Mystique Cairo, Egypt

For centuries, Egypt has been up there with the Pyramids

, Nile River, Pharaohs and the Ten Commandments. The associations were based on the Biblical account of the Hebrews plight from Egypt and in the last two centuries by the archeological finds made in the region.

Cairo is the capital city of Egypt and is the 19th largest city in the word and at that one of the most densely populated. It takes some getting used to the heat, noise, traffic and general chaos of Cairo. But a trip to Cairo is definitely worth the trouble as the city, aside from its usual urbanities, is a city steeped in history.

There are three main areas in Cairo: Islamic Cairo, Coptic or Old Cairo and Midan Tahrir (Downtown). Islamic Cairo is the core of Medieval Cairo. The area is not more Islamic than the rest but more on the fact that the area is where most of the greatest and most famous Islamic buildings and monuments are. It was founded by the Fatimid caliphs and to this day, remains to be the home of poor Muslims. Islamic Cairo is not poor by all means as it is also a center for shopping and tourism aside from its being a primary area for Islamic worship.

A tourist visiting the area must be ready for a day or two of walking. The best walking route is to start from Bab al-Futuh , the Gate of Conquest, then proceed on a north to south route following the al-Muizz Street, a street for the sole use of pedestrians from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Some sites to see are: Al-Hakim Mosque; Bayt al-Sihaymi and Qalawun Complex; Khan el-Khalili market; The Gayer Anderson Museum and the Citadel.

Coptic Cairo is Old Cairo. It is the home-base of the Coptic Christian Community in Cairo which traces back its beginnings to the apostle Mark in 42 C.E. This sect is possibly the oldest Christian denomination in the world. The church has survived centuries of persecution not only at the hands of the Muslims but from the hands of the Crusaders too. Walking through the narrow alleys in the area transports one to a space and time far from the present.

The 9th century C.E. Ben Ezra Synagogue is the oldest one in the area. The Church and Monastery of St George and Churches of St. Sergius (Abu Serga) and St. Barbara are worth visiting. You should not miss the Coptic Museum for a view of ancient Coptic arts and artifacts.

Downtown Cairo is a hodgepodge of people, venues and culture. The Tahrir Square is probably the best place to be to get your bearings so to speak. This is where the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is situated and a trip to the museum is a great treat in itself. It is also here where the American University in Cairo is situated so you can expect the usual American chain of fast foods in Downtown Cairo.

When in Cairo, a trip to the Great Pyramids of Ginza is a must.

by: Hedin Johan

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