The Citadel of Cairo was built by Sulah al-Din in the 12th century.
Within the Citadel is the Mosque of al-Nasir Muhammed, built in the 13th
and 14th centuries, the Mosque of Sulayman Pasha built in the 16th
century, and the Mosque of Muhammed Ali built in the 19th century. There
is also a nice garden/museum near the Mosque of Sulayman Pasha, which
contains parts of minarets and various other ancient objects arranged
around in a garden-like setting. There is also a Museum of
War, a museum of carriages and a terrace with a nice view overlooking Cairo.
A visit to the Citadel can be easily combined with a visit to two of
Cairos nicest mosques - the Mosque of Sultan Hassan and the Mosque of El-Rifay,
both located near the Citadel. However, although these mosques are located
very near the Citadel, they are located on the opposite side of the Citadel
from its entrance.
For much of this part of Cairo the skyline is
dominated by the minarets of the Mosque of Mohammed Ali, located inside
of the Citadel.
Although much of Cairo is very ancient, and the Citadel itself was built in
1176,
the mosque of Mohammed Ali was
built in the 19th century.
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Mohammed Ali is widely considered the founder of modern Egypt. He is also
famous for his treachery in defeating the Mamelukes. In 1811, he invited 500
of their leaders into Cairo, only to ambush them and kill all but one.
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The northern walls of the Citadel are 33 ft tall and
10 ft thick.
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Next Page: Mosque of Mohammed Ali
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