Historic Cairo was first founded in 969 and remained a medieval city until the middle of the 1800’s. The Fatimid dynasty founded Cairo, making it the Islamic center of the world, with evidence showing in the nearby Mamluk palaces and large bazaars.
Over 22 million people live in Cairo today, but that does not take away from the ancient energy that this city has with the Pyramids of Giza nearby, the Egyptian Museum holding priceless treasures of past pharaohs from thousands of years ago, and the ancient marketplace of Khan Al Khalili.
WHY SPECIAL
Egypt. Cairo - Giza. General view of pyramids from the Giza Plateau (three pyramids known as Queens' Pyramids on front side; next in order from left: the Pyramid of Menkaure, Khafre and ChufuPyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza is one of the ancient wonders of the world that was built almost 4,000 years ago as huge tombs for the pharaohs of that time. Astonishing visitors, the pyramids were built precisely to a millimeter with each stone being placed perfectly, making them huge architectural feats that had never been accomplished before. The pyramids are a testament to what humans can build when they work together.
Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum, located right in historic downtown Cairo, holds many ancient treasures. Visitors can see mummies, items from pharaohs’ tombs, old Egyptian toys, bowls, jewelry, and a number of other interesting artifacts. Many of the items that was in Tutankhamun’s tomb are in this museum on display. First opened in 1835, the Egyptian Museum itself has its own history and has been in the same building it is in now since 1902.
Khan Al Khalili
Khan Al Khalili is a type of ancient mall dating back to the 14th century. Shops are set up in small squares and sell all sorts of items, many of which you can’t get anywhere else in the world, including unique souvenirs. If you can’t find what you are looking for, then one of the sellers will surely know of someone who does have it. The market is separated into 3 areas, which are the coppersmiths, the spice dealers, and the gold sellers.
5 sites in this World Heritage
- Al-Fustat
- Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tulun, The Citadel Area, The Fatimid Nucleus of Cairo, Necropolis
- Al-Imam ash-Shaf'i Necropolis
- As-Sayyidah Nafisah Necropolis
- Qayitbay Necropolis
Al-Fustat
Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tulun, The Citadel Area, The Fatimid Nucleus of Cairo, Necropolis
Al-Imam ash-Shaf'i Necropolis
As-Sayyidah Nafisah Necropolis
Qayitbay Necropolis
DATA
- Region
- Arab States
- Country
- Egypt
- Category
- Cultural
- Name
- Historic Cairo
- Year of Registered
- 1979
- Keyword
- Historic Center, Islam, Registered in 1979
