Islam in Egypt flourished during the early dynastic periods such as the Fatimid and the Ayyubid dynasties and established Egypt as a major cultural, political and social power in the Islamic world. In 1250 AD, a military caste known as the Mamluks took control of Egypt and established it as a major Islamic power. In 1798, the arrival of a French expedition led by Napoleon changed the political landscape after Muhammad Ali became the hereditary ruler of Egypt. His reign set Islamic Egypt on the path to modernisation.
The colourful history of Islam in Egypt shaped the culture, art and architecture of modern Egypt. Islamic Egypt has a tremendous wealth of Islamic art and architecture. Visit Al-Mu'izz al-Din Street, El Azhar Street, Darb al-Ahmar Street, El Saliba Street and Salah ad-Din Square in Cairo to see Egypt as it once was during the golden age of Islamic architecture. These restored areas are considered open museums and wonderful to visit at night. There are also dozens of historical mosques, citadels and souks to visit.
View a map of Islamic Cairo outlining the area's main streets and landmarks.
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Cairo Exploration Route - 3 Days in Cairo
Go for an epic journey through the busy streets of the lively city that is Cairo and see Ancient Egyptian,…
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Sailing the Sand Sea
Explore the amazing deep western desert. Start from Cairo and make your way to Bahariya, then proceed…
Highlights - Islamic Egypt - Mosques
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Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi Mosque
Alexandria’s largest and most beautiful mosque: a haven of peace and serenity on the Mediterranean.
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Al-Aqmar Mosque
A rather small mosque in Cairo making up for its size with its architectural and historical significance.
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Al-Azhar Mosque
At the heart of Islamic Cairo, find the Al-Azhar complex, housing the world's oldest university.
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Al-Hakim Mosque
Visit the largest Fatimid mosque in Cairo home to the oldest surviving minarets.
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