Islamic Cairo Walk
Suggested Walking Itinerary in Islamic Cairo (download pdf map and notes)
Head south across the bridge from Khan El Khalili Market and a far more fascinating world opens up.
‘Islamic Cairo’ refers to a complex maize of narrow streets, mosques, once opulent houses, markets and bookshops that form some of Cairo’s oldest neighbourhoods.
The net result of dozens of cities built upon each other from which Cairo evolved relatively few tourists venture into what is arguably the most interesting part of town.
The following itinerary offers visitors an easy, introductory walk around Islamic Cairo.
Start the walk mid afternoon and ideally reach Bab Zwayla at sundown, in time to enjoy the spectacular of the sun setting across the city to the tune of a thousand minarets.
Approx Time – 2 hours Total Distance – 1.6KM
1) Al Ghuri Palace
If approaching from the Khan El Khalili Market, cross the pedestrian bridge over Sharia Al Azhar to the south side of the street. Our walk starts to here.
If coming from elsewhere in Cairo ask to be dropped off on Sharia Al Azhar next to the Mosque and Mausoleum Al Ghuri.
The Al Ghuri Palace, also located here plays host to a fabulous Sufi show each Saturday and Wednesday evening from 7pm.
2) El Set Wasela House
If standing on the south side of the bridge facing the Mosque, turn 90 degrees to your left and walk up the hill taking Mohammed Abdou Street which bears right after only a few metres.
Passing Islamic bookshops and furniture designers on route, you arrive at a courtyard on your right hand side after 5-10 minutes. This shady city sanctuary is a little known top spot for hiding away with a book and some classical Egyptian tea.
To your left is Beit Zeinab Khatoun, a 15th century Mamluk house, restored in the 18th century to an ottoman specification. The rooftop terrace allows for photogenic views of the surrounding skyline.
In the corner of the square to the right is El Set Wasela House - one of the oldest in the city - restored by the Ministry of Culture and open to visitors as an example of Islamic architecture and interior design.
3) City Walls
From the courtyard continue along Mohammed Abdou Street until you reach the City Walls. These were closed at time of writing for restoration (Jan 2012) but still worth a peak.
4) Sidi Al Dardirai
Turn around and walk back on your self along Mohammed Abdou Street continuing past the courtyard mentioned above until you reach Al Betar on your left hand side. Take this street and the immediate right on to Sidi Al Dardirai.
Follow this thoroughfare as it winds its way north west becoming Sharia Al Khakreen as it does so. Throngs of black jalabiyas (traditional gowns) will signal the start of the market district and your approach to Sharia Al Muiz (also easily reachable from the pedestrian bridge by simply walking South between the Mosque and Mausoleum Al Ghuri).
5) Sharia Al Muiz
Once you hit Al Muiz turn left. You are now in the heart of the Islamic Cairo market, an authentic alternative to the touristier Khan El Khalili, located just a short distance away.
This sometimes muddy, people (and donkey) packed high street is a hive of commercial activity and was once the main thoroughfare of Islamic Cairo and successive ancestor cities.
6) Sabil of Mohammed Ali Pasha
As you follow it South to Bab Zwayla you’ll pass the Fakahani Mosque and the Sabil of Mohammed Ali Pasha on your left. The Sabil (a public cistern and water dispenser) was built in memory to Pasha’s lost son and is open to tourists for 10LE.
Visitors can enjoy the architectural and decorative style of the structure which was entirely new to Egypt at the time of building and also explore the depths of the underground water containers.
7) Bab Zwayla
The highlight of our little tour is Bab Zwayla, the southern city gate located adjacent to the Al Muayyad Mosque. Originally this marked the Southern most point of the city, but as Cairo outgrew its walls, Bab Zwayla became the centre point.
For 15LE visitors can climb the minarets and absorb fabulous views across Islamic Cairo.
The lower gate rooftop provides a less claustrophobic 360 degree panorama which stretches out embracing thousands of homes, mosques and markets.
At sundown there is arguably no better place to be in Cairo.
The high concentration of mosques here unleash the evening call to prayer one after another in an eerie display that the closes the curtains on another day in an ancient neighbourhood. Check out the eerie clip below for a better feel.
8) Start Point
To return to your starting point, retrace your steps along Sharia Al Muizz and it will lead you directly back to the pedestrian bridge where it all began
For More Information:
Download the Pdf Map for Islamic Cairo Walk
Panoramic Photography for El Set Wasela House
Other Cairo Travel Articles:
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