Cities of Islam: Cairo

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the city of Cairo, which has reflected a haphazard blend of the East and West, the old and the new for over 1300 years in the same area. Enjoy the read 🙂

A City with a Historical Scent on the Banks of the Nile

First, let’s talk about the location of Egypt since Cairo is its capital. Egypt, located in the Sinai Peninsula, is situated on the lands that connect Africa to Asia, north of Africa. The capital, Cairo, is located in the north of the country, south of the Nile Delta.

The Story Behind the Name of Cairo

The name “Cairo” means “superior” or “one that defeats its enemies.” The city was founded during the reign of the Fatimid Caliph Mu’izz al-Din Allah, marking the end of the Ikhshidid dynasty’s rule in Egypt. Hence, the city acquired this name, which it has retained to this day.

1300 Years of Islamic Dominion

Islamic rule in Cairo began with the conquest of the city by Muslims under the command of Amr ibn al-As in 641 AD during the time of Caliph Umar. Successive dominions include the Fatimids, Ayyubids, and Mamluks. When Egypt became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1517, Cairo became the capital of the province. Islamic dominion continues in Cairo to this day.

Symbolic Structure of Cairo: The Pyramids

The Pyramids are located a few kilometers south of the city. In the Giza region of Cairo, there are three great pyramids named Mykerinos, Khafre, and the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). The Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of these pyramids, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is also the only wonder that has survived to the present day. It is the largest and oldest of the pyramids in Egypt.

The Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum has the world’s most extensive collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, making it one of the most significant museums globally. It hosts numerous artifacts from ancient times. The museum, with over 120,000 items on display, has its origins dating back to the second half of the 19th century. It is situated in the city center, in Tahrir Square.

Rooted Education from Past to Present

Islam encourages its followers to seek knowledge, which has led to the establishment of some of the world’s oldest universities within certain mosques. One of these renowned mosque-universities is Al-Azhar University. Founded in 972, it has continued its education to the present day. Al-Azhar University is not only ancient but also famous for the notable individuals it has produced.

Population and Religious Structure of Cairo

Cairo is a populous and large city with over 19 million residents. The majority of the population is Sunni Muslims. About 90% of the total population is Muslim, and 10% are Coptic Orthodox Christians. The ethnic composition is as follows: 90% Egyptian Arabs, 9% Copts, and 1% Greeks.