Explore the unique architectural blend of history and contemporary in Egypt’s bustling capital
Cairo is the vibrant capital of Egypt, as it is a unique blend of historical and contemporary architecture.
One of the most populous cities in Africa,
this crowded urban agglomeration has a long and rich history and is home to nearly 20 million people.
Aside from the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, which have attracted tourists throughout the ages,
the city has been a melting pot of cultures, history and built environments alike.
Cairo has witnessed many different eras,
each of which was characterized by a unique architectural style.
After the ancient Egyptians, the Islamic period witnessed the birth of famous buildings
such as the Ibn Tulun Mosque and the Sultan Hassan Mosque.
This was followed by the Mamluk era, when buildings
such as the Al-Rifai Mosque and the Sultan Barquq School were constructed.
It features impressive stone carvings, towering minarets, and intricate motifs.
Then the Ottoman era brought its own landmarks,
including the Muhammad Ali Mosque and the Citadel Castle.
In the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries,
Cairo witnessed an influx of European architectural styles due to colonial influences.
This resulted in the construction of notable structures such as the Cairo Opera House and the Cairo Tower.