Encyclopedia Sections
Political History & Dynasties
A comprehensive timeline of power: The Arab Conquest, Tulunids, Fatimids, Ayyubids, Mamluks, and the Ottoman Empire.
Read Timeline
The Citadel (Al-Qala'a)
The fortified seat of government for nearly 700 years. Explore the Mosque of Muhammad Ali and the Military Museum.
Explore Fortress
Al-Azhar & Education
The world's oldest degree-granting university. The center of Islamic learning, theology, and philosophy for over a millennium.
Visit University
Gates & Walls (Abwab)
The mighty fortifications of Al-Qahira. Discover Bab Zuweila, Bab al-Nasr, and Bab al-Futuh.
Walk the Walls
Great Mosques
Masterpieces of stone. The grandeur of Sultan Hassan, the spiral minaret of Ibn Tulun, and Al-Hakim.
View Mosques
Sabils & Hammams
Charitable architecture: Sabils (water fountains) for the thirsty and Hammams (baths) for public hygiene.
Public Works
Science & Medicine
The Golden Age of discovery. Ibn al-Nafis (circulatory system), astronomy, and the Bimaristans (hospitals).
Learn More
Arts & Craftsmanship
The intricate beauty of Arabesque, calligraphy, inlaid woodwork (Mashrabiya), and glass lamps.
View Gallery
Trade & The Souq
The pulse of the economy. Khan el-Khalili, the Spice Route, and the Wekalas (Caravanserais) for merchants.
Explore Markets
The Nile & Engineering
Measuring the flood with the Nilometer (Mikhyas) on Roda Island and the great aqueducts of Cairo.
View Projects
Sufism & Spirituality
The mystical path. Sufi orders, the Mawlawiyah (Whirling Dervishes), and religious festivals (Moulids).
Explore Mysticism
Museum of Islamic Art
Located in Bab Al-Khalq, housing one of the world's most complete collections of Islamic artifacts.
Visit Museum