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Old Cairo - Fustat & Citadel Areas

 

Old Cairo in the past was called Babylon and then Fustat by the Arabs, it is an area where most Coptic people live and it have many churches. Due to recent religious tensions, the police was more strict due to security situation in the area. Old Cairo has small winding streets and often one comes across someone is selling old photographs or other historical objects on the streets. 

 

Ben Ezra Synagogue

The Ben Ezra Synagogue is one of the most important synagogue in Cairo. It is believed that land for this synagogue was bought in the 9th century. Most historians agree that this is the spot where baby Moses (Musa) was found. According to the tradition, baby Moses was placed inside a small boat and it was spotted by the Pharaoh’s daughter.

The synagogue was a place of pilgrimage for North African Jews and the site of major festival celebrations due to it’s importance. The famous medieval rabbi Moses Maimonides (Spanish by birth, al-Andalus then) worshipped at Ben Ezra synagogue when he lived in Cairo. There had been numerous construction on this site,  the present building dates from 1892. 

 

A road beside the Mosque of Amr al-As - a minaret of the mosque can be seen in the background
A road beside the Mosque of Amr al-As - a minaret of the mosque can be seen in the background
This painting was created on a wall depicting a statue of an Egyptian pharaoh
This painting was created on a wall depicting a statue of an Egyptian pharaoh
A wall of the police station in the Coptic area of Cairo
A wall of the police station in the Coptic area of Cairo
A wooden door and a beautifully carved wooden window in the Old Cairo
A closeup view of the window
Another wooden window which also serves as a balcony in the Coptic Cairo
Another wooden window which also serves as a balcony in the Coptic Cairo
An old man was selling these black and white photographs from the historical past of this city
An old man was selling these black and white photographs from the historical past of this city
A modern looking apartment building - Egyptian statues are created in the middle column of the building
A modern looking apartment building - Egyptian statues are created in the middle column of the building
A closer look at the Egyptian paintings carved in the wall
A closer look at the Egyptian paintings carved in the wall
This building was located beside the Mosque of Amr al-As
An old building beside a road
This sign points to the nearest church of Cavern Church
Another sign shows the direction of the Jewish synagogue and the Coptic church in opposite direction
Another sign shows the direction of the Jewish synagogue and the Coptic church in opposite direction
The Ben Ezra Synagogue of Cairo
The Ben Ezra Synagogue of Cairo
It is the place where baby Moses was found by the Pharaoh's daughter
It is the place where baby Moses was found by the Pharaoh's daughter
The synagogue was a place of pilgrimage for North African Jews
The walls in the background are from the Roman Period
The walls in the background are from the Roman Period
The walls in the background are from the Roman Period
Crumbling walls next to the synagogue
Crumbling walls next to the synagogue

Aqueducts of Cairo

The aqueduct of Cairo extends from the banks of the Nile in the area of Fum al-Khalij to Sayyida Aisha Square close to the Citadel of Salah al-Din. This aqueduct was built between 14th and the early 16th century. Mamluks extended these aqueducts to supply water in Cairo and these aqueducts are almost 3km in length.

Aqueducts of Cairo
The aqueduct of Cairo extends from the banks of the Nile
The aqueduct of Cairo extends from the banks of the Nile
These aqueducts are almost 3km in length
A structure in a garden, next to the Nilometer
A structure in a garden, next to the Nilometer
A statue of al-farghani is also located in the same garden
A statue of al-farghani is also located in the same garden
He was one of the most famous astronomers in the 9th century
He was one of the most famous astronomers in the 9th century
A statue on the grounds of Umm Kulthum Museum in Cairo - she was a famous Egyptian singer and actress
A statue on the grounds of Umm Kulthum Museum in Cairo - she was a famous Egyptian singer and actress
This pedestrian bride is built over one of the small branches of the River Nile
This pedestrian bride is built over one of the small branches of the River Nile
A closed door inside the Citadel of Cairo
A closed door inside the Citadel of Cairo
A photo of the Mokattam Hill, this hill is located directly opposite the entry gate of the Cairo Citadel
A photo of the Mokattam Hill, this hill is located directly opposite the entry gate of the Cairo Citadel
Old buildings outside the walls of the citadel
Old buildings outside the walls of the citadel
Area behind the Cairo citadel
Area behind the Cairo citadel
A neighbourhood in Old Cairo - most buildings in this are are in state of neglect and despair
A neighbourhood in Old Cairo - most buildings in this are are in state of neglect and despair
A colourful police "stop sign" on side of the road
A colourful police "stop sign" on side of the road