Visit the Citadel Mosque in Cairo.
Cairo, Egypt "City of a Thousand Minarets" is known for its Islamic culture and legendary architecture. A traveler visiting Cairo needs only to ask his hotel concierge to arrange a tour to the pyramids, sphinx and the Museum of Antiquities to marvel at the city's splendor. Yet Cairo has much more to offer than what travel brochures market.
Instructions
Notable Sites in Cairo
1. Al Jazeera Tower in the center of the posh Zamalak district of Cairo is a remarkable structure with its lotus-like appearance. It was commissioned by Gamal Abdel Nassar in 1961 with money that was given to him by the United States government. It is possible, for a cost of about 80 L.E. or $15, to ride an elevator to the top to a gated observatory platform overlooking soccer fields, social clubs and a panoramic view of the city. Near the top is a revolving caf where Arabic coffee, tea, shawarma, foule madammas, tomeyia (falafel), creme carmel, and other Egyptian fare are served. The tower is easily assessable by cab.
2. Along the entire stretch of the Nile through Cairo is a road called the "Korniche". Near the many restaurants, cafes, and casinos, there are places to rent a "Faluka" or sail boat for an hour trip down the Nile River.
The cost is 100 L.E. or about $20 per person. The boat can carry a maximum of 10 people. It is customary to give the individual in charge of sailing the ship "baksheesh" or a small tip.
3. Salah al-Din, was the first to use the medieval Citadel as a military defense against Crusaders in the 12th century. Today, the walled garrison houses the military museum, highlighting the campaign to overthrow King Farouk by Gamal abdel Nassar and Anwar Sadat. The museum is actually the former princess's palace.
There are full sized statues of the men and their original team of soldiers who helped form today's Egyptian democratic government. Carriages used by King Farouk and Queen Nariman during their reign are in the same compound in the royal stables.
Many of the historical plaques are written in Arabic, French, German and English so a tour guide is not necessary. The Mohammad Ali Mosque, built in the 19th century is located at the very top of the Citadel complex. The mosque is made mostly of alabaster stone and its designer built an exact replica which is in Turkey.
4. The Khan al Khalili Bazaar is located in the center of the city near the Al-Hussein Mosque, one of the oldest in the city. The actual head of Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, is buried within. The Bazaar offers many handmade Egyptian gifts such as leather goods, Arabesque style furniture and accessories, hand embroidered clothing, toys, souvenirs as well as handmade jewelry.
5. The Pharaonic village is located on the shore of the Nile River near Cairo University and the Cairo Zoo. The village offers a boat tour through recreated scenes of ancient Egypt with actors portraying slaves, scribes, and nobility in daily life. During the tour, you exit the boat and walk around the village, where there are examples of houses with ancient kitchens, bedrooms with wooden neck rests and rush mats for sleeping, and papyrus making. Papyrus paintings are available in the gift shop. The boat ride takes about an hour and at the end, you can dress up and have your picture taken as an ancient Egyptian. The village also features a replica of King Tutankhamen's tomb.
