Cairo city is the largest city and the capital of the Republic of Egypt, it’s almost 400 Km square and its population is 20 million according to the updated survey, it takes the second place in Africa and the seventeenth in the world in terms of population.
International organizations
Cairo hosts many regional and international organizations, including the League of Arab States, the regional offices of WHO, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Additionally, it is home to the African Basketball Federation.
Cairo celebrates its national day on July 6 each year, marking the day in 969 when Jawhar al-Saqli laid the city’s foundation stone. Today, Cairo is over 1,044 years old.
The architect side of the city
The western side of Cairo was designed by the Khedive Ismail in the middle of the 19th century according to the Paris city model with its wide neighborhoods, parks and open areas, but the oldest eastern section of the city in full of historical monuments and old streets. The main spoken language is Arabic, otherwise, every city has its own accent.
Cairo transportation
Cairo streets and areas are connected with transportation network of bridges , public buses, taxies and underground lines which service million of citizens everyday, Cairo is also linked to others cities of the country by railway stations and domestic flights.
The international airport of Cairo
Cairo International Airport, the main gateway to Egypt, was first constructed in 1942 and underwent renovations in 1963. It ranks as the second-largest airport in Africa for flight reservations, following Cape Town Airport in South Africa. The airport connects to more than 91 airports worldwide and serves 60 airlines, with a capacity to handle 22 million passengers annually.
The new river taxi and the train station
Another clever transportation project is under development recently which is river taxi, it saves time and more friendly to the environment as well, in addition, Cairo city has the first train station constructed in Africa and the Middle East ever and the second worldwide after the united kingdom station was built by khedive Ismail in the 19th century and also known as Ramses station or the iron gate station.
Cairo history
Cairo city has witnessed various cultures and civilizations through ages and became an open museum featuring pharaonic, greek, roman, Coptic and Islamic monuments. The history of the city dates back to the creation of Pharaonic Heliopolis( Ain Shams currently) which is one of the oldest cities in the ancient world.
Pharaonic dynasty era
Cairo was known as uon when king mina united the lower and upper of Egypt to become one country ,since the begging of the pharaohs dynasty ruling era the city gained its unique position and was the religious capital while menf was the political and administrative capital after the unit .
when the last queen of Egypt fell down (Cleopatra) and the roman invaded Egypt, Alexandria became the capital of the country until Amr Bin Al-aas came and Cairo retook its position as Egypt’s capital .
The Islamic era
Cairo, in its current form, dates back to the Islamic conquest of Egypt by Amr ibn al-Aas in 641. In 969, Jawhar al-Saqali, under the orders of the Fatimid Caliph Mu’izz Ladinullah, began building the new capital of the Fatimid state and named it “Cairo.” Over the centuries, Cairo became known as the City of the Thousand Minarets, Egypt Al Mahrousa, and Cairo El Moez. During the Islamic era, the city saw the construction of remarkable castles, forts, walls, schools, and mosques. These structures have given Cairo’s old neighborhoods their distinct historical character, which remains evident today.
Tourism of Cairo City
Cairo is a top tourist destination with many attractions for visitors to explore. The city is rich in archaeological sites from the Pharaonic era, ancient walls from the Islamic period, and Christian and Jewish landmarks. Additionally, Cairo offers famous shopping areas, mosques, churches, historic gates, and buildings from various ages. You’ll also find cultural and artistic venues, theaters, and a wide range of hotels.
Culture tourism
Cairo has inspired many writers and authors. It has been a beacon of knowledge, spreading its light across the region. The city houses several cultural museums, each reflecting its diverse heritage. Be sure to visit the Military Museum, the Egyptian Museum, the Islamic Art Museum, and the Egyptian Art Museum during your tour of Egypt.
Religious tourism
Cairo seamlessly blends the three Abrahamic religions. For example, it’s common to find a neighborhood with both a mosque and a church on the same corner. Visit the Coptic Museum and early Christian churches like the Hanging Church of the Virgin Mary. Also, enjoy the Islamic gates, the Citadel of Salah Al-Din, and mosques such as the Mohamed Ali Mosque, showcasing stunning Islamic architecture.
Pharaonic history tourism
When you travel to Egypt you must pass by the city to visit the pyramids, tombs and the valleys, it wouldn’t be a full tour without the three pyramids, sphinx and the valley temple where Egyptologist found the mummy of king khafre .at the south of Cairo you’ll find Memphis the old capital of Egypt kingdom. check our Egypt budget tours to book your tour to Cairo and you can check also Cairo day tours
