As the oldest street in Cairo, Sharia Al Muizz Li Din Allah has a long and rich history. The street was named after the Fatimid Caliph Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah, who commissioned its construction in 969 AD. It served as the main axis of the new city of Cairo, which was built to serve as the capital of the Fatimid Caliphate. The street ran from the Bab al-Futuh, the northern gate, to the Bab Zuweila, the southern gate. Along its length were many palaces, mosques, and other public buildings erected by successive rulers.

The Origins of Sharia Al Muizz

Sharia Al Muizz was commissioned by the Fatimid Caliph Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah in 969 AD. At that time, Cairo was just a small town with a population of a small number of people. The caliph wanted to build a new city that would serve as the capital of his empire. 

Jawhar al-Siqilli oversaw the construction of the new city. The street is roughly 1 kilometer long and was designed to be a processional route for religious festivals and ceremonies. While the street has undergone some changes over the centuries, it retains its original character and is one of Cairo’s most impressive examples of Islamic architecture. Sharia Al Muizz served as the city’s main axis, running from north to south. 

The Fatimids ruled Egypt for almost 200 years before being overthrown by Saladin in 1171 AD. After that time, Sharia Al Muizz continued to be an important street in Cairo. It was home to many mosques, madrasas, and other religious institutions. It was also a popular tourist destination and housed many historical sites and monuments. However, the street can be quite crowded and congested due to its age and popularity. 

Things to Do while in Sharia Al Muizz Li Din Allah

If you’re looking for things to do in Sharia Al Muizz Li Din Allah, you’ve come to the right place. This historic district is full of activities and attractions for travelers of all ages. From visiting mosques and museums to exploring markets and participating in cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in Sharia Al Muizz Li Din Allah.

Explore the Khan el-Khalili market: No trip to Cairo would be complete without a visit to the Khan el-Khalili market. This world-famous market is a great place to find souvenirs, spices, and traditional Egyptian clothing. The market is open every day from 9 am to 11 pm. The best time to visit is in the morning when the market is less crowded, and the vendors are fresh and eager to bargain.

When bargaining, always start at about one-third of the asking price and be prepared to walk away if you can’t reach an agreement. Khan el-Khalili is a great place to find unique gifts for friends and family back home, so don’t be afraid to haggle for the best price.

Taste koshary: Koshary is a popular dish in Egypt that consists of rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas topped with tomato sauce and fried onions. Koshary can be found at most restaurants in Cairo serving Egyptian food. The dish is thought to have originated in the 19th century when it was created as a way to combine leftovers into one meal.

Today, koshary is enjoyed by Egyptians of all backgrounds and is often served as a portion of street food or in casual eateries. While the dish is simple, it is incredibly filling and satisfying. The combination of rice, pasta, and chickpeas provides a unique texture, while the tomato sauce and fried onions add flavor and depth. Koshary is an essential part of Egyptian cuisine and is worth trying if you are ever in Cairo.

The Mosque of Sultan Al Muayyad 

The Mosque of Sultan Al Muayyad is a beautiful and historic mosque located in Cairo, Egypt. The mosque was built in 1415 by sultan Al Muayyad, considered one of the finest examples of Mamluk architecture. The mosque is still in use today and is a popular tourist destination.

The mosque is built of brick and stone, with a minaret that stands meters tall. The mosque’s interior is covered in intricate Islamic calligraphy and features a large central courtyard. The Mosque of Sultan Al Muayyad is one of the few Mamluk mosques that has survived largely intact to the present day.

The Sultan Al Muayyad Mosque is an essential Islamic culture and a heritage symbol. It is where Muslims from all over the world can come to pray and learn about their faith. The mosque is also a popular tourist destination, as it is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples of Islamic architecture.

Bab Al Futuh 

Located in the heart of Old Cairo, Bab Al Futuh is one of the three remaining gates of the city. It is the largest and most imposing of the three and was built in AD 1087.

Bab Al Futuh marks the beginning of the Fatimid section of Cairo, which was once a walled city. The gate is made of red granite and decorated with inscriptions and stone carvings. It is surmounted by two towers used as watchtowers in medieval times.

The Bab Al Futuh was built to commemorate the Fatimid conquest of Egypt. It is located in the northwest corner of the old city of Cairo, near the site of the former Fatimid palace. The gate is made of limestone and covered with carved inscriptions and reliefs that tell the story of the Fatimid conquest. If you are interested in learning more about Islamic art and architecture, I highly recommend visiting this beautiful monument.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that Cairo is a city with a rich and long history. From the Egyptian Museum to the Citadel of Saladin, there are countless sites to see and things to do. And, of course, no trip to Cairo would be complete without trying koshary, the city’s signature dish. Whether interested in ancient history or modern culture, Cairo has something to offer everyone. So make sure to add it to your travel list.