By: Sama Yasser, Mariam Sameh

One of the many places in ancient Egypt to be declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the citadel was built by the famous Ayyubid ruler Saladin to protect the Cairo and Fustat (the first Egyptian capital under the Caliphate) against Crusaders. The huge fortification is lined by several watchtowers and houses several stunning mosques and the Well of Joseph inside. The Al-Naseer, Sulayman Pasha and the Al Gawhara Palace museum are three places that are a must for Egypt sightseeing tours in Cairo. Visiting the Cairo Citadel is one of the best things to do around the area of Islamic Cairo. Here you can find some of the best examples of Islamic architecture and probably the best view of the city.

The Ottoman Period

Following the Saladin rule, new modifications affected the Citadel. Particularly, enlargements and division into northern and southern enclosures. Although nothing changed from a structural point of view until the Ottoman rule, additional buildings rose into the central structure of the Citadel. Under the Ottomans (1517-1798), three new divisions were built: the barracks of the Janissaries (Ottoman army), the residence of the Al-`Azab (local troops) and the residence for the pasha and troops from Istanbul. The Citadel changed again his face when Muhammad Ali Pacha decided to demolish all the former Citadel buildings to build a huge mosque and several other palaces.

 The Citadel today

Despite a brief period under the British occupation during the great war, the Citadel remains almost unchanged since the last great modifications made by Muhammad Ali. Its large architecture features two large enclosures on the high platform and a lower one between the western boundary and the open area. There are three main gates. These are inspired by the medieval gates of Cairo. Furthermore, there is a large wall dividing the upper platform from the lower area. Most of the areas are open to the public and the open courtyard of the Muhammad Ali Mosque is one of the best places to enjoy a bird-eye view of old Cairo.