Bab al-Futuh

As you stand before the towering arches of Bab al-Futuh, you are at the literal and figurative entrance to 'Old Cairo City'. This is the 'Gate of Conquests,' one of the three original doors that once protected the Fatimid city of…

The most striking feature of Bab al-Futuh is its pair of massive, rounded twin towers. These were 'built approximately' in 1087 by Badr al-Jamali, the powerful vizier of the Fatimid Caliphate, to 'protect the city' from potential…

Walking directly beneath the arch of Bab al-Futuh, you can appreciate the sheer 'volume' and weight of the stone above you. The 'central arch' is wide enough for a 'gigantic procession' of 'chariots' or cavalry to pass through,…

Just inside the gate, on your left, lies the 'very big' and 'very beautiful' Mosque of Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah. This mosque is an 'iconic landmark' of Cairo, especially known for its 'two minarets' that 'point toward Mecca' and are…

As you move south from the gate, you enter 'Al-Muizz Street,' the 'vibrant' and 'bustling' main artery of 'Old Cairo'. This street is 'lined with shops, theaters, temples, and schools,' reflecting a 'boom' in 'cultural and…

Extending from Bab al-Futuh are the 'massive' and 'impressive' city walls that 'withstood the ravages of time'. These 'outside walls were composed of light-colored limestone,' chosen for its 'strength and visibility,' much like…

Turning your gaze northward, away from the city, you see 'Al-Karafa,' the 'City of the Dead,' where 'people actually live here with plumbing and schools embedded alongside graves'. This 'large necropolis' is where the 'history…

As we conclude our journey at Bab al-Futuh, we leave with a 'heart full of' the 'divine providence' and 'rich history' we have encountered. This gate has been more than just a 'door'; it has been a 'center of light and knowledge'…