inside. This mansion is Islamic Cairo’s finest example of the traditional family residences built throughout the city from Mamluk times to the 19th century. Once you enter the house, you will emerge into a beautiful inner courtyard transporting you to the days where guests were received in the adjacent impressive reception room, the “qa’a.”

When in Cairo, it is basically impossible to miss the Salah El-Din Citadel, one of the world’s greatest monuments to medieval warfare. Resembling a typical early medieval fortress, with large imposing gateways, towers and high defending walls, the Citadel is one of Cairo’s main attractions and probably the most popular non-pharaonic monument in the Egyptian capital. The prominent fortress houses three mosques – of which the impressive Mohammad Ali Mosque – a carriage museum, a military museum, and a garden museum, just to name a few, and they are all worth a visit. You are even allowed the run of the fortifications and it is worth a try: the views are spectacular from this height.

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Beyt Zeinab Al-Khatoun (Zeinab Al-Khatoun’s house) was built in 1468 and is located in Al-Azhar. It is a breathtaking example of Islamic Cairo. The walls and ceilings of the rooms on the first floor are covered in Islamic motifs. On the second floor, you will find two beautiful windows in Islamic architecture, decorated with Islamic plant designs. It’s easy to feel transported to another century as you play backgammon in the Beyt’s picturesque cafe while sipping delicious coffee, black tea, sahib or anise served in tiny glasses out of a blue metal pot spiced with mint, sage or cloves. A trip to the Dakhla Oasis is not complete without a visit to the medieval Ottoman town of Al-Qasr. Al-Qasr is set at the foot of pink limestone cliffs on the northern rim of the oasis.

The architecture of the houses, which engulf the cool narrow streets and alleyways despite the summer heat and protect residents during sandstorms, attests to the importance the Ottomans placed in securing the remote oasis town. Built over an Ancient Egyptian site, Balat is an enchanting Islamic medieval village about 35 km from Mut. See the Sudanese-style mud architecture and the influence of the Mamluk and Ottoman reign of Egypt. Ask a guide to take you to the roof of a mud-brick house to see a fine view of Balat. 200 m east of Balat lies Ain el-Asil, an Old Kingdom Settlement. About 1.5 km away is Qila Al-Dabba, Balat’s ancient necropolis formed of five mastabas, one which has been restored and open to the public.

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Spare a few hours on your summer holiday in Nuweiba to visit the nearby fortress built by the Mamluk Sultan, Ashraf Al-Ghouri, in the 16th century. It is only one kilometer away from Tarabeen, the northern coastal area of Nuweiba . Sultan Al-Ghouri built the citadel to protect the Sinai region from a possible Turkish invasion and to look after the travellers and pilgrims passing through this port city. Although the fortress didn’t achieve its first mission – the Turkish invasion took place a while after the fortress was built – its construction helped the local Bedouins by giving them a direct access to potable water through the fortress’ well. The fortress has been undergoing a renovation process for the past few years but it’s open to visitors. The center of Siwa Oasis is dominated by the ruins of the 13th century Shali Fortress.

Built from a material known as “kershef” (salt rocks from the local salt lakes and mud), the ruins are subject to additional disintegration after each rainfall. You can walk up to the top of the fortress to witness spectacular views of the oasis and its surroundings. After a short ferry ride from Taba’s coast, you’ll reach the Island of the Pharaoh, a small granite atoll surrounded by coral reefs and dominated by the magnificent Salah El-Din Fortress, built by Crusaders in the 12th century and recently restored by the Council of Egyptian Antiquities. Salah El-Din based his soldiers on this strategic island in order to control the trade of products coming from Asia and demand ransoms from pilgrims on their way to Mecca. A truly strategic spot: you’ll be stunned by the fortress’s panoramic view, a landscape merging between the coasts of Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

Egypt Houses and Citadels Highlights:

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Al Harrawi house Cairo

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1910

Balat Dakhla Oasis Egypt

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600

Beshtak Palace Cairo

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Egypt Citadels information, list, tours and online Booking

Egypt citadels include a huge number of citadels through Egypt. In fact, Qasr Ibrim is an archaeological site in Lower Nubia. It was originally a major city perched on a cliff above the Nile, but the flooding of Nasser’s Lake after the construction of the Aswan High Dam transformed it into an island and flooded its outskirts. Qasr Ibrim is the only major archaeological site in Lower Nubia to have survived the Nile floods. Both prior to and after the Nile floods, it has remained a major site for archaeological investigations. Human habitation at the site dates from the Late Kingdom, but it reached its greatest prominence in the Middle Ages, when the area was the home of the Eparch of Nobatia. Qasr Ibrim is the source of the largest collection of Old Nubian documents ever found, including the records of the Eparch.

The site was inhabited until the 1840s. Today the island is closed to all but archaeologists. Located in Old Cairo, the fortress city known as the Babylon Fortress is the oldest part of Cairo. Built by the Romans, the fort was in a strategic position to dominate Egypt along the Nile. Persecution led Coptic Egyptians to take refuge within the fortifications. Farafra’s only town, Qasr Al Farafra, is one of the few spots in the Western Desert still reluctant to the invasion of concrete. The small town is a maze of remains of old mud-brick houses and ruins of the old Roman fortress that had been built initially to protect the caravan route that traversed the Western Desert of Egypt from East to West.

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Above the northern shore of Qarun’s Lake, in a now deserted and inhospitable area at the foot of the desert escarpment towards Gebel Qatrani, is a small uninscribed temple known locally as Qasr El Sagha. The site can be reached via a track from Kom Ushim (Karanis), and is about 25km from the main road. A 4×4 vehicle and a guide is recommended for this visit. In remote antiquity a forest grew on the escarpment north of the site – petrified remains can still be seen and it is thought that Qarun’s Lake (ancient Lake Moeris) once extended its northern shore close to the temple in the days when the lake was much larger. Qasr El Sagha rests on a level platform on the side of the escarpment and was first published by Schweinfurth in 1892 and visited later by Petrie.

Near the western edge of Qarun’s Lake in the Fayoum, Qasr Qarun marks the location of the ancient town of Dionysias, now located near the modern village of Qarun. During ancient times, it was the beginning (or end) of the caravan route to the Bahariya Oasis, and thus, of some importance. The town was cleared by a Franco-Swiss archaeological team in the 19401s and 1950s and an epigraphic survey was conducted in 1976, but has since been the subject of several restorations projects. The town is spread out north and south and is mostly in ruins save for a few structures that are worth mentioning. The Roman bath is a mere outline on the ground as are most of the houses, but a few still sand, at least partially. Some even have fresco decorations on the interior walls.

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The stunning fortress of Ain Umm Dabadib is an ancient high rise monument that sits below an escarpment but stands 220 meters above the desert floor. The fortress was occupied for thousands of years; scattered pots and ceramics that date back across Egyptian history can be found around the fort. Situated on a summit, the sandstone fortress Qasr El Ghueita is a fortress that commands a strategic view of an ancient Western Desert trade route. Built and expanded by several Ancient Egyptian dynasties and Roman governors; the fortress contains a temple behind walls that take up to one-fifth of the space on the summit. Beit Khallaf is a small village 10 kilometers west of Girga in Sohag. Outside the village are two very large brick mastabas from the Third Dynasty.

K1, the largest, has produced remnants from King Djoser and was excavated in 1900-1902. It measures 86 by 45 by 9 (11) meters. The foundation is hard stone gravel with a substructure going down 19 meters below ground surface. A two meter thick outer wall holds the filling with sand and stone and huge brickwork are made around pits and corners. The grave chamber held some bones of a man and hundreds of offering vessels were found in the stairway which was blocked with masonry of Nile mud and stones. Another big mastaba (K2) has left skeletal remains including a skull and the name of the Third Dynasty Pharaoh Zanakht (Nebka), the supposed brother of king Djoser. No investigation has been made here in over 100 years.

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Al Qasr Dakhla Oasis

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400

Babylon Fortress Cairo

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300

Cairo Citadel Egypt

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300

Cairo Houses Citadels

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200

Karanis Fayoum Egypt

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000

Qaitbay Fort Alexandria

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Beshtak Palace Cairo Egypt tours, booking, prices, reviews

Beshtak Palace Cairo situated on the Muizz Avenue in Cairo. The palace of Beshtak is near to Abdel Rahamn Katkhuda Sabil. In fact, it constructed by Prince Beshtak Al Nasiri in 1334. Beshtak Palace Cairo is a structure and Islamic museum in Cairo. It signifies Arabic architecture in the historic period of time in Egypt. Moreover, it has uncommon windows covered with Mashrabiya. The 2nd floor chambers have sharp arches. They also feature stained-glass home windows. The palace is almost complete in its actual shape. Furthermore, it has two stories, hall, a compact courtyard and built-in stables. The palace has indeed a wonderful entrance opening onto a side avenue. The long facade acceded with lots of windows.

In fact, it opens on the hubbub lane in ancient Cairo. In fact, the palace permitted to re-open in some month’s time. Yet it’s practical to view the courtyard and also the outer facade through the main road. Beshtak Palace Cairo is among the great historical sites in Cairo to check out. It is if you’re looking to be familiar with Egyptian culture and history. In fact, Egypt is famous for its plenty of mosques and historic sites. It’s also a great place to but traditional Egyptian souvenirs and additionally handicrafts. Entry gained from the alleyway on the north-side, 2nd entrance. In fact, Beshtak Palace Cairo implemented only for receptions. Moreover, here are no guest rooms. It is usually open-air and huge pillars. They hold roofing on the many sitting areas. The rooms can found only at the sides of the building.

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In fact, the palace is near to Al Salih Ayyub complex. The complex located on the famous Moezz Street in Cairo. It dates back to the mid-13th century. In fact, named after its builder, Al Salih Najm Al Din Ayyub. He reigned over Egypt from 1240 till 1249. Moreover, he was last Ayyubid sultan of Egypt. He died defending Egypt against the Crusader attack that led by Louis IX. Furthermore, he was the grandson of the more famous Salah Al Din Ayyub. In fact, he known in the West as Saladdin. Before his death, he built a rather unique school between 1242 and 1244. He then built a mausoleum. Beshtak Palace Cairo indeed is worthy to visit.

Cairo Citadel Egypt tours, booking, prices, reviews

Cairo Citadel indeed is one of Cairo’s most popular tourist attractions. It located on a spur of limestone that detached from its parent Moqattam Hills by quarrying. Moreover, Cairo Citadel is one of the world’s greatest monuments to medieval warfare. In fact, it is a visible landmark on Cairo’s eastern skyline. When viewed from the back side, Cairo Citadel reveals a medieval character. The area where Cairo Citadel located now began it’s life as the “Dome of the Wind”. It is a pavilion which created in 810 by Hatim Ibn Hartama, who was then governor. Indeed this area well known for its cool breeze. In fact, the early governors didn’t realize its strategic importance. However, they used the pavilion for its view of Cairo.

During 1176 and 1183 Salah El Din fortified the area to protect Cairo from Crusaders attacks. Since then, it never been without a military garrison. In fact, it served as both a fortress and a royal city. Legend has it that Salah El Din chose the site for its healthy air. The story goes that he hung pieces of meat up all around Cairo. Everywhere in Cairo the meat spoiled within a day. At Cairo Citadel area, it remained fresh for several days. This location provides a strategic advantage to dominate Cairo and to defend outside attackers. Salah El Din came from Syria. It is where each town had some sort of fortress to act as a stronghold for the local ruler. It was natural that he would carry this custom to Egypt.

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Moreover, Salah El Din used the most modern fortress building techniques to construct Cairo Citadel. Great, round towers built protruding from the walls. The defenders could direct flank fire on those who might scale the walls. In fact, the walls themselves were ten meters (30 ft) high and three meters (10 ft) thick. The Bir Yusuf (Salah El Din’s Well) dug to supply the occupants of the fortress with drinking water. Some 87 meters (285 ft) deep, it cut though solid rock down to the water table. It is not a shaft. There is a ramp large enough. Animals could descend into the well to power the machinery which lifts the water. The well closed to tourists these days.

After the death of Salah al-Din, his nephew, Al Kamel, reinforced the Cairo Citadel. It was by enlarging several of the towers. He encased the Burg al-Haddad (Blacksmith’s Tower) and the Burgar Ramla (Sand Tower). Moreover, he made them three times larger. These two towers controlled the narrow pass between Cairo Citadel and the Muqattam hills. Al Kamel also built some great keeps (towers) around the perimeter of the walls. Three of them can still seen overlooking Cairo Citadel parking area. These massive structures were square, up to 25 meters (80 ft) tall and 30 meters (100 ft) wide. In 1218, upon the death of Al Kamel’s father, Sultan Al Kamel moved his house to Cairo Citadel. It is where he built his palace in what is now the Southern Enclosure.

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In fact, the palace no longer exits. It was the seat of government for the Country of Egypt until the construction of the Abdeen Palace. Mumluks overthrew the Ayyubid rulers in 1250. Their sultan Baybars Al Bunduqdari (1260-77) moved into Al Kamel’s palace. Moreover, he isolated the palace compound by building a wall. It divided the fortress into two separate enclosures. They linked by the Bab (gate) Al Qullah. The area where the palace once stood referred to as the Southern Enclosure. The larger part of Cairo Citadel proper referred to the Northern Enclosure. Al Nasser Muhammad interested with this era. In fact, he ruled during three separate periods (1294-1295, 1299-1309 and 1310-1341). Moreover, he tore down most of the earlier buildings in the Southern Enclosure. He replaced them with grander structures.

Unfortunately, the only remaining facility built by him is the Al Nasser Mohammad Mosque. In fact, it begun in 1318, finished in 1355 and located near the enclosure gate. He built a great Hall of Justice with a grand and green dome. It towered above the other structures in the Southern Enclosure. Beside it built the Qasr Al Ablaq (Striped Palace) with its black and yellow marble. This palace, used for official ceremonies and conducting affairs of state. Moreover, it had a staircase leading down to the Lower Enclosure and the Royal Stables. It is where An-Nasir kept 4,800 horses. The Ottomans controlled Egypt between 1517 and the early 20th century. Much of what we see of Cairo Citadel actually dates back to this period.

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The Lower Enclosure where the stables of Al Nasser known as Al Azeb. It was because some of the Ottoman soldiers, known as the Aazab regiments. These soldiers not allowed to wed until they retired. The word Aazab means bachelor. The Ottomans rebuilt the wall which separates the Northern and Southern Enclosures. It was as well as the Bab Al Quallah. Moreover, they also built the largest tower in today’s Citadel. It is Burg Al Muqattam which rises above the entrance to Cairo Citadel off Salah Salem Highway. In fact, this tower is 25 meters (80 ft) tall and has a diameter of 24 meters (79 ft). In 1754 the Ottomans rebuilt the walls of the Lower Enclosure. He also added a fortified gate called the Bab El Azab.

On the late 16th century, the strict military structure for the Ottoman soldiers deteriorated. During this period, the Aazab troops began to marry. They even allowed to build their own houses within the fortress. By the mid 17th century, Cairo Citadel became an enclosed residential district. Moreover, it became with private shops and other commercial enterprises. It was besides to public baths and a maze of small streets. The Ottoman Mohammad Ali Pasha came to power in 1805. He was indeed one of the great builders of Modern Egypt. Moreover, he was responsible for considerable alteration and building within Cairo Citadel. He rebuilt much of the outer walls and replaced many of the decaying interior buildings. Furthermore, he also reversed the roles of the Northern and Southern Enclosures.

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Moreover, he made the Northern Enclosure his private domain. The Southern Enclosure opened to the public. Mohammad Ali Mosque built in the style called Ottoman Baroque. In fact, it imitates the great religious mosques of Istanbul, today dominates the Southern Enclosure. South of the Mosque in the Hawsh is the Gawhara Palace. Gawhara means jewel. This structure built between 1811 and 1814. Moreover, it housed the Egyptian government until it later moved to the Abdeen Palace. Today there is also the National Police Museum at Cairo Citadel. It built over the site of the Mamluk Striped Palace just opposite the Mosque of Al Nasir Muhammad. Moreover, it has displays of law enforcement dating back to the dynastic period.

In 1983 a hall from the Striped Palace discovered. It buried deep beneath rubble, and can be seen at the southern end of this terrace. The terrace also provides a wonderful view of Cairo. Through Bab Al Qullah in the Northern Enclosure one finds Mohammad Ali’s Harim Palace. The palace built in the same Ottoman style as the Jewel Palace. The statue in front is of Ibrahim Pasha by Charles Cordier. The Palace served as a Family house for the Khedive. It was until the government moved to Abdeen Palace. Moreover, it was a military hospital during the British occupation. It only returned to Egyptian control after World War II. Since 1949, it is the Military Museum of Egypt In fact, it founded by King Farouk. The Museum has many artifacts illustrating warfare in Egypt.

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One of the most interesting attractions is indeed the Summer Room. This room contains an elaborate system of marble fountains and basins. It also has channels meant as a cooling system, and is the last such example in Cairo. In the livery court behind the carriage gate of the museum, there is a statue of Sulayman Pasha. The satatue stood in the city center. Just beyond this museum is a small Carriage Museum in what was the British Officer’s mess until 1946. Just behind this museum is the Burg Al Turfah (Masterpiece Tower).

Burg Al Turfah is one of the largest square towers. It built by Al Kamel in 1207. Near the far end of the Northern Enclosure is the Sulayman Pasha Mosque. The mosque was the first Ottoman style mosque built in Egypt and dates back to 1528. In fact, it built to serve the early Ottoman troops. Today Cairo Citadel is one of Egypt main attractions. It is often the most popular non-pharaonic monuments. One may walk through time here, from the medieval era onward. Many other wonderful Islamic structures are nearby. A walk from Cairo Citadel to Khan El Khalili is indeed a delightful experiences.

Blue mosque Cairo Egypt tours, booking, prices, reviews

Blue Mosque Cairo also called Aqsunqur Mosque or the Mosque of Ibrahim Agha. In fact, the mosque is one of several “blue Mosques” in the world. In fact, it situated in the Tabbana Quarter in Islamic Cairo. Moreover, it is between Bab Zuweila and the Citadel of Saladin (Cairo Citadel.) Aqsunqur Mosque also serves as a funerary complex. Furthermore, it contains the mausoleums of its founder Shams Al Din Aqsunqur and his sons. Aqsunqur Mosque also contains number of children of the Bahri Mamluk sultan Al Nasser Muhammad. It also contains Ibrahim Agha Al Mustahfizan tomb. Aqsunqur mosque in Cairo built in 1347. It was on the orders of the prince Shams Al Din Aqsunqur. In fact, it was during the Mamluk Sultanate of Al Muzaffar Hajji.

Aqsunqur was the son-in-law of former sultan Al Nasir Muhammad. He was one of the more prominent emirs of the latter’s court. Al Maqrizi was Medieval Muslim historian. He noted Aqsunqur supervised the entire project and also participated in its actual construction. Being the former governor of Tripoli, he had the mosque built in a Syrian architectural style. It built around the late sultan Al Ashraf Kujuk’s mausoleum. In fact, it constructed in 1341. The mausoleum’s incorporation within the mosque accounts for the irregularity of the building’s structure. Aqsunqur’s grave also located in Blue mosque complex along with those of his sons. A mausoleum for Al Sultan Shaaban’s mother built in 1362. She was one of Al Nasser’s wives and mother of sultan Kamal Shaaban.

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In fact, Blue mosque Cairo was reportedly in poor shape in 15th century. In fact, it was due to the loss of waqf funds from Syria. Waqf is religious endowments. Because of that, Aqsunqur mosque used only for Friday prayers and religious holidays. In 1412 an ablution fountain built in the center of the courtyard. It was by the Mamluk Amir Tughan. In fact, the prince Ibrahim Agha Al Mustahfizan was a general of the Jannisaries. He began a major renovation project for Aqsunqur mosque. It was Between 1652 and 1654 during Ottoman rule. He restored its roof and arcades. Moreover, he added columns to support the mosque’s southern prayer hall. He decorated the building with blue and green tiles. Hence the mosque’s unofficial name as the “Blue Mosque”.

The tiles imported from Constantinople and Damascus. They crafted in the Iznik style with floral motifs. Floral motif are such as cypress trees and vases holding tulips. Ibrahim Agha built his mausoleum and decorated it with marble tiles, in the southern hall. Moreover, it constructed using the typical Mamluk architectural style. It included a mihrab “prayer niche” resembling the mausoleums of Mamluk emirs. It also located in the Aqsunqur mosque complex. The Blue Mosque Cairo renamed after its restorer to Ibrahim Agha Mosque. The latter name not used frequently. In 1908 the mosque restored by the Comité de Conservation des Monuments de l’Art Arabe.

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The 1992 Cairo earthquake damaged the arches of the mosque’s porticoes. But they reinforced by the Egyptian government in the mid-1990. It was to prevent extra deterioration. Aga Khan Trust for Culture abbreviated as (AKTC). It is with the World Monuments Fund began a restoration project of the mosque in 2009. The AKTC stated the restoration would finished in 2012. Renovation work would focus structural stability, conservation of the interior and roof repair. Aqsunqur mosque Cairo also became a major destination for tourists who visit Egypt. Blue mosque Cairo general layout consists of a large open courtyard (sahn). It enclosed by four arcades (riwaqs.) There are three main entrances with the main portal opening into the western arcade. The latter consists of a large pointed arch with corbels on the front edges of its roof.

Facing the courtyard is the dikka “tribune” from which the Qur’an recited. Kujuk’s mausoleum situated at the portal’s northern side. It has two facades facing the street. Of the two alternative entrances, one opens into the southern arcade. The other opens between the northern and western arcades. Kujuk’s mausoleum predates the Blue  mosque Cairo. Unlike other tombs in Cairo, it not aligned according to the qibla. Qibla is orientation with Mecca. Instead, it aligned with the street. This structure is the principal feature unique to other major mosques in Egypt. Above the prayer hall sits a brick one-bay dome carried on four brick squinches. A large brick dome supported by brick squinches also situated atop the mausoleum of Kujuk.

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The latter has a pendentive below each squinch. Two stone domes located over the mausoleum of Tankizbugha. Another stone dome built above the tomb of Al Sultan Al Sha’ban’s mother. The mosque’s interior also has an irregular layout due to Ibrahim Agha’s renovations. It replaced most of the original cross-vaulting of the arcades with columns. They support a flat wooden ceiling. Qibla wall uses cross-vaults that rest on octagonal-shaped piers. The technique of cross-vaults is a reflection of Islamic Syrian architectural influence. Along with the Mosque of Amir Al Maridani, Aqsunqur Mosque has a hypo-style plan which is rare in Cairo. It associated with Syrian style mosques.

The mihrab (prayer niche that indicates qibla) built in a geometric interlace style. It found in Mamluk architecture. The design used in the mihrab’s spandrels. Other features of the mihrab include the hood’s relief painted carvings. They include fluctuating lintel panels and marble panels, carved marble registers and mosaic inlay. To the right of the mihrab is the marble minbar “pulpit”. The pulpit decorated with light gray and salmon. It is green and plum-colored stone inserts. It is the oldest and one of the handful remaining marble minbars used in a Cairo mosque. The handrail also built of marble. It also has a pattern of rolling leaf and grape clusters carved from the stone.

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The minaret situated at the southern corner of the facade. They are looking into Bab Al Wazir Street. They are affording a dominant view of the entire southern part of the street. It consists of three stories. The first being circular and plain. The second circular and ribbed. The top story is a bulb resting on a pavilion supported by eight slender stone columns. Its circular shaft is rare among Mamluk minarets. Before its 20th-century restoration, the minaret had four stories. The third story was octagonal and removed during the restoration. The Aqsunqur mosque minaret featured in several 19th-century illustrations.

Cairo Houses Citadels tours, booking, prices, reviews

Cairo Houses Citadels represented by Al Harrawi House which built in 1731 by Ahmed Ben Youssef El Serafi. In fact, the indeed is one of the fine examples of the Islamic houses representing the Ottoman era. The house named after its last owner, Abdel Rahman Al Harrawi. He was a doctor Qasr El Ayini Medical School. Moreover, the house located in the heart of a well known quarter in Cairo behind Al Azhar Mosque. Furthermore, the house situated between two narrow Haraa (Alley). They are Haret Al Madrassa and Zuqaq Al Ayini. In fact, several other Islamic houses and monuments found in the Darb El Ahmar surroundings. Furthermore, the house has a common wall with Sitt Wasila house. It is next to the Zeinab Khatoun house and to the Ghannamiah Hall.

Cairo Houses Citadels also represented by Beshtak Palace. In fact, it constructed by Prince Beshtak Al Nasiri in 1334. The palace is a structure and Islamic museum in Cairo. It signifies Arabic architecture in the historic period of time in Egypt. Moreover, it has uncommon windows covered with Mashrabiya. The 2nd floor chambers have sharp arches. They also feature stained-glass home windows. The Palace is almost complete in its actual shape. Furthermore, it has two stories, hall, a compact courtyard and built-in stables. The palace has indeed a wonderful entrance opening onto a side avenue. The long facade acceded with lots of windows. In fact, it opens on the hubbub lane in ancient Cairo. In fact, the palace permitted to re-open in some month’s time. Yet it’s practical to view the courtyard and also the outer facade through the main road.

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Cairo Houses Citadels also represented by the Citadel of Saladdin. indeed is one of Cairo’s most popular tourist attractions. It located on a spur of limestone that detached from its parent Moqattam Hills by quarrying. Moreover, Cairo Citadel is one of the world’s greatest monuments to medieval warfare. In fact, it is a visible landmark on Cairo’s eastern skyline. When viewed from the back side, Cairo Citadel reveals a medieval character. The area where Cairo Citadel located now began it’s life as the “Dome of the Wind”. It is a pavilion which created in 810. This area well known for its cool breeze. In fact, the early governors didn’t realize its strategic importance. However, they used the pavilion for its view of Cairo.

During 1176 and 1183 Salah El Din fortified the area to protect Cairo from Crusaders attacks. Since then, it never been without a military garrison. In fact, it served as both a fortress and a royal city. Legend has it that Salah El Din chose the site for its healthy air. The story goes that he hung pieces of meat up all around Cairo. Everywhere in Cairo the meat spoiled within a day. At Cairo Citadel area, it remained fresh for several days. This location provides a strategic advantage to dominate Cairo and to defend outside attackers. Salah El Din came from Syria. It is where each town had some sort of fortress to act as a stronghold for the local ruler. It was natural that he would carry this custom to Egypt.

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Cairo Houses Citadels also represented by El Seheimy house which built in 1648. The house purchased in 1796 by Sheikh Ahmed Al Suhaimi. He extended it by integrating several of the adjacent houses. Nowadays the house is the best example of a rich private house. It is especially after its restoration process. The house demonstrates a lot of arts in this period. The period and how people used to live in the Ottoman period. The house is the first building on the left hand side of Darb El Asafar. In fact, Darb El Asafar is a narrow corridor in Fatimid, Cairo. From the outside, the building seems to be in a good state. The house restored in 1997. It was under the auspices of the Arab Fund for Economic Development.

Cairo Houses Citadels also represented by Zeinab Khatoun house. The house is one of the most remarkable houses which left nowadays. It occupies a distinguished location at the back of Al Azhar mosque in Azhary alley. The house named after its last owner. Two other important houses are near to the house. They are El Harrawi house and Sitt Wasila house. Most of Islamic houses had the same architectural design. They composed usually of a central open courtyard around. The rest of the house chambers distributed. This is including the main spaces such as the “Salamlik” and Haramlek. Salamlek is men quarter and Haramlek is women quarter. The house features simple stone facade with small windows. It is missing the presence of the luxurious wooden Mashrabeyya windows.

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Al Harrawi house Cairo

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1910

Al Manial Palace Cairo

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100

Beshtak Palace Cairo

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1600

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Cairo mosques Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Cairo mosques represented by Abu Al Dahab mosque. The mosque located in the Azhar Street, just beside the main entrance of Al Azhar Mosque. In fact, it built in 1774 AD after a year of construction. Moreover, the mosque built as a Madrasa. It was to host the increasing number of students who came to study in Al Azhar University. They are from all over the world. In the year 1771, Mohamed Abu Al Dahab appointed by Amir Ali Beh Al Kabir. He appointed him as the leader of the Egyptian army that went to conquer Syria. In fact, he was successful in his campaign as he took control of many towns in Syria and around it. But in fcat, he was not loyal to his master, Amir Ali Beh Al Kabir.

Cairo mosques also represented by Al Aqmar mosque. The mosque located in the heart of Cairo city. It is north of the site once occupied by the great Fatimid. In fact, Al Aqmar means the Moonlit. It sometimes also known as the Gray Mosque. the mosque founded by Ma’mun al-Bata’ihi, during the caliphate of al-Mustanser. Moreover, it built during a time of great political and spiritual crises for the Fatimid regime. It located on the main artery of the city. In plan, it is a regular, rectangular hypo-style mosque with a square courtyard. It is the plan of a small congregational mosque. This structure is of major importance for Cairo’s architecture for several reasons. Al Aqmar mosque indeed is one of the seminal monuments in Cairo’s architectural history.

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Cairo mosques also represented by Al Azhar Mosque. The mosque is the first Islamic university which built in Cairo around 1000 years ago. Moreover, the mosque was the official mosque which has the Friday prayer. In fact, it built by the great Fatimid army leader and the builder of Cairo, Gawhar El Seqelly. It was due to the orders of the Fatimid Caliph, Al Mui’z le Din Allah. The building of Al Azhar mosque started in the year 970 AD. In fact, it finished three years afterwards in 972 AD. The objects behind building was to make it the official mosque of Cairo. It is the same as Ibn Al Aas mosque and the Ibn Tulun mosque. Al Azhar mosque established to be an educational institution.

Cairo mosques also represented by Al Hussein mosque. The mosque built in Cairo, Egypt in 1154. In fact, it located in Khan El Kahlili area. Moreover, the mosque named for the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Fatimid Shia, Dawoodi and Bohar believe that Al Hussein head buried in this mosque in Cairo. Many Shiah Muslims believe that the head of Al Hussein and his body in Al Hussein Mosque in Karbala. Al Hussein mosque indeed is one of the holiest Islamic sites in Cairo. In fact, it built on the cemetery of the Fatimid caliphs. It is a fact that it later discovered during the excavation. The mausoleum which dates back to 1154, is the oldest part of the complex. The current building built in the 19th century. It influenced by Gothic Revival architecture. In fact, Al Hussein mosque in Cairo houses some sacred items.

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Cairo mosques also represented by Al Muayyad mosque. The mosque located next to Bab Zuweila in Cairo. In fact, Al Muayyad complex contained a madrasa-khanqah, mosque and two mausoleums. The complex built between 1415 and 1422. Moreover, Al Muayyad Madrasa dedicated to Sufis only. The curriculum comprised the study of official religion according to the four rites. It is unlike Barquq’s madrasa-khanqah. In Barquq’s madrasa-khanqah, students dwelt under the same roof. They enjoyed exposure to each other’s teachings and religious practices. Al Muayyad mosque and the complex built by Sultan Al Muayyad. In fcat, the Sultan was a pious and oppressive man, but he was also a musician and poet. His reign cursed by plague and by his own unusual currency reforms.

Cairo mosques also represented by Al Nasir Muhammad mosque. The mosque was the royal mosque of both the Citadel and Cairo itself. The Sultans (kings) of Cairo performed their Friday prayers in it, except on religious feasts. In feasts, prayer took place in a large gathering at the hippodrome beneath the Citadel walls. In fact, the mosque built by Sultan Al Nasir Muhammad in Cairo citadel. It was during his third and longest reign in 1340. The mosque was large enough to hold five thousand worshipers. Moreover, the main entrance to the mosque is across the entrance to the courtyard of Mohammad Ali mosque. The Citadel always had a mosque. Al Nasir Muhammad mosque is like most of the buildings which built on the site of a previous building.

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Cairo mosques also represented by Al Rifai mosque. The mosque located next to Sultan Hassan mosque in Salah El Din Square, near to Cairo Citadel. In fact, it separated from the mosque of Sultan Hassan by a pedestrian street. Once you enter this lane you will overwhelmed by the huge structure of the Al Rifai Mosque. Khoshiar Hanem, the mother of Khedive Ismail, was the one who wanted to build the mosque in 1869. In fact, the mosque’s construction took 40 years. It now contains the tombs of many Royal Family members in Egypt. It was the reason why Khoshiar Hanem wanted to build it in the first place. She appointed Hussein Fahmy Pasha to be in charge of the mosque design. This enormous structure built upon the site of the former Rifa’i zawiya. It acquired and demolished by the Princess Khushiar.

Cairo mosques also represented by Amir Shaykhu mosque. The mosque combines hypo-style features with a cruciform plan. It built in the style of a small congregational facility. After the vestibule there is a courtyard where to the left. A small mashrabiyya enclosure extends out from the wall. In fact, the mosque dates back to the mid-eighteenth century. On the Qibla side of the rectangular courtyard is an arcade sanctuary. It faced by another arcade hall across the courtyard. The two lateral sides of the courtyard are each occupied by a recess. It opens onto the courtyard through a double arch sustained by one column only. Amir Sayf al-Din Shaykhu Al-Umari rose through the ranks to become Commander-in-Chief. He also became al-Amir al-Kabir, or ” The Great Prince”. It was under Sultan Hassan reign in 1354.

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Cairo mosques also represented by Amr Ibn Al Aas Mosque. The mosque is the first and oldest mosque which built on the land of Egypt. It erected in 642 AC (21 H) by Amr Ibn Al Aas. He was the commander of the Muslim army that conquered Egypt. The mosque also known as Taj Al Jawamie (Crown of Mosques). It also Known as Al Jamie Al Ateeq (the Ancient Mosque). Moreover, the mosque built on the site of Amr Ibn Al Aas’s tent at Fustat. It is the oldest existing mosque, not just in Cairo, but the entire African Continent. The mosque located north of the Roman Fortress of Babylon. It actually on the edge of Fustat, the temporary city founded by Amr.

Cairo mosques also represented by Blue Mosque. The mosque also called Aqsunqur Mosque or the Mosque of Ibrahim Agha. In fact, the mosque is one of several “blue Mosques” in the world. In fact, it situated in the Tabbana Quarter in Islamic Cairo. Moreover, it is between Bab Zuweila and the Citadel of Saladin. The Blue Mosque also serves as a funerary complex. Furthermore, it contains the mausoleums of its founder Shams Al Din Aqsunqur and his sons. The Blue mosque also contains number of children of the Bahri Mamluk sultan Al Nasser Muhammad. It also contains Ibrahim Agha Al Mustahfizan tomb. The mosque built in 1347. It was on the orders of the prince Shams Al Din Aqsunqur. In fact, it was during the Mamluk Sultanate of Al Muzaffar Hajji.

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Cairo mosques also represented by El Sayeda Zeinab mosque. The mosque stands in the heart of a square named after El Sayeda Zeinab. She is the grand daughter of the Prophet. May Prayers and Peace be upon him. El Sayeda is an Arabic word means The Lady. She was also the youngest daughter of both El Sayeda Fatima and his cousin Ali Ibn Abi Taleb. In fact,  The Lady Fatima is the Prophet’s daughter. The Lady Zeinab is the sister of the two Imams Al Hassan and Al Hussein. In fact, The mosque set up shortly after her arrival to Egypt. It was on the appearance of the new crescent moon of Shaaban. Moreover, it is the eighth month of the Hegira calendar. It was in the year 680 AD.

Cairo mosques also represented by Gawhar Al Lala mosque. The mosque indeed has a unique location. It gives its vicinity to Cairo Citadel. Moreover, its construction is on a high hill. In fact, the mosque has a panoramic view of the Citadel square. It also has a panoramic view of Sultan Hassan mosque and Al Rifai Mosque. The mosque reached through a stepped passageway. It has a spacious terrace in front where one can get a high glimpse of the Citadel Square. Furthermore, the mosque can reached from the Citadel Square through a stepped street behind Al Rifai Mosque. The mosque lies quite close to Qanibay Amir Akhur complex. It built in 1430 AC and considered small at only 2,000 square feet. This 15th century Mamluk mosque built by Amir Gawhar Al Lala. He was a civil servant in the palace of Sultan Barsbay.

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Cairo mosques also represented by Ibn Tulun mosque. The mosque indeed is the oldest intact functioning Islamic monument in Cairo. Moreover, it is the third mosque which constructed for the whole community. Furthermore, it is for the congregation which joined together for the Friday noon prayer. The mosque indeed a rare preserved example of the art. Moreover, it is also an architecture of the classical period of Islam. Ahmed Ibn Tulun born about 835 A.D. He was one of the Turkish commanders in Samarra in Iraq. Moreover, he received his military and theological training in Samarra and Tarsus. His intelligence and courage attracted the attention of the Khalif. In 868, he made proxy for his step-father Bakabak’s governorship of Egypt. He established himself as an independent ruler for the Province. An abortive attempt to remove him encouraged Ahmed to attach Syria.

Cairo mosques also represented by Muhammad Ali mosque. The mosque is the most popular Islamic mosque among tourists. Moreover, it is one of the most ancient mosques in Cairo. The mosque is also one of the most historic mosques because of its grandeur and its location in Saladin Citadel. In fact, Muhammad Ali mosque also sometimes referred to as the Alabaster Mosque Cairo. This is because of its extensive use of marble on some of the exterior walls and other surfaces. Muhammad Ali Mosque in Cairo is the largest such structure built during the first half of the 19th century. It is more impressive at a distance than close up. Its artistic merit is questionable. Furthermore, the mosque is an unparalleled contribution to the skyline of Cairo. It is visible high atop the Citadel grounds.

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Cairo mosques also represented by Sulayman Agha Al Silahdar mosque. The mosque located in Qasaba district. It is northward Darb El Asfar in Cairo. The mosque established by Prince Sulayman. He occupied many prominent posts in the days of Mohammed Ali. Moreover, these posts include the Armor or the supervisor of the arsenal. He credited to building other buildings in Cairo at that time. In fact, the mosque distinguished by the variety of decorations. Moreover, it combines between the Cairene style of decoration and other styles from Istanbul. This appears in the facade’s decoration and the windows over it. Besides to the plant forms and the wooden eaves that appear in the mosque and the Sabil alike.

Cairo mosques also represented by Sultan Hassan mosque. is a massive Mamluk era mosque. In fact, it located near the Citadel in Cairo. Its construction began in 1356. The work in Sultan Hassan mosque Cairo finished three years later. In fact, Sultan Hassan mosque was remarkable for its fantastic size and innovative architectural components. Sultan Hassan mosque designed to include schools for all four of the Sunni schools. They are Shafi’i, Malki, Hanafi and Hanbali. Sultan Hassan’s low profile seems inconsistent with the massive undertaking that was his mosque. The mosque’s grandeur makes sense given Sultan Hassan’s dramatic life. In fact, Sultan Hassan ascended the throne at the age of 13 in 1347. When he reached maturity in 1350, he arrested the Amir Manjaq.

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Abu Al Dahab mosque Cairo

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4500

Al Aqmar mosque Cairo

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1210

Al Ashraf Barsbay complex

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2200

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Gayer Anderson Museum Cairo Egypt tours, prices, booking

Gayer Anderson Museum Cairo also called Beit El Kertlia. In fact, the museum built in Cairo in 1631 by one of the wealthy men. He used it to live in the Egyptian capital. His name is Mohamed Ibn Hah Salem Ibn Gelmam. In fact, the museum indeed is one of the most marvelous historical structures in Egypt. Many of rich families lived in Gayer Anderson museum Cairo. They were one after another. It was until a lady from Crete Island bought the house to live in it. It was why the house named El Kertlia house or the house of people from Crete. In fact, the museum attached to the Eastern section of Ibn Tulun mosque. Moreover, the museum consists of two historical houses. They facing each other. They both constructed in the Ottoman period.

The first house, Kertlia house, constructed in 1631. The other one built by Abdel Kader El Haddad in 1540. The two houses connected together with a passageway. Egyptian authorities have granted Gayer Anderson the two houses as a house to live in. It was in 1935. Gayer Anderson was a British officer. He collected a large selection of furniture, carpets and many other eastern objects. He also collected many Egyptian handcrafts. In 1942, Gayer Anderson had to leave Egypt because of his illness. The Egyptian government allowed the people to visit the house and view his collection. It was before the whole complex transformed to a museum.

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The museum Complex host a Sabil. It offers fresh water to the public. This feature is difficult to find among historical houses in Egypt. Sabil is a religious structure which is in a mosque or a mausoleum. It is to provide people with their needs of water. Finding a Sabil within a residential house is rare in the Islamic architecture. The Sabil of the Gayer Anderson museum located in the right hand side section of the ground floor. It is with a window, opens on the street. It is from which the servant working in the Sabil used to give the water to the people. The room of the Sabil made out of stones. The ceiling contains some remarkable geometric decorations with bright colors.

The Sahn or the open courtyard of the museum has a semi irregular shape. It is with a white marble fountain in the middle. In fact, the Sahn is the heart of the house with all the floors. Moreover, the sections of the house open at the Sahn. They don’t open towards the exterior of the house. This architectural design of Gayer Anderson museum Cairo was common for many reasons. The first is to provide a sense of privacy especially to the ladies of the house. The second is to protect the house against dust and dirt making the air inside the house cleaner and fresher.

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All over the surface area of the Sahn, there are many pots that take the shape of barrels. They based upon white marble basins. It is where the water coming from the fountain to provide fresh water for the people living in the house. Moreover, the museum has rooms and halls to storage grains and foods. They are on the ground floor. At the back of the Shan, there is a horse stable. It hosts only a few horses. The staircase which leads to the second floor of Gayer Anderson museum is in the horse stable. The most dominating feature of the second floor is what called the Maqa’ad. In fact, it is a wide space overlooking the Sahn of the house. The word “Maqa’ad” means the sitting area. It was where the people who lived in the house used to sit, especially men.

Moreover, the ceiling of the Maqa’ad is rather remarkable. It is with many marvelous plants and geometric golden decorations. Furthermore, there are also some shelves which decorated all around the Maqa’ad. In fact, this was where Anderson used to keep his glass items collection which he was fond of. Many of the architectural features of Gayer Anderson museum Cairo can viewed from the Maqa’ad. It is including the decorated walls of the house that are distinctive with their white and red colors. The marvelous Mashrabeya screens of the museum overlooks the Sahn. It can also admired from the Maqa’ad.

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The other section of the second floor of the museum is the Salamlek. In fact, it is the hall where the men used to meet. The hall divided into three sections. It is the same as many other historical houses which date back to the Mamluk and the Ottoman periods. Moreover, there are two galleries surrounding the main chamber of the hall. Each gallery has many created Mashrabeya screens. The hall has many colorful pillows and wonderful wooden ashtrays. They decorated with pearl and ivory. The displays in the Salamlek hall include a collection of pistols. They date back to the Ottoman era with their distinctive accurate ornaments. There is also a collection of swords from different sizes and shapes.

The sides of ceiling of the Salamlek hall have remarkable decorations. They are with geometrical patterns and Arabic calligraphy. They include many pieces of poetry and different phrases from famous literature works. The ceiling itself is rich with its dark brown wood geometrical patterns decorations. In the middle of the Salamlek hall there is a large copper tray. It dates back to the Ottoman period. It used by the owner of the house to offer his guests drinks and snacks. There is also a white marble shelve where they used to put the Kolla. Kolla is the traditional Egyptian pottery water container.

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Large number of exhibits and antiques not present here during the days of Gayer Anderson. In fact, they put recently when the house modified to become a museum. The Gallery of the photographs and drawings host indeed a rare collection. It features fishing, love, celebration, chanting, wildlife, flowers and birds’ scenes. The portraits in this hall are quite notable for their special attention to details and sizes. Haramlek section is the section specified for the ladies of the house. This section featured with its beautiful Mashrabeya screens. They overlook almost every section of the house, the lanes and streets outside the house as well.

In fact, the Mashrabeya screens used by women to look over the streets. It not seen from outside. he Haramlek hall also feature many shelves and cupboards. They have wonderful colors that created in the Persian style. Moreover, the main staircase of Gayer Anderson museum leads to the roof. The roof used to function as a seating area for the women in the summer. There are many basins of water of different sizes which located in various locations in the roof for people. They used to wash their hands and faces in the summer.

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The museum has Persian style bedroom of the owner of the house. The room has a magnificent bed decorated with ivory and pearl. There are also some candles holders and paintings. They make the room even more attractive to the eye. Gayer Anderson museum has Turkish hall. The hall has large chair which has a crown on top. In fact, it was a royal hall. Moreover, it also contains some pretty portraits of Mohamed Ali and Khedive Saied. Furthermore, there are many items which put on display in this room. They include large statue of Hatshepsut and a black statue of the ancient Egyptian cat god. They also include Bastet and many glassware and pottery.

The celebration hall of Gayer Anderson museum Cairo indeed is one of the most luxurious halls. The hall is around 15 square meters in surface area. It divided into two galleries. The first featured with its wonderful throne chair. It decorated with ivory and pearl. The middle section of this hall has a decorated white marble fountain. The floor of the hall ornamented with different light colors of marble. In fact, visiting the the museum recommended. It is for history and Islamic architecture fans. Most of the features of the museum remaining in a good condition. They make the visit to the museum an enjoyable experience. It is as if you travel in time to the period of the Ottomans.

Gawhar Al Lala mosque Cairo Egypt tours, booking, prices

Gawhar Al Lala mosque Cairo indeed has a unique location. It gives its vicinity to The Citadel. Moreover, its construction is on a high hill. In fact, the mosque has a panoramic view of the Citadel square. It also has a panoramic view of Sultan Hassan mosque and Al Rifai Mosque. Gawhar Al Lala mosque reached through a stepped passageway. It has a spacious terrace in front where one can get a high glimpse of the Citadel Square. Furthermore, the mosque can reached from the Citadel Square through a stepped street behind Al Rifai Mosque. The mosque lies quite close to Qanibay Amir Akhur mosque. It built in 1430 AC and considered small at only 2,000 square feet. This 15th century Mamluk mosque built by Amir Gawhar Al Lala. He was a civil servant in the palace of Sultan Barsbay.

Al Lala was a title which given to the post of the private tutors of the sons of a Sultan. During Mamluk era, the wall over the Citadel square embellished with dazzling palaces. Mosques reflecting the grandeur and commemorating the lives of the Sultans. Citadel Square is one of the oldest squares in modern Cairo. During the Ayyubid rule, it became the city center of gravity. It was where the leaders of Egypt ruled the country. During the Mamluk era, construction continued within the Citadel walls. It also was around the square with the houses of Sultan Baybars amirs and successors. The horse and armorers markets or Suqs also moved to this area in the vicinity of Sultan Hassan mosque.

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Around Cairo Citadel, many religious buildings also erected and included Gawhar Al Lala mosque. In fact, the mosque was a freed slave. He was in service to the son of Barsbay who succeeded his father for three months. Gawhar honored by the prince. He fell from his high ranks and thrown in prison where he died as a result of an epileptic fit. Moreover, he known for his kind heart and his good deeds. He much appreciated by many of his students. It was even during the times of his imprisonment. The mosque planned like the lines of the cruciform madrasas. It was popular at the time of the Circassian Mamluks in the 9th till 15th century. It has decorative features and elements of the mid-Mamluk period.

The main entrance of Gawhar Al Lala mosque Cairo flanked by stone benches. It called Maksala and leads to a Derka. In fact, it is a rectangular hallway, from which a bent passageway. It takes one through a secondary door leading to the Sahn or covered courtyard of the mosque. The wooden ceiling of the passageway decorated with fine paintings. The Sahn of the mosque decorated with colored marble and with attractive marble panels on the floors. It adorned by a decorated yet a bit faded wooden lantern. The mosque has two side Iwans and two main Iwans. The largest being that of the Qibla. It paneled in slabs of cool marble and soft colors. The Minbar, or pulpit, might seem different from other Minbars of this period.

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The inlay polygonal inserts are missing and have replaced with plain forms. These alterations date back to the time of its restoration. The restoration made by the French Comite in the 1980s. There is a building next to Gawhar Al Lala mosque. This building has a sabil-kuttab and a mausoleum. Gawhar Al Lala buried in this mausoleum. There are also quarters. They used as storerooms and lodgings for the students and civil servants. The main entrance in the center of the southwest facade overlooks Darb Al Labbana Street. The sabil with its wall built of wood. It located in the southern section of the structure. It is of a type of Sabil that has corner columns. The kuttab located above the Sabil. A carved wooden Mashrabeyya surrounds the balcony of the kuttab.

The minaret of Gawhar Al Lala rises above the Sabil facade. It built in the Knob style and called Al Qulla style. Moreover, it is with a single balcony. The mausoleum dome, where the tomb of Al Gawhar found, situated on the western corner. The fine old door leads to the mausoleum through the mosque. It made of wood. It distinguished by an overlay of fine and detailed copper decoration. Today, there is a gallery in the northwest Iwan. It has draped so that women may pray there. Gawhar Al Lala mosque Cairo still in use and frequented by many visitors. A caretaker will show one around the mosque and mausoleum. The ablution area that stands today is a recent addition. No sign of the old ablution area remains.

El Seheimy House Cairo Egypt tours, booking, prices, reviews

El Seheimy house Cairo built by Abdel Wahab El Tablawy in 1648. The house purchased in 1796 by Sheikh Ahmed Al Suhaimi. He extended it by integrating several of the adjacent houses. Nowadays the house is the best example of a rich private house. It is especially after its restoration process. The house demonstrates a lot of arts in this period. The period and how people used to live in the Ottoman period. El Seheimy house Cairo is the first building on the left hand side of Darb El Asafar. In fact, Darb El Asafar is a narrow corridor in Fatimid, Cairo. From the outside, the building seems to be in a good state. The house restored in 1997. It was under the auspices of the Arab Fund for Economic Development.

Many mashrabeya windows, which can seen from outside the house. Once you enter El Seheimy house Cairo you are inside the sahn of the house. The Sahn is an interior open space in the middle of the house courtyard. It is usually a rectangular or square shape. It used to gain fresh air in the house. In the morning some simple activities once took place in the sahn. In the middle of this open hall, there is a small and healthy garden full of small trees and palms. The house built around this area and many brown mashrabeya windows can be seen all around it. At the end of this hall, there is a place for sitting beside some windows. It is where residents of the house would relax in the summer.

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After entering the doorway of El Seheimy house Cairo, you will find many rooms with huge wooden doors. They used for servants to stay in and cook or do anything needed in the house. One of the rooms to the left had a fascinating mashrabeya screen with small windows. This is to enable the people inside the room to view the Sahn. At the end of this corridor there is the first guest room or salamlek. It used by El Seheimy to welcome his male guests. To the right, there is a sitting area with a small Mashrabeya screen. This hall is a good example of the salamlek, or public place, as opposed to the haremlek. Most of the Salamlek area is on the ground floor. The haremlek is on the upper floor.

In the Islamic culture, house were “Sakan”. This word derived from “Sekoon” which means quietness and privacy. This notion well respected during the archaic Islamic period. The next hall is the summer salamlek guest room. It built at the end of the corridor and overlooks the street. This is to enjoy the cool air during the summer. Most of the spaces in El Seheimy house Cairo are not designed functionality. They designed but basing on climatic considerations. This hall has one of the most remarkable mashrabeya screens in the house. It overlooks on the street. It is a big screen with three different decorative shapes and stained glass at the top of the screen. People would sit on the pillows on the floor and chat in the summer.

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There are also the wooden brown cupboards all around just like the first guest room. In the second floor of the house, you will find some balconies. One significant aspect of thess balconies is the Islamic decorations on the walls. There are many Qur’an verses around the balconies which written in a gold color with a brown background. The balcony is also a wonderful place to view the mashrabeya windows of El Seheimy house Cairo. It is from outside, and view the open air hall. In fact, the maq’ad of the house is a rectangular or square room . It is where the owner of the house would sit with his family, sons, daughters and close friends. This more private space is like any other section of the house.

The room is full of brown cupboards and another amazing mashrabeya screen. It has also tables in the middle and sofas all around. Al Suhaimi House is famous for it’s many halls, especially the haremlek. This hall has high and pretty decorated ceiling. It allows the warmer air to rise. And then to be swept away by the north facing maq’ad (wind scoops) in the upper walls. It catches the prevailing breezes and circulated the cool air throughout the house. There is also the charming wooden carved dome of the hall. The ceilings of these houses are usually interesting. It makes the ceilings we live in these days seem boring and depressing. The ceilings in the past were works of art.

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The bathroom section is the most interesting place in El Seheimy house Cairo. It divided into three sections. The first section is the cold water section. It is a small room with a wooden cupboard inside. It is where they used to keep the cold water in a huge container. This room has no ceiling so that the gold wind could come and cool down the water in the cupboard. The second section of the bathroom is the massage section. It is also a small room with only a big wooden bed to the right. Moreover, it has the most amazing ceiling you will ever see. It has star shaped openings in it which covered with blue, orange, and white glass. The sun light enters the room through these openings. When enters, it looks like the stars in the sky on a clear night.

You can see massage halls in five stars hotels and in health clubs all over Egypt. But nothing like this room. Having a massage in this room while looking at the sky would be like gazing into heaven. The third section of the bathroom is the hot water section. It has the same amazing ceiling as the massage room. In the middle, there is a water tap. Moreover, to the right there is a big container that used for keeping hot water. There is also a cupboard behind the tap that used to keep the bathing items. They used to let the hot water fall on the floor. The three small openings in the wall enabled the water flow out of the room.

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There is also a toilet section, which is like most of the “local” toilets. We still have in some places in Egypt. It is just a small hall in the ground. In fact, it takes the waste into pipes and out of El Seheimy house. Another interesting section in the house which is the main rest and sleeping room of El Seheimy and his wife. Some people call this room the blue hall because of its many blue decorations. On the right hand side, there is a sitting area with pillows. Besides the many mashrabeya screens spread around the room. The room ornamented with the most elegant blue tiles on the walls. This room suited to a king, with all its the marvelous decorations.

Even the mashrabeya screens in This room, in particular, was for women. No men, other than sons and the father, allowed inside. In the middle, there is a table which used for drinking coffee. The coffee jar and mugs are still there. There are also a lot of blue and decorated plates in the room. They are atop the many brown wooden cupboards that once again fill this room. There are also some plates which actually used for food and not just decoration. The ceiling designed in a Persian style, which makes it look as though there are steps above one’s head. It is like the sleeping room in the Gayer Anderson Museum.

Further details about the house of El Seheimy Cairo:

There are many old lanterns in the room, hanging from the high ceiling. One of them is unique, looking like a tower of lights. There is also a small room that one may enter from the main bedroom of El Seheimy house. This room only contains two strange objects. There is an interesting myth. If a woman wants to become pregnant, she would circle these two objects seven times. And then God will send her a baby. It indeed is a strange concept. In fact,  Egypt in the 17th century had a lot of strange myths and legends.