Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the biggest city in Africa and the Middle East. It has a population of over 21 million people. The city is located in the northeastern part of Egypt. It has stood for more than 1000 years on the same site on the banks of the Nile River, primarily on the eastern shore. Cairo is famous for its heritage and cultural diversity.

Foundation of Cairo

Cairo was established by the Fatimid leader Jawhar Al Siqilli after defeating the Ikhshidid army. Cairo's Arabic name means "conqueror," referring to the celebration of Fatimid caliph Al Muizz's arrival.

Cairo Through the Ages

During the Fatimid period, Cairo was the capital of the caliphate. Al Azhar Mosque was built to serve as a focal point for spreading the Shia branch. During the reign of the Fatimid Caliph Al Mustanser, the vizier Badr Al-Jamali rebuilt the city walls and erected the gates of Bab Al Futuh, Bab Al Nasr, and Bab Zuweila, which still stand today, to fortify the city against any attack.

After the downfall of the Fatimids, Saladin founded the Ayyubid dynasty and restored the Sunni branch in Egypt. He built a citadel that still bears his name to serve as the seat of the government. Saladin opened up Cairo to the common people and foreign merchants, which led to the commercial development of the city.

In the Mamluk era, Cairo reached its apogee. The city prospered economically as a result of the spice trade. The Mamluks built most of Cairo's architectural legacy. Cairo suffered a precipitous decline due to the spread of plagues and the discovery of the Cape of Good Hope, which affected the city's commerce.

Mohamed Ali executed several social and economic reforms that contributed to the city's prosperity. These reforms included the reorganisation of the administrative structure, the improvement of irrigation systems, and the introduction of cotton, which was exported on a large scale.

Tahrir Square in Cairo became the icon of the revolution against the former president, Hosny Mubarak, in 2011.

Cairo Nowadays

Today, Cairo is a major centre for business, education, and trade in Africa and the Middle East. To alleviate traffic congestion in the city, the government has undertaken some projects, such as road development and the construction of bridges and tunnels.