Embarking on the Half-Day Islamic Cairo Walking Tour in Fatimid Cairo is a journey of discovery through the heart of Egypt’s rich historical tapestry. As you step onto the cobblestone streets. You immerse yourself in the legacy of an ancient civilization. Where every step whispers tales of resilience, culture, and architectural marvels. Enjoy Half-Day Islamic Cairo Walking Tour in Fatimid Cairo.
Islamic Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and architecture that reflects the rich heritage of Egypt’s Islamic civilization. Among its many historical periods, the Fatimid era (909–1171 CE) stands out for its significant contributions to art, architecture, and urban development. A walking tour through Fatimid Cairo offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the remnants of this vibrant period, including stunning mosques, bustling markets, and ancient streets. This guide provides an overview of a walking tour through Fatimid Cairo, highlighting key sites, historical context, and practical tips for an enriching experience.
The Fatimid Caliphate was established in the early 10th century by the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam. The dynasty claimed descent from Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, and her husband, Ali. The Fatimids sought to create a rival caliphate to the Abbasids, who ruled from Baghdad. In 969 CE, the Fatimids conquered Egypt and established Cairo as their capital, naming it “Al-Qahira” (The Victorious).
Under the Fatimids, Cairo flourished as a center of trade, culture, and learning. The dynasty is known for its architectural achievements, including the construction of mosques, palaces, and public buildings that showcased the artistic and cultural advancements of the time.
The Fatimids transformed Cairo into a thriving metropolis, characterized by its intricate urban planning and architectural innovations. The city was designed with a focus on religious and administrative functions, with key structures strategically placed to reflect the importance of Islam in daily life. The construction of the Al-Azhar Mosque and the establishment of Al-Azhar University during this period solidified Cairo’s status as a center of Islamic scholarship and education.
Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Cairo, founded in 970 CE. It serves as a key symbol of Islamic learning and culture. Visitors can explore the mosque’s stunning architecture, including its beautiful minarets, intricate tile work, and serene courtyards. The mosque is also home to Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest universities in the world, which continues to attract students from across the globe.
Tip: Dress modestly when visiting the mosque, and be respectful of worshippers. Guided tours are available to provide insights into the mosque’s history and significance.
From Al-Azhar Mosque, take a leisurely stroll down Al-Muizz Street, one of the oldest streets in Cairo. This historic thoroughfare is lined with stunning examples of Fatimid architecture, including mosques, madrasas (Islamic schools), and caravanserais (inns for travelers). The street is a vibrant hub of activity, with shops, cafes, and street vendors adding to the lively atmosphere.
Mosque of Al-Hakim: Built in the early 11th century, this mosque is known for its impressive architecture and historical significance. The mosque features a unique blend of architectural styles and is notable for its large courtyard and beautiful minarets.
Bayt Al-Suhaymi: This historic house, dating back to the 17th century, offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of wealthy Cairenes during the Ottoman period. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored rooms, courtyards, and gardens.
Mosque of Al-Aqmar: Built in 1125 CE, this mosque is famous for its intricate façade and unique architectural features. It is one of the few mosques in Cairo that is oriented toward the street, making it a striking sight.
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar: As you continue along Al-Muizz Street, you will reach the entrance to Khan El-Khalili, one of the oldest and most famous markets in the Middle East. This bustling bazaar is a great place to shop for souvenirs, spices, jewelry, and traditional crafts. The vibrant atmosphere and narrow alleyways make it a delightful place to explore.
Conclude your walking tour at the Citadel of Saladin, a historic fortress that offers panoramic views of Cairo. Built in the 12th century, the citadel served as the seat of power for the Ayyubid dynasty and later the Mamluks. Within the citadel, you can visit the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, known for its stunning Ottoman architecture and impressive dome.
Tip: The citadel is a great spot to relax and take in the views of the city, especially during sunset. There are also several museums within the citadel that provide insights into Egypt’s military history.
The best time to explore Fatimid Cairo is during the cooler months, from October to April, when temperatures are more comfortable for walking. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for avoiding the midday heat and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the streets.
When visiting mosques and religious sites, it is important to dress modestly. Women should wear clothing that covers their arms and legs, and men should avoid shorts. It is also advisable to wear comfortable shoes, as the walking tour involves navigating cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces.
Consider joining a guided tour for a more in-depth understanding of the history and significance of the sites you visit. Local guides can provide valuable insights and anecdotes that enhance your experience.
While Cairo is generally safe for tourists, it is always wise to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid poorly lit areas at night. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious when interacting with street vendors.
A walking tour through Fatimid Cairo, from Bab El-Foutouh to Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, offers a captivating exploration of the rich history and culture of Islamic Cairo. The journey through this historic area allows visitors to connect with the architectural beauty, vibrant atmosphere, and spiritual significance of the sites along the way.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply seeking to experience the charm of Cairo, this walking tour promises to be an unforgettable adventure that highlights the essence of Egypt’s Islamic heritage. As you stroll through the ancient streets, take the time to appreciate the stories and traditions that have shaped this remarkable city over the centuries.
In fact, In the end, this Half-Day Islamic Cairo Walking Tour isn’t just a stroll through historic streets. It’s an encounter with the majesty of human achievement. An inspiration to cherish our own cultural heritage and to embrace the beauty found in our collective diversity. It’s a lesson that the past is a treasure trove of lessons. Each step taken in its embrace propels us toward a more enlightened future.
Ancient Egypt Tours representative pick you up from your hotel in Cairo, start one of our Cairo; Giza Tours, transferred to visit Once you exit the mosque of Al-Hakim, continue north and walk through one of the Northern gates of the citadel, Bab al-Futuh. When you reach the other side, turn right and follow the city wall for just a few minutes until you reach the second gate called Bab El Nasr. Walk through it to re-enter Islamic Cairo.
Spend the next 30 or so minutes walking south down El-Gamaleya Street and Khan Gaafar Street and witness a more genuine side of Islamic Cairo with fewer tourists around. Trays of freshly baked bread being carried upon heads, donkey’s pulling carts and authentic street food stalls can all be seen here.
Mausoleum of Sidi Zou It is a mausoleum dating back to the Mamluk era, and it was famous for an Egyptian saying that says, “Taste is the only way out of Egypt.” The stories about the owner of the shrine are limited to 3 stories, between a merchant and a fatwa from the guarded fatwa, or a blessed person or a man of Moroccan origin. To bury him where he fell.
Also known as Muizz Street, this is one of Cairo’s oldest streets. At approximately one kilometer long, this beautiful street features all kinds of colourful shops selling African spices, old antiques, clothing and perfumes to name a few. Feel free to wander into one or two of the side streets to find more interesting shops.
This is the most touristy street in Islamic Cairo but it’s extremely pretty and as it continues north on our Islamic Cairo walking tour map; it contains a number of interesting sites.
Turn back onto El Moez Street and continue walking north on our Islamic Cairo walking tour map. As you reach the most Northern point of El Moez Street, you’ll see the impressive mosque of Al-Hakim on the right. The mosque, which was started in 990 and completed in 1013, is the second largest Fatimid Mosque in Cairo.
Like all mosques in Cairo, it’s free to go inside, but if you want to head up one of the tall minarets then you’ll need one of the key keepers to take you up for a small tip. This is worth doing as the views up there are pretty impressive.
Qorkamas dome It is an ancient tall mausoleum dome of unknown origin, whose location was next to the main door of the Al-Hakim Mosque, in a place that blocks the entrance to the mosque.
People were confused about its origin, some of them said that it belongs to Prince Muhammad Qurqamas, or that it belongs to the sheikh seeking to be adjacent to his soil, which is now known by his name, or that it is the soil of the emir of the armies, Badr al-Jamali, due to the splendor of its construction and height, or that it is a cemetery that the ruler built for himself and was not buried in it, and later became known as the cemetery of the courier.
As for the Egyptian Antiquities Authority, it registered it in the name of the Qerqamas Dome, although Karkamas is buried in his tomb located in the cemetery east of Cairo, next to the Khanqah of Sultan Faraj bin Barquq. Since this dome is alien to the construction of the Al-Hakim Mosque and its entrance is distorted, it was dismantled in October 1980 as part of the project to renovate the Al-Hakim Mosque, and was transferred to the Al-Ghafir cemetery, where it was rebuilt between the Sultan Al-Ashraf Barsbay Mosque and the tomb of Jani Bey Al-Ashrafy.
Mosque, Sabil and Book of Suleiman Agha Al-Silahdar The main facade of the mosque is located on the western side of it, and it contains the entrance to the mosque and its annexes.
It ascends to the mosque by several stairs. It is rectangular in shape and divided into two squares. The outer western square includes a courtyard surrounded by four porticos on its four sides covered by small domes based on marble columns.
The courtyard is covered with a wooden roof in the middle with a rattle for ventilation. The eastern square is the qibla iwan covered by a wooden ceiling with simple decorations. In the middle of this iwan is a hollow mihrab carved entirely of marble, and next to it is a wooden pulpit.
The bench of the amount occupies the entire western wall facing the qibla wall, and it is made of wood. As for the minaret, it is located on the main facade next to the door of the mosque. It is cylindrical in the Ottoman style and consists of two floors. The facade of the sabil is round, covered with gilded marble, and has four copper windows
It was established by Prince Mustafa Jaafar al-Silhdar, who is the chief dignitary of the coffee merchants in the Dhi al-Fiqar Katkhuda Agency.
The house was built in the place of a coffee house called “Al-Mawardi Coffee”, which was within the endowments of Al-Khawaja Shehab Atta, so Haji Mustafa Jaafar and its surroundings bought it to build his house, and the house is currently used as an administrative headquarters for the North Cairo area for Islamic and Coptic antiquities.
Aqmar Mosque The building was not at first a comprehensive mosque, and the Friday sermon was not delivered on its pulpit except in Ramadan in the year 799 AH / 1396 AD after it was repaired and renovated by Prince Yalbugha al-Salmi in the year 1396 AD by the order of Sultan Barquq.
Ali Pasha, and at the end of the 19th century it was in a dilapidated state. The Committee for the Preservation of Arab Antiquities restored and renovated the mosque and preserved its decorations in 1928.
The Supreme Council of Antiquities also renovated it and removed the buildings in front of its facade so that the decorations of the facade appeared completely. Al-Aqmar is one of the suspended mosques. When it was built, there were shops under it, and it is located in the Al-Nahhasin area on Al-Moez Street.
From the Qalawun Complex, continue north on El Moez Street until the street forks. In the middle of the forked road is Sabil-Kuttab of Katkhuda, an interesting looking building containing a public fountain, an elementary Quran school, and an adjoining residential wing.
Built in 1744 by a forward-thinking Egyptian architect, Sabil-Kuttab of Katkhuda is an excellent example of the Ottoman and Mamluk style of architecture. The narrow structure has been described by some architects as “The treasure of Ottoman architecture“.
This building’s exterior is more impressive than from the inside, so save some time by not going in.
From the courtyard, walk West along Sidi Al Dardirai Street and Al Kahkeen Street until you reach Al Motaz Ldin Allah Street which runs north to south. Follow it south and simply enjoy a more local and authentic side to Islamic Cairo.
It’s along here where you’ll be greeted by more genuine welcoming smiles and hellos. There’s nothing really of interest to tourist shoppers here so there is less hassle than the previously visited market streets further north. The area is a real feast for the senses and a photographers playground.
Hamam of Inal ” Inal bath The bathroom is built in the style of Islamic public baths in the Middle Ages. It consists of a simple entrance that leads to a broken corridor that leads to the cold room, where the dressing is taken to prepare for bathing, and there are seating and lockers for keeping personal belongings, and that room leads to another corridor that leads to the warm room.
The heated room, w]hich was used in both the cold and hot rooms shallow domes to maintain the circulation of hot air. The heated room is characterized by an octagonal area in the middle of the basin and perpendicular to it are four iwans for sitting and four entrances in the corners that lead to khans, each with basins and terraces.
Take the left fork on the road passing Sabil-Kuttab of Katkhuda on your right and continue walking north on El Moez Street. Look out for Al Dabeeba Street on the right where you’ll clearly notice an interesting looking cafe named Cafe al-Lord.
A well-known cafe in Islamic Cairo, Cafe al-Lord is only frequented by tourists so is not the most authentic Egyptian experience you’ll find in the area.
But if pictures of Egyptian movie stars and life-size statues of famous figures is your thing, then feel free to rest your feet and drink tea or Turkish coffee at this overpriced but popular cafe.
It’s a stunning building with such amazing attention to detail and reminiscent of the Gothic style. This is definitely a highlight on our Islamic Cairo walking tour map.
The Textile Musem The only one of its kind in the Middle East, this interesting museum features textiles from ancient Egypt and the Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras.
The collection starts at the very beginning, with Pharaonic diapers, and moves on through beautifully embroidered Coptic tunics and great embroidered Kiswat (the panels that adorn the Kaaba in Mecca). It’s a small museum, but well worth a peek for anyone with an affinity for weaving and fabric.
We finish our Islamic Cairo walking tour map at the southern gate of Bab Zuwayla. Considered a major landmark, Bab Zuweila is one of three remaining gates in the walls of the Old City and is the last remaining southern gate. Its name comes from Bab, meaning “Door”, and Zuwayla, the name of a clan of Berber soldiers from the western desert, who were entrusted with guarding the gate. Back to hotel We recommend arriving at sunset so you can watch the sun drop over the city from one of the two towering minarets. The views up there were the best we found in Cairo.
| Adults Numbers | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single | 60 $ |
| 2 -3 | 40 $ |
| 4 – 6 | 35 $ |
| 7 – 10 | 30 $ |
| 11 – 15 | 25 $ |
Tour price currency is set to USD but you can pay in Euro or British pound. The prices quoted per person per tour all-inclusive of tax and prices are always updated to ensure you receive the lowest price possible. Once your tour is confirmed we guarantee the price will not be changed.
0 – 05.99 free of Charge.
6 – 11.99 pay 50% of tour price.
12+ pay full tour price as per adult person.
Children policy is not applied on all kinds of transportation (Flight, train or bus) full ticket payment is required
We are offering a considerable down payment of just 25% to secure your spaces on the tour including domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination. Therefore, making your booking a risk-free investment.
Ancient Egypt Tours does not charge a cancellation fee for tours and excursions canceled for ‘force measures reasons such as volcanoes, earthquakes, or reasons beyond control. If cancellation happens due to personal or business reasons and Ancient Egypt Tours has already incurred costs on your behalf, these costs will not be refunded to you.
To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.
Flight & train tickets are nonrefundable
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