 The Citadel remains one of Egypt’s most popular attractions. Situated in Cairo, the Citadel shelters a number of museums, old mosques and other important sites. Initially, it was built by Salah El-Din (Saladin) to fight the Crusaders in 1176. The Citadel then became the seat of the government for nearly 800 years.
Rulers that followed Salah El-Din expanded the Citadel by adding mosques and palaces. These mosques include the Mosque of El Nasser Mohammed (1335) and Mosque of Soliman Pasha (1528). The mosque of Soliman Pasha was the first Ottoman style mosque erected in Egypt. It was made specifically for the early Ottoman troops. Another ruler of Egypt, Mohamed Ali, built his Harem Palace (1827) in the Citadel. This palace was a royal family residence until the government was moved elsewhere. It then served as a military hospital during the British occupation of Egypt. Following World War Two, it became the Military Museum of Egypt. Many visitors enjoy visiting the Summer Room, within the Museum. This room has a sophisticated system of marble fountains, basins and channels. This is one of its kinds in Cairo.
Certainly, this historic site has maintained its medieval character over the centuries. Although its buildings are over hundreds of years old, visitors can sense the ancient lifestyle of those that lived in the Citadel. From its mosques, museums and palaces, the Citadel is a window into Egypt’s valuable history.
For more detailed information about the history of the Citadel, please visit –
http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/citadel.htm
http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Tourism/famouscities/CAIROGIZA/060601000000000001.htm |
