Muhammad Ali Mosque

While the Mosque of Muhammad Ali dominates the skyline, the true historical heart of the Cairo Citadel lies just a few steps away. We are currently standing within the sprawling complex of the Sa-la-deen Citadel, a fortification…

We now enter the Mosque of Al-Na-sir Muhammad, completed in 1335. This structure stands in stark contrast to the Alabaster Mosque we saw earlier. …

Let us take a closer look at the pillars within the Al-Na-sir Muhammad Mosque. This is where the layers of Egyptian history are literally stacked one on top of the other. …

Leaving the mosque, we move toward the northern fortifications of the Citadel to find the Lion Tower. This tower is a significant piece of military history, named for the relief carvings of lions—the heraldic symbol of Sultan…

Continuing our walk, we arrive at the National Military Museum, which is housed in the Al-Ha-ram Palace, built by Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1827. This was once a residence for the royal family, and its interior still retains some of…

A shorter walk takes us to the Police National Museum, located near the Lion Tower. This museum offers a unique perspective on the internal security of Egypt throughout the ages. …

Our final stop in this area is the site of the former judicial court and the coin minting facility. For centuries, this was where the laws of Egypt were interpreted and where its currency was created. …

As we conclude our exploration of the Citadel's older quarters, take a moment to reflect on the staggering amount of history contained within these few acres. From the recycled Byzantine columns of the Al-Na-sir Muhammad Mosque…