Background
Tucked away amid the modern city lies one of the world's oldest Islamic cities, with its famous mosques, madrasas, hammams and fountains. UNESCO says it was founded in the 10th century, became the new centre of the Islamic world and reached its golden age in the 14th century.
The area holds one of the largest concentrations of historic architecture in the Islamic world, hundreds of mosques, tombs, madrasas, mansions and caravanserais from the Fatimids to the Ottomans. Wikivoyage notes that, unlike old quarters elsewhere, people still live among the monuments, and Al-Muizz Street is pedestrian from 8am to 11pm.
- 640The Arab conquest; Fustat is founded
- 10th c.The Fatimid caliphs found Cairo
- 990Al-Hakim Mosque is decreed
- c. 1304The Mamluk Qalawun complex
- 14th c.The golden age of the Mamluk city
- 1979Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1Al-Muizz StreetThe medieval main street from Bab al-Futuh to Bab Zuweila, pedestrian by day.
- 2Al-Azhar MosqueThe Fatimid mosque and university.
- 3Khan el-KhaliliThe great bazaar and El Fishawy's café.
- 4Qalawun ComplexMosque, madrasa and the sultan's mausoleum.
- 5The CitadelSaladin's fortress and the Alabaster Mosque above the city.
- 6Bayt al-SuhaymiThe best-preserved Ottoman merchant house.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Islamic Cairo
From the GoGo Cairo guide · Open the Cairo Guide ›
- 10:00Al-Azhar Mosque1 hrThe Fatimid mosque.
- 11:15Al-Muizz Street90 minThe medieval street.
- 13:00Koshari30 minCairo's street dish.
- 14:00Citadel and the Alabaster Mosque2 hrsAbove the city.
- 16:30Khan el-Khalili Bazaar2 hrsThe great bazaar.
- 20:30Mint Tea at El Fishawy Café1 hrThe bazaar's old café.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Nov–Mar. Very hot (highs 34°C+) in Jun–Sep.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
