Islamic Cairo: Minarets, Madrasas and a Thousand Years of History
A guide to Islamic Cairo, the medieval heart of the city, with its great mosques, historic streets and the call to prayer echoing over the rooftops.
Islamic Cairo is the medieval soul of the city, a UNESCO-listed maze of mosques, madrasas and merchant houses that has been alive for over a thousand years. It is one of the richest concentrations of Islamic architecture on earth.
Al-Muizz Street
The spine of the old city is Al-Muizz, a pedestrian street lined with monuments from the Fatimid, Mamluk and Ottoman eras. Walking it at dusk, as the lamps come on and the minarets light up, is unforgettable.
What to see
Don't miss the vast Mosque of Ibn Tulun, one of the oldest and most serene in the city, the complex of Sultan Hassan, and the mosque of Al-Hussein beside the bazaar. Each is a masterpiece of geometry and light.
Combine it with the bazaar
Islamic Cairo flows straight into the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, so plan them together.
Explore old Cairo with a licensed Egyptologist.
Browse our Cairo toursFrequently Asked Questions
What is Islamic Cairo?
It is the medieval, UNESCO-listed core of Cairo, packed with mosques, madrasas and historic streets from the Fatimid, Mamluk and Ottoman periods, centred on Al-Muizz Street.
Can non-Muslims visit the mosques?
Yes, many welcome respectful visitors outside prayer times. Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.